Page no-8
Question 1. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
‘I’ is Hari Singh, the story’s narrator, a 15-year-old experienced thief.
Question 2. What is he “a fairly successful hand” at?
He is quite skilled at stealing, so much so that he robs people quickly and cleanly without getting caught.
Question 3. What does Anil give him in return for his work?
Anil provides Hari Singh with food and a place to stay in exchange for his services.
Page no-10
Question 4. How does Hari think Anil will react to the theft?
Hari believes Anil will feel sad, not because of the money lost, but because his trust in Hari has been broken.
Question 5. What does Hari say about people’s different reactions when they are robbed?
Hari explains that reactions vary: greedy people show fear, the rich express anger, and the poor accept it calmly.
Question 6. Does Anil realize he has been robbed?
Yes, Anil notices he’s been robbed when he gives Hari a wet fifty-rupee note, damp from rain.
Think About It (Page 13)
Question 1. How does Hari Singh feel about getting an education? Do his feelings change over time? What makes him return to Anil?
At first, Hari is thrilled to learn to write his name and excited by Anil’s promise to teach him full sentences, seeing education as a key to unlimited success. Later, he realizes that education offers respect and opportunity far beyond what stealing can give him. This insight motivates him to return to Anil to continue learning.
Question 2. Why doesn’t Anil report Hari to the police? How is Anil different from other employers?
Anil chooses not to report Hari because he understands the boy’s mistakes and values his growth. He shows kindness and patience, hoping Hari will change, unlike others who might punish immediately. Anil supports Hari’s desire to become literate and lead a better life.
Talk About It (Page 13)
Question 1. Do people like Anil and Hari Singh only exist in fiction, or do they exist in real life?
People like Anil and Hari are mostly fictional or very rare. Anil’s compassion and Hari’s transformation through education make them exceptional characters, but such stories inspire hope.
Question 2. Is it important that Anil is a struggling writer? Does this explain his behavior?
Yes, it matters because Anil’s simple lifestyle and financial ups and downs shape his understanding and patience. This background explains why he treats Hari kindly despite hardships.
Question 3. Have you met anyone like Hari Singh? What circumstances might turn a young boy into a thief?
Though I haven’t met someone like Hari, it’s plausible that poverty, hunger, addiction, or desperation could lead a teenager into theft.
Question 4. Where is the story set? What languages might the characters speak?
The story seems set near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, suggested by mentions of local bazaars and train routes. The characters likely speak Hindi, not English, in their daily interactions.