CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 4: Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory NCERT Solutions

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This chapter, 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory,' from CBSE Class 8 English, delves into a fascinating narrative about memory, perception, and the power of suggestion. The NCERT Solutions provided here break down the story's key events and character motivations. Students will explore Bepin Babu's unsettling experience of seemingly forgetting a trip to Ranchi, his interactions with various characters like Parimal Ghose and Dinesh Mukerji, and his eventual consultation with Dr. Chanda. These solutions clarify the plot points, explain the characters' actions, and help students understand the psychological aspects of the story. They are designed to aid in a thorough understanding of the chapter, making it an excellent resource for exam preparation and revision.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 4- Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory,' presents a compelling story about a man's supposed memory loss concerning a trip to Ranchi. The NCERT Solutions cover comprehension questions that probe Bepin Babu's confusion, his attempts to verify his memories, and the roles of other characters. It highlights the psychological suspense and the eventual revelation of the truth behind his 'lapse of memory,' offering a clear understanding of the narrative's progression and its underlying themes.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the plot and character development in 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'.
  • Analyze Bepin Babu's psychological state and his reactions to his perceived memory loss.
  • Identify the key events and turning points in the story.
  • Explain the role of suggestion and deception in the narrative.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of Bepin Babu's methods to confirm his memory.
  • Summarize the resolution of Bepin Babu's dilemma.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character Analysis: Bepin Choudhury
  • Plot Comprehension
  • Memory and Perception
  • Psychological Suspense
  • Deception and Trickery
  • Role of Suggestion
  • Verification of Facts
  • Friendship and Favors
  • Doctor-Patient Interaction
  • Narrative Structure

Important topics

  • Bepin Babu's confusion and attempts to verify his memory
  • The role of Parimal Ghose and Dinesh Mukerji
  • Chunilal's motive and the trick played
  • Dr. Chanda's diagnosis and perspective
  • The theme of memory and reality

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check - Page 62

1. Why did the man stare at Bepin Babu in disbelief?
Solution: The man, who was Parimal Ghose, stared at Bepin Babu in disbelief because Bepin Babu did not recognize him. Despite being sure that he knew Bepin Babu and had met him previously in Ranchi, Parimal Ghose was taken aback by Bepin Babu's apparent lack of recognition.

Comprehension Check - Page 62

2. Where did Bepin Babu say he went in October '58?
Solution: Bepin Babu stated that in October of '58, he spent the Puja holidays visiting a friend in Kanpur. He did not mention going to Ranchi at this point.

Comprehension Check - Page 62

3. Mention any three (or more) things that Parimal Ghose knew about Bepin Babu.
Solution: Parimal Ghose demonstrated his knowledge of Bepin Babu by mentioning several personal details:
  • That Bepin Babu had slipped near Hudroo falls and injured his leg.
  • That Bepin Babu preferred food prepared by a specific cook (bawarchi) and stayed in a bungalow.
  • That Bepin Babu's wife had passed away ten years prior.

Comprehension Check - Page 65

1. Why did Bepin Babu worry about what Parimal Ghose had said?
Solution: Bepin Babu became increasingly worried because Parimal Ghose had revealed intimate details about his life, such as the books he bought, his wife's death, and his brother's mental health issues. The accuracy of these personal facts made Bepin Babu doubt his own memory about the Ranchi trip, as he couldn't confidently dismiss Parimal Ghose's claims.

Comprehension Check - Page 65

2. How did he try to decide who was right - his memory or Parimal Ghose?
Solution: To verify his memory, Bepin Babu first examined his right knee, where Parimal Ghose had said he would find a scar from his fall in Ranchi. He did notice an old cut mark, but he couldn't be certain if it was from the Ranchi incident or an earlier childhood event. To resolve his confusion definitively, he decided to contact Dinesh Mukherjee, who Parimal Ghose claimed had accompanied him to Ranchi.

Comprehension Check - Page 65

3. Why did Bepin Babu hesitate to visit Mr Mukerji? Why did he finally decide to phone him?
Solution: Bepin Babu hesitated to visit Mr. Dinesh Mukerji in person because he was apprehensive about facing Mr. Mukerji's sharp, sarcastic wit. He feared that if his memory of the Ranchi trip was indeed false, Mr. Mukerji would ridicule him, possibly suggesting he was losing his mind. However, after being persistently troubled by the events at the bookshop and lacking any other way to confirm Parimal Ghose's story, Bepin Babu decided to contact Mr. Mukerji. He chose to phone him rather than visit, as this would allow him to hide his embarrassment and anxiety.

Comprehension Check - Page 65

4. What did Mr Mukerji say? Did it comfort Bepin Babu, or add to his worries?
Solution: After consulting his diary, Mr. Mukerji confirmed that he and Bepin Babu had indeed visited Ranchi in October '58. This confirmation did not comfort Bepin Babu; instead, it significantly increased his worries, as he still couldn't comprehend how he could have forgotten such an important trip.

Comprehension Check - Page 68

1. Who was Chunilal? What did he want from Bepin Babu?
Solution: Chunilal was an old schoolmate of Bepin Babu. He had been experiencing financial difficulties and had been visiting Bepin Babu repeatedly, seeking his help in finding a job.

Comprehension Check - Page 68

2. Why was Dr Chanda puzzled? What was unusual about Bepin Babu's loss of memory?
Solution: Dr. Chanda was puzzled because Bepin Babu's condition was unlike any case he had encountered in his medical practice; it fell outside his usual field of experience. The unusual aspect of Bepin Babu's memory loss was that he retained all other memories perfectly, except for the specific incident of his trip to Ranchi. Dr. Chanda noted that while Bepin Babu must have gone to Ranchi, the entire episode had inexplicably vanished from his mind for reasons unknown.

Comprehension Check - Page 70

1. Had Bepin Babu really lost his memory and forgotten all about a trip to Ranchi?
Solution: No, Bepin Babu had not genuinely lost his memory or forgotten his trip to Ranchi. It was later revealed that the entire situation was an elaborate trick orchestrated by his friend, Chunilal, who had arranged for people to feed Bepin Babu false information about the trip.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the characters who are trying to help Bepin Babu with those who are deceiving him.
  • Misinterpreting Bepin Babu's initial reactions as genuine memory loss without considering external factors.
  • Overlooking the significance of small details mentioned by Parimal Ghose.
  • Failing to connect Chunilal's motive to the elaborate trick played on Bepin Babu.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story, paying close attention to Bepin Babu's internal thoughts and feelings.
  • List the characters and their interactions with Bepin Babu, noting who is helpful and who is not.
  • Trace the sequence of events that increase Bepin Babu's anxiety and confusion.
  • Discuss with classmates how the author builds suspense and surprise in the story.
  • Focus on the final reveal and how Chunilal orchestrated the entire event.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why did the man (Parimal Ghose) stare at Bepin Babu in disbelief?

Q2. What did Bepin Babu initially claim about his trip in October '58?

Q3. Which of these facts did Parimal Ghose NOT know about Bepin Babu?

Q4. What physical evidence did Bepin Babu look for to confirm his memory?

Q5. Why did Bepin Babu hesitate to visit Mr. Mukerji?

Q6. What was Chunilal's motive for playing a trick on Bepin Babu?

Q7. What was unusual about Bepin Babu's memory loss, according to Dr. Chanda?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 4, 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'?

The main themes revolve around the fallibility of memory, the power of suggestion, and how external factors can influence our perception of reality. It also touches upon the consequences of deception.

Who is Bepin Choudhury and what is his problem in the story?

Bepin Choudhury is the protagonist who experiences a disturbing lapse in his memory, making him believe he has forgotten a trip to Ranchi. His problem is the confusion and anxiety this causes him.

How does Bepin Babu try to confirm his memory about the Ranchi trip?

He checks for a physical mark on his knee as mentioned by Parimal Ghose and then decides to call Dinesh Mukerji, who Parimal claimed was with him in Ranchi, to verify the trip.

What was the actual reason for Bepin Babu's 'lapse of memory'?

It was not a real lapse of memory. His old schoolmate, Chunilal, orchestrated an elaborate trick by having people tell Bepin Babu details about a trip to Ranchi to make him believe he had forgotten it.

Why did Chunilal play this trick on Bepin Babu?

Chunilal, who was facing financial difficulties, had been trying to get a job from Bepin Babu. The trick was likely a way to get Bepin Babu's attention or perhaps to manipulate him.

What role does Dr. Chanda play in the story?

Dr. Chanda is a doctor whom Bepin Babu consults. He finds Bepin Babu's case unusual because he remembers everything else but this one specific incident, suggesting it might be a psychological issue or a trick.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all comprehension questions, helping students understand the story's plot, character motivations, and underlying themes, which is crucial for their studies and exams.

Important links

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