The thief’s story summary and quiz

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Summary:

In the story, a young narrator admits to being a thief when he meets Anil, a kind and simple man about 25 years old. Despite the narrator’s experience in theft, he tries to gain Anil’s trust by engaging him in a conversation about wrestling. Anil, seeming friendly and easy to manipulate, offers the narrator food and shelter. The narrator, using the false name “Hari Singh” and claiming cooking skills he doesn’t possess, manages to secure a place to stay above the Jumna Sweet Shop.

Anil, unaware of the narrator’s true intentions, begins to teach him basic skills like cooking and writing, showing patience and kindness. Despite opportunities to steal from Anil, the narrator hesitates until one night when he succumbs to temptation. He steals money from Anil while he sleeps, planning to flee to Lucknow with it. However, at the train station, he hesitates and misses his chance to escape. Feeling remorseful, he returns to Anil, realizing he values the trust and kindness Anil has shown him more than the stolen money.

Upon his return, the narrator finds Anil already awake and aware of the theft. Instead of anger or punishment, Anil calmly gives him a wet note, indicating he knows what happened but forgives him. Anil then suggests they start learning to write sentences together, showing a willingness to help the narrator improve his life honestly. The narrator, touched by Anil’s forgiveness and understanding, decides to stay and learn from him, recognizing the importance of trust and integrity over deceit and theft.

Throughout the story, themes of trust, kindness, and moral growth are explored as the narrator reflects on his actions and the impact they have on his relationship with Anil. The story highlights the narrator’s internal struggle between his criminal instincts and the desire to change for the better, ultimately choosing to learn and grow under Anil’s guidance.

THE THIEF’S STORY