FORGETTING by Robert Lynd Questions Answers and Study Guide
Question:
“It is the efficiency rather than the inefficiency of human
memory that compels my wonder”— What instances of an efficient human memory are
given by Lynd in Forgetting? Name a few of the ‘matters’ regarding which memory
works inefficiently.
Answer:
In his essay on Forgetting Robert Lynd gives a number of
examples of efficient human memory. A modern man keeps many things in his
memory; names of actors, actresses, sports persons, addresses of friends,
appointments for lunch and dinner and telephone numbers. In his everyday
living, he does everything he has to do. He even switched off the light before
going to bed.
But despite
such efficient memory, man forgets to make medicines regularly, post letters in
time and keep umbrellas, walking sticks and books in mind.
Question:
What, after the writer of Forgetting is the commonest form
of forgetfulness? Show how this form of forgetfulness affects all including the
writer.
Answer:
In his essay Forgetting Lynd says that the commonest form of
forgetfulness occurs in the matter of posting letters. It is so common that
Lynd cannot trust his departing guest to post his letter. Even if he does, he
puts his guest under oath to post his letter. He humorously says about himself
: “any one who asks me to post a letter is a poor judge of character”. He
carries the letter in his hand. But he remembers to post it always after passing
the first letter-box. Weary of holding it, Lynd puts the letter in his pocket.
Soon he forgets all about it. The unposted letter leads an unadventurous life
in his pocket. At home he faces embarrassing questions. And the guilt is
brought out of his pocket.
