What are Hari Singh’s reactions to the prospect of receiving an education? Do they change over time? (Hint: Compare, for example, the thought: “I knew that once I could write like an educated man there would be no limit to what I could achieve” with these later thoughts: “Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal — and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else.”) What makes him return to Anil?
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Hari was grateful to Anil, who taught him how to write his name. He was excited to learn that Anil would teach him to write whole sentences too. He understood that being an educated man would add to his abilities and help him achieve a high social status in life. However, when he steals money and leaves Anil’s house, he realises that being educated is a more fulfilling experience, that stealing is a crime, and that he might soon get caught. He visualises the respect, reputation and possibilities that he will be able to achieve if he becomes educated. Hence, he feels guilty for cheating a noble man who gave him food and shelter. In addition, his urge to receive an education also compels him to return to Anil’s house.