Class 8 English (Honeydew) Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury’s lapse of Memory

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I. Chapter Summary:

Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory is a mystery-comedy short story by Satyajit Ray that revolves around the strange case of Bepin Babu, a respectable man who begins to doubt his own memory when a stranger insists that he had visited Ranchi in 1958 — something Bepin is certain never happened.

Despite his confidence, other details (his leg injury, his visit to a doctor, and staying at a guest house) are corroborated by others. As his anxiety grows, he even consults a doctor, only to later find out that it was an elaborate prank by his friend Chunilal, who felt hurt and ignored after not receiving help from Bepin. The story explores psychological manipulation, trust, and the fallibility of memory in a humorous and engaging way.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

ConceptExplanation
Memory vs RealityHighlights how memories can be questioned and manipulated.
Trust and FriendshipShows how lack of empathy can damage relationships.
Mental Health AwarenessExplores fear, anxiety, and self-doubt as part of psychological stress.
Revenge and ForgivenessChunilal’s prank exposes emotional consequences of rejection.
Irony and HumorThe twist at the end creates surprise and comic relief.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

  1. Who insisted that Bepin Choudhury had visited Ranchi?
    a) Chunilal
    b) Parimal Ghose ✔️
    c) Dr. Chanda
    d) Dinesh

  2. What was Bepin’s reaction to the stranger’s claim?
    a) He laughed it off
    b) He became confused and anxious ✔️
    c) He called the police
    d) He agreed immediately

  3. What profession did Chunilal belong to?
    a) Doctor
    b) Politician
    c) Writer ✔️
    d) Teacher

  4. What was Chunilal’s motive for the prank?
    a) Entertainment
    b) Personal revenge ✔️
    c) Journalism
    d) Medical experiment

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

  1. Why did Bepin Choudhury visit Dr. Chanda? (PYQ 2020)

  2. What was Chunilal’s complaint against Bepin Babu?

  3. How did Bepin’s belief in his own memory begin to crumble?

  4. Why is the ending of the story considered ironic?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

  1. Describe the mental journey of Bepin Choudhury from confidence to confusion and back. (PYQ 2021)

  2. Do you think Chunilal’s prank was justified? Why or why not?

  3. What role does irony play in the story’s message?

  4. How does the story reflect on modern relationships and mental health concerns?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):

  1. What would you do if someone insisted on a memory you were sure never happened?

  2. How does the story show that emotional neglect can sometimes lead to irrational behavior?

IV. Key Definitions / Concepts:

TermDefinitionContext in Story
IronyA twist where reality is opposite to expectationsBepin suffers deeply for a prank he didn’t deserve
AnxietyFeeling of worry, fear, or unease due to uncertaintyBepin’s declining confidence about his memory
AmnesiaPartial or total loss of memoryBepin fears he is suffering from it
SatireUse of humor or exaggeration to criticize human behaviorChunilal’s revenge mocks selfish friendships

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

Unit/ChapterEstimated MarksType of Questions Typically Asked
Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory6–8 MarksMCQs, Character Sketches, Irony Analysis, HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

YearQuestionMarks
2020Why did Bepin Babu feel the need to consult a doctor?3 Marks
2021Explain how Chunilal’s trick affected Bepin mentally.5 Marks

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:

  • Memory & Cognitive Science: Shows how easily memory can be influenced.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Highlights why emotional intelligence matters in friendships.

  • Literature & Film Studies: Ideal for understanding psychological fiction and satire.

  • Ethical Debate: When does a prank go too far? Stimulates moral thinking in students.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:

  • Study the story in three phases: Introduction → Conflict → Resolution

  • Use a timeline to track changes in Bepin’s thinking.

 Exam Preparation:

  • Focus on irony and character traits (Bepin, Chunilal).

  • Practice short essays titled “Revenge is Not Always Sweet” or “When Trust Breaks”.

 Stress Management:

  • Reflect on the idea that being kind and supportive is more powerful than being right.

  • Discuss with peers: Have you ever been gaslighted or pranked unfairly?

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):

For Classes 9–10:
Career PathRelevance to the Chapter
PsychologistUnderstanding memory, stress, and emotional responses
Author / StorytellerCreating mystery or satire with strong character arcs
Journalist / CriticAnalyzing stories, behavior, and consequences
Clinical ResearcherExploring how the brain responds to false memories

 Encourage creative writing tasks, short play performances, or comic strip recreations of the story.

XI. Important Notes:

  •  Visit https://cbseacademic.nic.in for updates on syllabus and sample papers.

  •  Focus on theme analysis, character transformation, and literary devices like irony, satire.

  •  Develop empathy by exploring how mental health can be affected by small actions.

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