Important Questions: Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory | English Class 8 PDF Download

Q1: Why did Bepin Babu call Dinesh Mukerji? What does he get to know?
Ans: Bepin Babu called Dinesh Mukerji to inquire about his visit to Ranchi during a specific period of time. He wanted to know if Dinesh remembered anything about the '58 incident and if he was in Calcutta or Ranchi at that time. From the conversation, Bepin gets to know that Dinesh was in Ranchi along with him during the said period.

Q2: Write a summary of the poem "The Last Bargain".
Ans: The poem "The Last Bargain" by Rabindranath Tagore depicts the struggle of finding employment. The protagonist of the poem desires to be hired without sacrificing his freedom. The poem explores the different offers he receives, including a job from a king, an older man offering gold coins, and a lady proposing employment. However, the protagonist rejects all these offers, emphasizing his desire for freedom.

Q3: What happens when Bepin goes to Hundru falls?
Ans: When Bepin goes to Hundru falls, he loses consciousness and is found lying on the ground by two men around five o'clock in the afternoon. After regaining consciousness, he feels hopeless and believes that there is no cure for his condition. The next day, he returns to Calcutta and contacts his doctor, requesting a house visit.

Q4: What were Chunilal's reactions when he asked Bepin about having gone to Ranchi?
Ans: Chunilal asks Bepin if he has been taking drugs, as he finds it hard to believe that Bepin has forgotten about the Ranchi trip. Bepin assures Chunilal that he has a clean record and doesn't consume drugs or alcohol. Chunilal expresses his amazement and concern over Bepin's memory loss regarding the trip.

Q5: What does Paresh Chanda tell Bepin?
Ans: Paresh Chanda, a physician, is told by Bepin Babu about his condition and mental illness. Bepin asks for a cure and explains how his work has been affected by his memory loss and confusion.

Q6: Who sent the letter to Bepin, and what was written there?
Ans: Chunilal sent the letter to Bepin, in which he wrote that he had no money left. He mentions that his resources are limited, and he is facing financial difficulties.

Q7: What were the details known to Parimal about the family?
Ans: Parimal claims to know details about Bepin's family, including the death of his wife and the absence of children. He also mentions that Bepin's younger brother suffered from insanity. However, Bepin doesn't believe Parimal's claims.

Q8: Why was Dr. Chanda confused?
Ans: Dr. Chanda was confused because he had never come across a case like Bepin Babu's before. Bepin's memory loss and the specific incident of forgetting the Ranchi trip were puzzling and outside the doctor's experience.

Q9: What was the reaction of Bepin Babu when he heard from Dinesh?
Ans: Upon hearing from Dinesh, Bepin Babu becomes restless. He slams down the receiver and grips his head firmly with his hands. Bepin is overwhelmed and confused, feeling tired and experiencing wobbliness in his head. He feels a chill throughout his body, loses his appetite, and doesn't eat anything for the first time in twenty-five years of working.

Q10: Did Bepin Babu follow the physicians' advice?
Ans: Yes, Bepin Babu followed the physician's advice and took a train to Ranchi. He arrived in Ranchi and explored the city, hoping to trigger his memory of the previous visit. However, everything seemed new to him, and he couldn't recall anything. Bepin's doubts and confusion persisted even after visiting Hudroo Falls. So, he did follow the advice but didn't achieve the desired result.

Q11: What was the evidence put forward by the onlooker?
Ans: The onlooker claims to have been in contact with Bepin since his visit to Ranchi in 1958. He presents several pieces of evidence to support his claim, including arranging a car for Bepin's visit to Hundru falls and assisting him with his medical needs after the fall. The onlooker also reveals personal details about Bepin's life, such as the death of his wife ten years ago and his brother's mental illness.

Q12: For what reason does Chuni ask Bepin about his last job?
Ans: Chuni asks Bepin about his last job to test his memory. Since Bepin couldn't remember anything about the Ranchi trip, Chuni wants to see if Bepin can recall details about his previous job. Chuni had arranged Bepin's railway ticket to Ranchi and dropped him off at the station, so he hopes that discussing the previous job might trigger Bepin's memory.

Q13: What was the physician's reaction, and what did he tell Bepin?
Ans: The physician is surprised by Bepin's condition, as he has never encountered such an illness before. He advises Bepin to retrace his steps and try to recall his past actions. The physician suggests that Bepin should revisit Ranchi and all the places he visited during his previous trip, hoping that it might trigger his memory and help in finding a solution.

Q14: What happened at Kalicharan's shop?
Ans: Bepin Babu used to buy books from Kalicharan's shop every Monday. One day, he notices someone observing him and introducing himself as Parimal Ghose.

Q15: Who was Haridas, and where did he go?
Ans: Haridas was a friend of Bepin who visited him in October 1958 during a specific puja. When Bepin had a conflict with Parimal, he wanted to write to Haridas. However, he later discovered that Haridas had left with his wife for Japan.