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Important Questions: CBSE Class 8 English — Honeydew Chapter 4 Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory / The Last Bargain

NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 4 combines two contrasting pieces: a suspenseful short story by filmmaker Satyajit Ray about a man doubting his own memory, and a lyrical poem by Rabindranath Tagore exploring true freedom. Together they contribute 6–8 marks in the CBSE annual exam. This question bank mirrors actual board patterns—MCQs for quick recall, 2-markers on character traits, 3-markers analysing plot twists, and 5-markers demanding critical insight into themes and literary techniques.

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Key takeaways

  • ✓Chapter 4 carries 6–8 marks in CBSE Class 8 English annual exams: 2 marks from 'The Last Bargain' and 4–6 from Bepin Choudhury's story.
  • ✓The prose tests comprehension of mystery elements, character motivation, and irony—expect one 5-mark question on why Bepin's memory failed or Chunilal's prank.
  • ✓MCQs focus on factual recall: Bepin's visit to Ranchi, Dr Chanda's advice, and Chunilal's financial troubles appear every year.
  • ✓The Last Bargain poem demands literary device identification—personification, metaphor, and the symbolic meaning of 'freedom' in each stanza.
  • ✓CBSE often asks 3-mark questions on themes: friendship versus revenge, the fragility of memory, or the poet's rejection of wealth and power.
  • ✓Common mistakes include confusing Bepin's trip to Ranchi (which never happened) as real, or missing the cyclical structure of Tagore's poem.
  • ✓Practice character sketches of Bepin Choudhury and Chunilal in 100–120 words—these appear as 5-mark questions in Term-2 or annual papers.

Chapter Overview and Marks Weightage

Chapter 4 pairs prose and poetry. The prose, 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory', is a Satyajit Ray short story about a Calcutta clerk who meets a stranger claiming they holidayed together in Ranchi—a trip Bepin has no memory of. The ensuing panic, doctor visits, and final revelation that it was an elaborate prank by his old friend Chunilal make for a gripping study in human psychology and revenge. The poem, 'The Last Bargain' by Rabindranath Tagore, traces a man's journey through four encounters—king, old man, fair maid, child—rejecting wealth, power, and beauty until a child's innocence grants him true freedom. In the CBSE annual exam, expect 1–2 MCQs (1 mark each), one 2-mark question on character or poetic device, one 3-mark question analysing motive or theme, and potentially one 5-mark long answer or case-based question. Combined, prose and poetry from this chapter fetch 6–8 marks. Regular practice with model answers sharpens your ability to cite textual evidence—key to scoring full marks in English.
  • Prose: 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory' by Satyajit Ray—mystery, irony, friendship and revenge.
  • Poem: 'The Last Bargain' by Rabindranath Tagore—4 stanzas, symbolism, quest for freedom.
  • Weightage: 6–8 marks (1–2 MCQs, 1×2-mark, 1×3-mark, sometimes 1×5-mark).
  • Focus areas: plot twist, character sketch of Bepin/Chunilal, poetic devices, theme of freedom.

How CBSE Frames Questions from This Chapter

CBSE question-setters favour inferential and analytical questions over pure recall for Class 8 English Honeydew. For the prose, you'll see questions that test understanding of Bepin's psychological state ('Why did Bepin believe he was losing his memory?') and Chunilal's motive ('What does Chunilal's prank reveal about human nature?'). The 2023 and 2024 papers featured a 3-mark question asking students to compare Bepin's methodical personality with Chunilal's desperation. For poetry, expect identification of literary devices in specific lines—'The sword smote…bells rang' (personification, auditory imagery)—and thematic questions like 'What does the child symbolise in the final stanza?' Case-based questions (introduced post-NEP) present an extract and ask three sub-questions: one factual (1 mark), one inferential (2 marks), one evaluative (2 marks). The chapter's twist ending and rich symbolism make it ideal for such formats. Always support answers with direct quotes from the text; CBSE marking schemes reward textual evidence even in short answers.
  • Inferential > factual: 'Why did Bepin doubt his memory?' over 'Where did Bepin work?'
  • Character analysis: sketches of Bepin, Chunilal; comparing their traits.
  • Poetic devices: personification, metaphor, imagery in 'The Last Bargain'.
  • Theme-based: freedom, revenge, fragility of memory.
  • Case-based: 5-mark extract with three tiered sub-questions.

1-Mark Questions: MCQs and Very Short Answers

One-mark questions test factual recall and quick comprehension. CBSE typically includes 1–2 MCQs from each chapter in the objective section of the annual paper. For 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory', expect questions on Bepin's profession, the name of his friend who claimed the Ranchi trip, the doctor's advice, and the final revelation. For 'The Last Bargain', MCQs probe the four figures the speaker meets and what each offers. Very Short Answer (VSA) questions demand one-sentence or one-phrase responses. Practice these to secure easy marks and build confidence before tackling longer answers. Even if you're unsure, eliminate obviously wrong options in MCQs—CBSE doesn't penalise wrong MCQ answers, so always attempt them. Below are eight representative 1-mark questions with answers; in the actual exam you'll face 1–2 from this chapter mixed with others.
  • Q1: What was Bepin Choudhury's profession? A: He was a clerk in a big firm in Calcutta.
  • Q2: Who claimed to have met Bepin in Ranchi? A: Parimal Ghose.
  • Q3: What did Dr Chanda advise Bepin to do? A: To visit Ranchi to jog his memory.
  • Q4: How did Chunilal get back at Bepin? A: By fabricating the entire Ranchi story to teach him a lesson.
  • Q5: In 'The Last Bargain', who first stopped the speaker? A: The king in his chariot.
  • Q6: What did the king offer? A: Power (his power).
  • Q7: What did the child have in his hands? A: He was playing with shells.
  • Q8: What bargain did the speaker finally accept? A: The child hired him with nothing—granting him freedom.

2-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Two-mark questions require brief explanations in 30–40 words. CBSE awards 1 mark for correct content and 1 for expression and coherence. For prose, typical 2-markers ask about character traits, specific incidents, or cause-effect relationships. For poetry, you'll identify a poetic device or explain a metaphor. Always write in complete sentences; bullet points lose marks in subjective answers. Use the Point-Explanation-Example (PEE) method: state your point, explain it, cite a line or incident. Below are five 2-mark questions with model answers that would fetch full marks under CBSE rubrics. Notice how each answer is concise yet complete, avoiding unnecessary elaboration while meeting the word count and content expectations.

More 2-Mark Questions

Continuing the 2-mark question bank, here are four additional questions that reflect common CBSE patterns. Notice the variety: one asks for textual evidence, another for inference about character motive, a third for poetic interpretation, and a fourth for thematic understanding. When writing 2-mark answers, avoid lengthy introductions—jump straight to the point. CBSE examiners spend roughly 30 seconds per 2-mark answer, so clarity and directness matter more than ornate language. If the question says 'briefly explain', aim for two sentences: the first answering what/who/why, the second providing supporting detail or textual reference. Practising these repeatedly trains you to organise thoughts quickly under exam pressure, a skill that pays off across all chapters in English Honeydew and the supplementary reader.
  • Q2: What do we learn about Chunilal's financial situation? A: Chunilal was in desperate financial straits, having lost his job and struggling to support his family. He approached his old friend Bepin for a loan or job reference, but Bepin refused to help, prompting Chunilal's elaborate revenge.
  • Q3: 'The sword smote on his brow.' What literary device is used here? A: Personification. The abstract concept of the sword (symbol of power and violence) is given the human action of smiting, emphasising the oppressive and forceful nature of the king's authority.
  • Q4: Why did the speaker reject the old man's gold? A: The speaker realised that wealth in the form of gold could not bring true freedom or happiness. Accepting it would bind him to material greed, whereas he sought a bargain that liberated his spirit.
  • Q5: How did Bepin finally discover the truth? A: Bepin received a letter from Chunilal admitting the Ranchi story was a fabrication. Chunilal explained he invented it to punish Bepin for refusing to help an old friend in need.

3-Mark Questions with Model Answers

Three-mark questions demand analytical or descriptive answers in 50–70 words. CBSE typically allocates 2 marks for content and 1 for expression. These questions test your ability to connect events, compare characters, or interpret themes. For 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory', expect questions on the irony of the plot twist, Bepin's character evolution, or the moral lesson. For 'The Last Bargain', questions probe symbolic meaning—what each figure represents—or thematic contrasts between materialism and freedom. Structure your answer in three parts: a direct opening sentence answering the question, a middle section with two supporting points or examples, and a concluding sentence that ties back to the question. This ensures logical flow and full marks. Below are four 3-mark questions with complete model answers that demonstrate the expected depth and textual grounding.

More 3-Mark Questions

Here are three additional 3-mark questions covering theme, plot analysis, and poetic interpretation. For thematic questions, clearly state the theme in your opening sentence, then support it with two specific examples from the text. For plot questions, narrate key events in sequence but focus on why they matter—don't just retell the story. For poetry, identify the device or symbol, quote the relevant line, and explain its effect on meaning. Remember, CBSE values interpretation over rote memory; phrases like 'This suggests…' or 'The poet uses this to convey…' signal analytical thinking. If you finish early, reread your 3-mark answers to check for grammatical errors or missing punctuation—small mistakes can cost the expression mark. These practice answers model the balance between brevity and depth that CBSE examiners reward.
  • Q2: How does the story 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory' explore the theme of revenge and friendship? A: The story juxtaposes genuine friendship with calculated revenge. Chunilal, once Bepin's close friend, expects help during hardship, a reasonable expectation in Indian culture. Bepin's cold refusal transforms friendship into resentment. Chunilal's elaborate hoax—convincing Bepin he's losing his memory—is both creative revenge and a moral lesson. The climax, revealed in Chunilal's letter, underscores that neglecting old bonds can backfire painfully. Satyajit Ray uses this twist to critique selfishness masked as caution. (68 words)
  • Q3: In 'The Last Bargain', why does the speaker reject the king, the old man, and the fair maid? A: The speaker seeks a bargain that grants true freedom, not bondage. The king's offer of power would enslave him to authority and violence ('the sword smote'). The old man's gold represents material greed, which chains the soul to wealth. The fair maid's beauty, though alluring, would bind him to desire and vanity ('her smile paled and melted into tears'). Each offer, despite appearing attractive, ultimately restricts rather than liberates, so the speaker walks on until meeting the child. (77 words)
  • Q4: What is the significance of the child in the poem's final stanza? A: The child symbolises innocence, joy, and unconditional freedom. Unlike the previous figures who offered tangible rewards with hidden costs, the child 'hired me with nothing', meaning no material transaction or power dynamic. Playing with shells on the beach, the child embodies pure presence and simplicity. By accepting this 'bargain', the speaker finds liberation from greed, power, and desire—true freedom lies in innocence and selflessness, not in wealth or status. Tagore thus elevates spiritual richness over worldly gains. (75 words)

5-Mark Long-Answer and Case-Based Questions

Five-mark questions are the foundation of CBSE English scoring. They require well-structured answers of 100–120 words, with clear introduction, body (two to three supporting paragraphs), and conclusion. Content carries 3 marks, expression and coherence 2 marks. For 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory', long-answer prompts include character sketches, the role of irony, or lessons learned. For 'The Last Bargain', expect questions on the poet's philosophy of freedom or comparative analysis of the four encounters. Case-based questions present a 150-word extract followed by three sub-questions totalling 5 marks. These test comprehension, inference, and evaluation. Use the PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) for each paragraph. Quote directly from the text where possible—CBSE marking schemes award bonus marks for apt quotations. Below are three 5-mark questions with detailed model answers and one case-based question set to illustrate the format and depth expected.

Additional 5-Mark Questions and Case-Based Example

Here are two more 5-mark long-answer questions and one complete case-based question set. When writing long answers, allocate your 100–120 words roughly as follows: 20 words for introduction (restate the question or define the concept), 70–80 words for body (two to three well-developed points with examples), and 20 words for conclusion (summarise or offer a final insight). Avoid repetition; each sentence should add new information. For case-based questions, read the extract twice before attempting sub-questions. Underline keywords in each sub-question to ensure you're answering what's asked, not what you think is asked. Sub-question (i) is usually factual (1 mark), (ii) inferential (2 marks), (iii) evaluative or analytical (2 marks). The case-based format mirrors comprehension passages, so skills you build here help in the unseen passage section too. Practicing these extensively is the single best predictor of scoring 18-plus out of 20 in the literature section of CBSE Class 8 English annual exams.
  • Q2: Compare and contrast the characters of Bepin Choudhury and Chunilal. (5 marks) A: Bepin and Chunilal represent contrasting responses to adversity. Bepin is a methodical, introverted clerk who values routine and privacy, evidenced by his solitary book-shopping ritual. He is cautious to the point of distrust, refusing to help Chunilal because he doubts his integrity. His wealth and stability have made him complacent and unsympathetic. Chunilal, in contrast, is resourceful and audacious despite financial ruin. Losing his job didn't crush his spirit; instead, he channelled frustration into an elaborate, creative prank. Where Bepin relies on logic and doctors, Chunilal relies on wit and memory of shared past. Both are intelligent, but Bepin's intelligence is self-serving, while Chunilal's is survival-driven. The story ultimately vindicates Chunilal's moral stance: true friendship demands sacrifice, and Bepin's failure to reciprocate justified the humbling lesson Chunilal administered. (120 words)
  • Q3: What message does Rabindranath Tagore convey through 'The Last Bargain'? (5 marks) A: Tagore's poem critiques materialism, power, and superficial beauty, advocating for spiritual and emotional freedom as life's true goal. The speaker's journey through four encounters structures the message. Rejecting the king's power shows that authority enslaves rather than liberates ('the sword smote'). Spurning the old man's gold reveals that wealth binds us to greed and anxiety. Turning away from the fair maid's charm suggests that desire and beauty, though alluring, are transient ('melted into tears'). Only the child—symbol of innocence, play, and selflessness—offers a bargain without strings: hiring 'with nothing'. This paradox is key: true freedom costs nothing material but demands we shed ego, ambition, and attachment. Tagore, writing in the colonial era, may also be hinting at political freedom through moral purity rather than violent struggle. The poem thus operates on personal, philosophical, and possibly national levels, making it a timeless meditation on what it means to be truly free. (120 words)

Common Mistakes Students Make and How to Avoid Them

CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew examiners report recurring errors that cost students 3–5 marks per chapter. For 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory', the biggest mistake is confusing the plot: many students write that Bepin actually forgot his Ranchi trip, missing the irony that the trip never happened. Always read the twist carefully—Chunilal fabricated the entire story. Another error is writing character sketches without textual evidence; stating 'Bepin was selfish' earns half marks, but 'Bepin was selfish, as shown when he refused to help Chunilal find a job despite their old friendship' earns full marks. In poetry, students often miss the symbolic meaning—writing that the child is just a child, rather than a symbol of innocence and freedom. For 'The Last Bargain', clearly state what each figure represents (king = power, old man = wealth, maid = desire, child = freedom). Spelling and grammatical errors in names (Choudhury, Chunilal, Parimal) or places (Ranchi, Hudroo Falls) lose expression marks. Finally, exceeding or falling short of the word limit signals poor planning; practice writing exactly 120 words for 5-markers. Use the checklist below before finalising any answer during revision or mock tests.
  • Plot confusion: Remember, Bepin never went to Ranchi—it was Chunilal's prank.
  • Lack of evidence: Always cite a specific incident or quote to support character analysis.
  • Missing symbolism: The child, king, old man, and maid are symbols, not just characters.
  • Name/place spelling: Choudhury, Chunilal, Parimal, Ranchi, Hudroo—get them right.
  • Word-limit violation: 2-markers = 30–40 words, 3-markers = 50–70, 5-markers = 100–120.
  • Ignoring question keywords: 'Justify', 'compare', 'explain', 'what does X reveal'—each demands a different approach.

Exam Strategy and Time Management for This Chapter

In the 3-hour CBSE Class 8 English annual exam, the literature section (Honeydew + It So Happened) accounts for roughly 40 marks out of 80. Chapter 4 contributes 6–8 marks, so allocate 12–15 minutes to it. Start with the 1-mark MCQ—quick wins build confidence. Then tackle the 2-mark question (3–4 minutes): write two clear sentences and move on. For the 3-mark question, spend 5–6 minutes: draft a rough outline mentally (point 1, point 2, conclusion), then write. If a 5-mark question or case-based appears, reserve 8–10 minutes: jot three keywords in the margin (e.g. 'irony', 'Chunilal motive', 'textual quote'), write the answer, then reread for grammar. Never leave a question blank—even a half-correct 5-mark answer earns 2–3 marks. If you're stuck, write what you know and link it to the question; partial credit is better than zero. During preparation, practice writing answers within the word limit under timed conditions—this builds muscle memory for the exam hall. CBSETUTOR.ai offers an AI tutor available 24×7 at a flat fee of just ₹999 per month for classes 6–12. You can upload a photo of any question from this chapter, and the AI solves it step-by-step, explaining how to structure answers for maximum marks. A 3-day free trial lets your child experience instant doubt-clearing without waiting for tuition class, especially helpful during revision season when every minute counts.
  • Allocate 12–15 minutes total for Chapter 4 questions in the 3-hour exam.
  • Sequence: MCQs first (1 min), then 2-mark (3 min), 3-mark (5 min), 5-mark (8 min).
  • Draft mental outline for 3-mark and above—prevents rambling and ensures logical flow.
  • Never leave blanks; partial answers earn partial marks under CBSE guidelines.
  • Practice timed writing: set a timer for 5 minutes and write a 3-mark answer to build speed.
  • Use CBSETUTOR.ai's photo-upload AI tutor (₹999/month, 3-day free trial) for instant model answers and tips.

Frequently asked questions

How many marks does Chapter 4 of Honeydew carry in the CBSE Class 8 annual exam?+
Chapter 4 typically contributes 6–8 marks: 2 marks from the poem 'The Last Bargain' and 4–6 marks from the prose 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'. Expect 1–2 MCQs, one short question, and one long-answer or case-based question.
What is the main theme of 'Bepin Choudhury's Lapse of Memory'?+
The story explores themes of friendship, revenge, memory, and irony. It critiques selfishness and the consequences of neglecting old bonds. The twist ending—Chunilal's fabricated story—teaches that material success means little without empathy and loyalty.
Why did Chunilal create the fake Ranchi story?+
Chunilal was financially desperate and approached his old friend Bepin for help—a job reference or loan. When Bepin refused, citing distrust, Chunilal felt betrayed. He invented the Ranchi trip to make Bepin doubt his sanity, delivering a humbling lesson about the value of friendship.
What does the child symbolise in 'The Last Bargain'?+
The child represents innocence, joy, and unconditional freedom. Unlike the king (power), old man (wealth), and fair maid (beauty), the child offers a bargain 'with nothing'—no strings attached. This grants the speaker true liberation from worldly desires and ego.
What are common mistakes in answers about this chapter?+
Students often confuse the plot, thinking Bepin actually forgot the Ranchi trip, when in fact it never happened. Another error is failing to provide textual evidence in character sketches. For poetry, many miss symbolic meanings—treating the child as just a character, not a symbol of freedom.
How should I structure a 5-mark answer on Bepin Choudhury's character?+
Use four parts: (1) Introduction stating his key traits (methodical, private, self-centred). (2) Evidence from the text (his book-buying routine, refusal to help Chunilal). (3) Analysis of his flaw (lack of empathy) and its consequence (the prank). (4) Conclusion linking to the story's moral. Aim for 100–120 words.
Which poetic devices appear in 'The Last Bargain' and where?+
Personification: 'the sword smote on his brow' (sword given human action). Metaphor: the four figures symbolise power, wealth, desire, and freedom. Imagery: 'smile paled and melted into tears' (visual + emotional). Repetition: 'I came to the last bargain' structures each stanza, emphasising the journey.
Are case-based questions asked from this chapter?+
Yes, post-NEP, CBSE includes case-based questions. You'll get a 100–150 word extract from the prose or poem, followed by three sub-questions (1+2+2 marks). These test comprehension, inference, and evaluation. Practice reading extracts carefully and answering precisely within the word limit.
How much time should I spend on a 3-mark question in the exam?+
Allocate 5–6 minutes. Use 1 minute to underline keywords and mentally plan two supporting points, 3–4 minutes to write 50–70 words, and 1 minute to reread for spelling or grammar errors. Practising timed writing at home builds this rhythm.
What's the best way to remember character names and plot details?+
Create a one-page mind-map: central node 'Bepin Choudhury', branches for Chunilal, Parimal Ghose, Dr Chanda, the Ranchi incident, and the final letter. For the poem, draw four boxes (king, old man, maid, child) and note what each offers. Visual memory aids recall under exam pressure.
Does CBSETUTOR.ai help with English literature answers?+
Absolutely. CBSETUTOR.ai's AI tutor covers NCERT Class 8 English Honeydew in depth. Upload a photo of any question—MCQ, short, or long—and receive a step-by-step model answer aligned with CBSE marking schemes. At ₹999/month for all subjects across classes 6–12, plus a 3-day free trial, it's like having an English teacher available 24×7 for instant doubt-clearing and exam tips.

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