Chapter 4 of the CBSE Class 8 English Textbook – Honeydew includes a prose titled “Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory.” This humorous story revolves around how a man cleverly deceives his friend, who had previously ignored and refused to assist him when he was in need.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory.

CBSE Class 8 English Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory Summary

Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory is an entertaining story about an elderly man named Bepin Choudhury. Written by Satyajit Ray, the narrative is divided into four parts. Bepin, the protagonist, has a habit of visiting bookstores and purchasing books that interest him. During one such visit, a man approached him, claiming to be an old acquaintance named Parimal Ghose from a trip to Ranchi. At first, Bepin was convinced that the man was mistaking him for someone else. However, when Parimal shared some personal details about Bepin, he became perplexed. Bepin had no recollection of the incidents mentioned by the stranger, as he had never been to Ranchi.

The man mentioned that Mr. Dinesh Mukerji was also on the same trip with him and suggested that Bepin could confirm this with Mr. Mukerji directly. However, Bepin dismissed this and went on with his life as usual. Eventually, the incident began to trouble him, so he decided to ask Dinesh, who confirmed the story. This left Bepin even more confused, as he had no memory of ever visiting Ranchi. Around the same time, his old school friend, Chunilal, frequently visited him seeking employment, but Bepin generally ignored him.

Over time, Bepin became increasingly worried, convinced that he had lost his memory. Seeking help, he consulted a doctor named Paresh Chanda. After examining Bepin, Dr. Chanda was baffled, as he had never encountered such a case before. Observing Bepin’s mental state, the doctor suggested that he visit Ranchi to see if the trip would jog his memory. Following Dr. Chanda’s advice, Bepin traveled to Ranchi, hoping to recall the past event. However, the visit only deepened his confusion, and he returned to Calcutta still perplexed. He then contacted the doctor again for further assistance.

Just before Dr. Paresh Chanda arrived for a routine check-up, Bepin’s servant brought him a letter marked “Urgent and Confidential,” which had been left in the mailbox. Opening the envelope, Bepin read the letter carefully and discovered that his friend Chunilal had played a prank on him as revenge for not helping him when he desperately needed a job. Chunilal explained that Bepin could have assisted him but chose to ignore him. After reading the letter, Bepin felt dejected and guilty for having avoided Chunilal in his time of need. When Dr. Chanda arrived, Bepin lied, claiming he had regained his memories of the trip to Ranchi, and instead asked the doctor for a painkiller for his hip pain.

Conclusion of Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory

In conclusion, “Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory” is a funny yet insightful story that explores themes of memory, guilt, and friendship. Bepin Choudhury, an elderly man who prides himself on his reliable memory, is thrown into a state of confusion when confronted with details of a trip to Ranchi that he cannot recall. His anxiety leads him to seek medical advice and even travel to Ranchi in a desperate attempt to recover his lost memories. The twist reveals that his old friend Chunilal orchestrated the entire scenario as a prank, seeking revenge for Bepin’s refusal to help him in a time of need. This surprising fact leaves Bepin feeling guilty and regretful. The story ends on a poignant note, highlighting the impact of neglecting friends and the lengths to which people might go to address perceived wrongs.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Prose, “Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.

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