NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew: Chapter 4 — Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory
This chapter, "Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory" from the NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew book, is a humorous story by Satyajit Ray. It tells the tale of a sophisticated executive who experiences a lapse of memory, leading to a conspiracy that ultimately provides him with psychological relief. The narrative is structured to build suspense, with the story revealed part by part. The chapter also includes a section on 'The Last Bargain,' a poem taught through a method of reading and reconstruction, focusing on themes of work, reward, and inner happiness. Additionally, 'The Summit Within' explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of climbing mountains, contrasting external achievements with internal growth. This chapter helps students understand narrative structure, poetic interpretation, and the deeper meanings of adventure and self-reflection.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Honeydew |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 406 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand narrative structure and suspense building.
- Analyze character motivations and psychological themes.
- Interpret poetic metaphors and themes.
- Differentiate between past and present perfect tenses.
- Reflect on the concepts of inner fulfillment and adventure.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lapse | A temporary failure of memory, concentration, or judgment. |
| Sophisticated | Having, revealing, or proceeding from a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture. |
| Executive | A person responsible for running a business or other organization. |
| Beleaguered | In a very difficult situation; surrounded by enemies or problems. |
| Conspiracy | A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. |
| Psychological | Relating to the mind or mental states. |
| Metaphor | A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. |
| Arduous | Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring. |
| Communion | A feeling of intimate sharing or connection. |
| Spiritual | Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main theme of 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'? Answer: The main theme is a humorous take on a conspiracy that leads to psychological relief for an executive experiencing a lapse of memory.
- What grammatical tense is discussed in relation to 'I have seen the Taj'? Answer: The present perfect tense is discussed.
- In 'The Last Bargain,' what does the narrator ultimately seek as a reward for his work? Answer: He seeks something other than material power, like 'the child's play,' representing innocence and inward happiness.
- According to 'The Summit Within,' what are 'internal summits'? Answer: Internal summits refer to higher personal achievements, emotional, and spiritual growth, perhaps more significant than physical ones like climbing Everest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the genre of 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'?
It is a humorous story with a surprise ending, focusing on psychological elements.
What is the purpose of the activity on tenses in the chapter?
The activity aims to explain the usage of the simple past and present perfect tenses and how they are used together.
How is 'The Last Bargain' poem suggested to be taught?
It is suggested to be taught by reading stanzas, asking comprehension questions, and reconstructing the episode.
What does the phrase 'the child's play' symbolize in 'The Last Bargain'?
It symbolizes innocence, inward happiness, and freedom from stress.
What is the central idea of 'The Summit Within'?
The central idea is that the journey of climbing mountains leads to reflection on higher 'internal summits' of emotional and spiritual growth.
Why are mountains considered a 'means of communion with God' in 'The Summit Within'?
This suggests that the experience of being in nature, especially on mountains, can lead to a profound spiritual connection.
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NCERT Class 8 English — Honeydew — Chapter 4 — Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.