Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Anil initially think when he first meets the boy?
What does Anil initially think when he first meets the boy?
What is Anil's occupation based on the context of the story?
What is Anil's occupation based on the context of the story?
What does the boy lie about when initially meeting Anil?
What does the boy lie about when initially meeting Anil?
What was the protagonist's immediate reaction when arriving at the station?
What was the protagonist's immediate reaction when arriving at the station?
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What does the boy hope to achieve by learning to write?
What does the boy hope to achieve by learning to write?
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What does the boy have to do to gain Anil's trust?
What does the boy have to do to gain Anil's trust?
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What emotion did the protagonist anticipate seeing on Anil's face upon discovering the theft?
What emotion did the protagonist anticipate seeing on Anil's face upon discovering the theft?
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Why did the protagonist hesitate before jumping onto the moving train?
Why did the protagonist hesitate before jumping onto the moving train?
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Why does the boy feel he can steal from Anil?
Why does the boy feel he can steal from Anil?
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What does the protagonist realize he has lost by stealing from Anil?
What does the protagonist realize he has lost by stealing from Anil?
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What is the boy's attitude towards his new job with Anil?
What is the boy's attitude towards his new job with Anil?
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Where did the protagonist choose to sit when he was left alone at the station?
Where did the protagonist choose to sit when he was left alone at the station?
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What lesson does Anil teach the boy besides cooking?
What lesson does Anil teach the boy besides cooking?
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What did the protagonist think about the potential value of learning whole sentences?
What did the protagonist think about the potential value of learning whole sentences?
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How did the protagonist feel when he returned to Anil's room?
How did the protagonist feel when he returned to Anil's room?
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What did the protagonist note about the weather on the night of the theft?
What did the protagonist note about the weather on the night of the theft?
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What method does Anil use to manage his finances?
What method does Anil use to manage his finances?
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How does the thief feel about robbing Anil compared to a greedy man?
How does the thief feel about robbing Anil compared to a greedy man?
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What does the thief intend to do after taking the money?
What does the thief intend to do after taking the money?
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What does Anil's financial situation suggest about his personality?
What does Anil's financial situation suggest about his personality?
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What does the thief consider doing instead of robbing Anil?
What does the thief consider doing instead of robbing Anil?
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What significant action does Anil take that implies he values his income?
What significant action does Anil take that implies he values his income?
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What amount does the thief calculate he has after the robbery?
What amount does the thief calculate he has after the robbery?
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How does the thief feel about Anil as a person?
How does the thief feel about Anil as a person?
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What was Hari Singh's initial reaction when he received a fifty-rupee note from Anil?
What was Hari Singh's initial reaction when he received a fifty-rupee note from Anil?
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What did Anil mean when he said, 'Now you’ll be paid regularly'?
What did Anil mean when he said, 'Now you’ll be paid regularly'?
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What was Hari Singh's aspiration regarding education?
What was Hari Singh's aspiration regarding education?
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Why did Anil choose not to report the theft to the police?
Why did Anil choose not to report the theft to the police?
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What can be inferred about Anil's character based on his actions?
What can be inferred about Anil's character based on his actions?
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How does the story suggest that education can affect a person's future?
How does the story suggest that education can affect a person's future?
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What does Anil's profession as a struggling writer suggest about him?
What does Anil's profession as a struggling writer suggest about him?
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What emotional state does Hari express when he smiles at Anil?
What emotional state does Hari express when he smiles at Anil?
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Study Notes
Main Characters
- Hari Singh: A 15-year-old experienced thief who assumes new identities monthly to evade the police.
- Anil: A kind, trusting 25-year-old who works as a writer, employing Hari without paying him at first.
Setting
- The story takes place primarily in India, indicated by the mention of a bazaar, a Jumna Sweet Shop, and familiar names.
Plot Overview
- Hari Singh meets Anil at a wrestling match, using flattery to appeal to him.
- Anil offers Hari a place to stay above his shop in exchange for cooking and chores, teaching him basic skills like writing and arithmetic.
- Hari earns a small profit from shopping but feels the temptation to steal Anil’s savings after witnessing his trust.
Themes
- Trust and Betrayal: Anil's unwavering trust in Hari creates an internal conflict as Hari contemplates stealing from him.
- The Nature of Wealth: The story contrasts the carefree attitude of Anil, who spends money quickly, with Hari’s criminal mentality focused on quick gains.
- Education and Personal Growth: Hari recognizes the value of education through Anil's teachings, contemplating how writing can elevate his status.
Key Events
- Hari steals 600 rupees from Anil while he sleeps, intending to escape to Lucknow.
- Instead of boarding the train, Hari hesitates, leading him to reflect on the consequences of his theft.
- In a moment of self-reflection, Hari becomes aware of the loss of trust that will sadden Anil, rather than just the financial loss.
- After spending a miserable night in the rain and feeling regret, he decides to return the money to Anil.
Climax and Resolution
- Hari returns and places the stolen money back below the mattress without waking Anil.
- The next morning, Anil, still unaware of the theft, offers Hari a wet fifty-rupee note, acknowledging the bond of trust remains intact.
Character Analysis
- Hari Singh: Initially focused on theft, he undergoes a change, realizing the importance of trust, learning, and relationships.
- Anil: Represents kindness and forgiveness, choosing not to retaliate against Hari's betrayal, indicating a deeper understanding of human nature.
Additional Insights
- The story questions the morality of theft, reflecting on how circumstances can influence a person's choices.
- Anil’s role as a struggling writer may symbolize his understanding of life's hardships, contributing to his empathetic nature.
- The interactions between the characters highlight the possibility of redemption and personal growth beyond initial intentions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Rudyard Kipling's 'The Thief's Story', exploring the themes of trust and betrayal through the characters of Hari Singh and Anil. Delve into the plot, setting, and character dynamics that shape this intriguing tale set in India.
