Footprints without Feet - Class X
Reprint 2025-26
This story explores themes of trust, honesty, and transformation. A young thief befriends a man named Anil who offers him shelter and education. What happens when the thief faces a moral dilemma?
In this interactive lesson, we'll explore Ruskin Bond's portrayal of human relationships and moral choices through the eyes of a young thief and his journey towards possible redemption.
A young boy makes friends with Anil. Anil trusts him completely and employs him. Does the boy betray his trust?
Let's think about trust and betrayal. How important is trust in relationships? What makes someone trustworthy? What might lead someone to betray trust?
In pairs, discuss three situations where someone might be tempted to betray trust. What factors might influence their decision?
Have you ever been in a situation where you were tempted to break someone's trust? What helped you make the right decision?
Read these sentences from the story:
I smiled at Anil in my most appealing way. And the smile came by itself, without any effort.
In the first sentence, "smile" is an action verb. In the second sentence, "came" is also an action verb.
1. The thief out of the room.
2. I again.
3. He me to write my name.
4. The thief for some reason.
5. I had a study of men's faces.
In the story, we find many examples of direct and indirect speech.
Direct speech: "I can cook," I lied again.
Indirect speech: He said that he could cook.
1. "You look a bit of a wrestler yourself," I said.
2. "I want to work for you," I said.
3. "Can you feed me?" I asked.
4. "If you can cook, then maybe I can feed you," he said.
5. "I made some money yesterday," he explained.