“Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory” by
Satyajit Ray along with character sketches:
Summary in Detail
The story revolves around Bepin Choudhury, a middle-class gentleman living in Kolkata, who experiences a puzzling situation that shakes his confidence in his own memory.
Encounter at Bookshop:
One day, while browsing books at a shop in New Market, Bepin meets a stranger named Parimal Ghose. To Bepin’s surprise, Ghose claims to know him very well and insists that they had gone together on a trip to Ranchi in 1958. He even recalls detailed incidents – Bepin’s fall near Hudroo falls, his dislike for hotels, and how Bepin had to cut his trip short because his wife fell ill.Bepin’s Confusion:
Bepin is shocked. He is sure he never visited Ranchi. He remembers every year of his life clearly – holidays spent in Darjeeling, Puri, etc. – but never Ranchi. The insistence of Parimal Ghose, however, makes him anxious.Seeking Confirmation:
To confirm the truth, Bepin contacts his old friend Chunilal, who was with him during that period. Chunilal, however, is struggling with unemployment and financial crisis. When Bepin asks about Ranchi, Chunilal insists that he indeed had gone to Ranchi in 1958.The Doctor’s Visit:
Deeply disturbed, Bepin consults a doctor, Dr. Choudhury, fearing he might be suffering from memory loss. The doctor suggests he should actually visit Ranchi to jog his memory.The Ranchi Trip:
Bepin travels to Ranchi but finds no trace of familiarity. He feels even more distressed, convinced that he is losing his memory.The Truth Revealed:
A few days later, Bepin receives a letter from Chunilal. The mystery is solved:
Chunilal had played a trick on Bepin. Years ago, when Chunilal had sought help from Bepin for a job recommendation, Bepin had coldly refused. Hurt by this indifference, Chunilal took revenge by hatching this clever plan with Parimal Ghose. In reality, Bepin had never been to Ranchi!
The story ends with irony – Bepin’s arrogance and neglect towards his friend caused him unnecessary mental suffering.
Character Sketches
1. Bepin Choudhury
A respectable, middle-class gentleman in Kolkata.
Passionate about books, often visits bookshops.
Possesses a sharp memory about past events, which makes the “Ranchi episode” more unsettling.
Sensitive and insecure when doubts about his memory arise.
Arrogant in dealing with friends (like Chunilal), which ultimately leads to his humiliation.
His character shows the theme: even the most rational man can be shaken by self-doubt.
2. Parimal Ghose
A stranger who meets Bepin at a bookshop.
Claims to have accompanied Bepin to Ranchi in 1958.
Provides very specific details, making his story convincing.
Actually part of Chunilal’s plan to trick Bepin.
Acts as the catalyst for Bepin’s confusion.
3. Chunilal
An old friend of Bepin’s, once well-off but now jobless and in financial trouble.
Approaches Bepin for help in finding a job, but Bepin dismisses him coldly.
Smart and revengeful – he plots the whole Ranchi prank with Parimal Ghose.
His letter reveals the truth at the end.
Symbolizes neglected friendships and the bitterness caused by indifference.
4. Dr. Choudhury
The physician whom Bepin consults when he suspects memory loss.
Practical and professional.
Advises Bepin to visit Ranchi to test his memory.
Represents science and rationality in contrast to Bepin’s emotional turmoil.
Themes of the Story
Memory and Identity: How memory shapes one’s confidence.
Irony of Arrogance: Bepin’s pride leads to his downfall.
Friendship and Neglect: Ignoring old friends can backfire.
Psychological Mystery: The thin line between truth and illusion.
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