CHAPTER-9
THE PROPOSAL
ANTON CHEKHOV ✍
THE PROPOSAL SUMMARY
1. Introduction of Characters:
o
Stepan
Stepanovich Chubukov: An old
landowner. He is worried about getting his 25-year-old daughter married.
o
Natalya
Stepanovna: Chubukov’s daughter.
She is 25, unmarried, not very beautiful but well-educated and good at
household work. She is eager to marry.
o
Ivan
Vassilevitch Lomov: A
35-year-old unmarried neighbour and landowner. He is rich but a hypochondriac
(suffers from imaginary illnesses). He decides to marry Natalya.
2. Lomov Decides to Propose:
o
Lomov is
aware of his weak health—his heart beats fast, his legs go numb, and his
temples throb.
o
He thinks it
is time to lead a settled life, and Natalya would make a good wife.
o
He doesn't
expect to find anyone better and decides to propose to her.
3. Lomov Visits Chubukov’s House:
o
Lomov wears
a formal morning coat and visits Chubukov’s house to propose.
o
Chubukov is
surprised but welcomes him warmly.
o
Lomov
nervously expresses his desire to marry Natalya.
o
Chubukov is
overjoyed and assures him that Natalya will accept.
4. First Argument – Over Oxen Meadows (a piece of land):
o
Chubukov
sends Natalya to talk to Lomov but doesn’t tell her about the proposal.
o
Lomov tries
to bring up the proposal but accidentally mentions Oxen Meadows, claiming it as
his land.
o
Natalya
strongly disagrees and says it belongs to her family.
o
Lomov
insists it was passed down from his ancestors and is in the legal records.
o
They both
start shouting and arguing over the land.
5. Chubukov Joins the Argument:
o
Hearing the
shouting, Chubukov arrives.
o
Natalya asks
him to confirm the land’s ownership. Chubukov supports his daughter.
o
The argument
gets worse. They insult and abuse Lomov.
o
Lomov
becomes extremely agitated—his limbs go numb, and he storms out of the house.
6. Natalya Learns the Truth:
o
After Lomov
leaves, Chubukov tells Natalya that he had come to propose marriage.
o
Natalya is
shocked and distressed. She blames her father for not telling her earlier.
o
She begs him
to bring Lomov back immediately as she is desperate to marry him.
7. Lomov Returns:
o
Chubukov is
embarrassed to call Lomov back but luckily Lomov himself returns.
o
Chubukov
leaves the two alone to settle the proposal.
8.
Second
Argument – Over the Dogs:
o
Natalya
tries to be polite and even accepts that Oxen Meadows might belong to Lomov.
o
She changes
the topic to hunting and asks about Lomov’s dog.
o
Lomov says
his dog Guess cost him 125 roubles but has gone lame.
o
Natalya says
her dog Squeezer is much better and cost only 85 roubles.
o
Another
heated argument begins—this time over which dog is superior.
o
Both insult
each other’s dogs.
9. Chubukov Again Joins:
o
Chubukov
comes in and sides with Natalya again.
o
The argument
escalates. Family insults are exchanged.
o
Lomov
becomes highly distressed again and collapses, appearing nearly dead.
10. Final Resolution – The Marriage Happens:
o
Natalya
panics and thinks Lomov is dead. She cries and shakes him.
o
Lomov
regains consciousness slowly.
o
Chubukov
quickly joins their hands and declares them engaged.
o
Lomov kisses
Natalya.
o
However,
even after getting engaged, they resume arguing about whose dog is better!
o
Chubukov is
the happiest—relieved that his daughter is finally getting married. He calls
for champagne to celebrate.
THE PROPOSAL SHORT QUESTION
1.
How does Natalya react when she comes to know that Lomov had come to
propose?
Answer- When Natalya finds out that Lomov
had come to propose to her, she is very surprised and shocked. She starts
crying and feels upset that she missed such an important moment. Then, she
quickly changes her behaviour and asks her father to bring Lomov back
immediately.
2.
To what end does the playwright
employ Lomov’s palpitations in the play?
Answer-
The playwright uses Lomov’s palpitations to show how nervous
and anxious he is, especially when he tries to propose. These physical signs of
stress, like his fast heartbeat and shaky behavior, make the situation funny.
It adds comedy to the play and helps the audience see how difficult and awkward
the proposal is for him.
3.
How does Lomov come to Chubukov’s house? What for does he come? How
is he received?
Answer: Lomov
comes to Chubukov’s house dressed formally in his evening clothes and wearing
gloves. He comes with the intention of proposing to Chubukov’s daughter,
Natalya. Chubukov welcomes him with great respect, thinking he has come for
some important or official work.
4.
What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov had come for? Is he
sincere when he later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you
were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
Answer- At
first, Chubukov thinks that Lomov has come to borrow money, as he had asked for
help before. But when Lomov says he wants to marry Natalya, Chubukov is very
happy. He had been hoping to find a good match for his daughter. So, he quickly
changes his behaviour and starts speaking kindly to Lomov, calling him “my angel”
and “my own son.” His words don’t seem fully sincere because he changes his
attitude only after hearing about the marriage proposal. This shows that he is
more excited about the match than truly loving Lomov like a son.
5.
When Natalya comes to meet Lomov, she quotes her father’s words –
“and papa said, “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.”
What do you think Chubukov meant?
Answer- Chubukov’s
comment shows that he thinks of marriage like a business deal. By calling Lomov
a "merchant" and Natalya "goods," he compares the marriage
proposal to buying something. This means he sees his daughter more as something
to be given away than as a person with her own choice. It also shows that he is
more interested in getting her married than thinking about her feelings.
6.
The argument about the dogs
reflected that both Lomov and Natalya loved their respective dogs very much.
Do you agree? Why/ why not?
Answer- I agree,
but only to some extent. The way Lomov and Natalya argue about their dogs shows
that they care about them, but the argument is more about pride than real love.
They both try to prove that their own dog is better, talking about strength,
breed, and qualities. This shows they are more interested in winning the
argument and showing off than showing true affection for their pets.
7.
“The Lomovs and the Chubukovs have always had the most
friendly, and I might almost say the most affectionate, regard for each other.”
How would you evaluate Lomov and Chubukov’s relationship as neighbours?
Answer- Lomov and Chubukov claim to be good friends and
respectful neighbors, but their behavior shows something different. They argue
over small and silly matters, like land and dogs, and both try to prove they
are better than the other. They speak politely at first, but it doesn’t feel
real because they quickly start fighting. So, their relationship is not truly
friendly or affectionate—it is full of pride, competition, and
misunderstandings.
8. Read the
statements given below:
Statement 1 - ‘Lomov is looking to marry.’
Statement 2 – ‘Lomov is looking to marry Natalya.’
Bring out the difference between the two statements and explain what it stell
you about Lomov.
Answer- The two statements show a clear difference.
Statement 1 – “Lomov is looking to marry” means he just wants to get
married, without caring much about who the person is.
Statement 2 – “Lomov is looking to marry Natalya” shows that he has
chosen Natalya in particular.
This tells us that Lomov is more interested in the idea of marriage for practical
reasons, like age, health, and social status, rather than love. He chooses
Natalya not because of deep feelings, but because she is a suitable match.
9. What happens to
Lomov when he is in an excited state?
Answer- When Lomov gets excited or nervous, his
heartbeat becomes very fast, his lips start trembling, and his right eyebrow
begins to twitch. If he goes to sleep in this condition, he feels a sudden pull
on his left side and wakes up with a big jump, as if he is going crazy. These
signs show how easily he gets stressed and anxious.
THE PROPOSAL LONG QUESTION
1. Anton Chekov has
used humour and exaggeration in the play to comment on courtship in his times.
Illustrate with examples from the lesson, “The Proposal”. Also mention the
values, you think, any healthy relationship requires.
Answer: In The Proposal, Anton Chekhov uses
humour and exaggeration to show how courtship can become foolish when people
focus on unimportant matters. Lomov visits Natalya to propose marriage, but
instead of discussing love or the proposal, they argue about land and their
dogs. These silly fights show how pride and ego can ruin serious matters. Even
though Natalya and her father like Lomov, they keep quarreling with him.
Finally, Chubukov quickly announces the engagement before another fight begins.
The play ends comically, with the couple still arguing about whose dog is
better. Chekhov shows that people often forget the real purpose of
relationships. For a healthy relationship, there should be mutual respect,
understanding, and the ability to avoid unnecessary arguments.
2. Though the play
revolves around three people, Russian society emerges as an important character
through the ongoings of the play and the thoughts and interactions of its
characters. Imagine yourself to be a historian who has been invited to speak
about nineteenth century upper class Russian society.
Based on your reading of the play, how might you describe it? Support your
evaluation with instances from the text.
Answer: As a historian, I would describe nineteenth-century upper-class Russian
society as one that was focused on property, status, and appearances, more than
love or emotions. In The Proposal by Anton Chekhov, marriage is shown as
a deal, not a bond of love. Chubukov supports Lomov’s proposal mainly because
he sees it as a good match for land and wealth. The characters are very
concerned about social image. Even during silly fights about land or dogs, they
try to speak politely, though they are clearly angry. This shows the society's
obsession with manners and class. Chekhov uses these characters to show how
empty and formal upper-class life could be. The play mocks how such people
often forget real feelings in the name of status and wealth.
3. The principle ‘Forgive and Forget’ helps
a lot in maintaining cordial relations with our neighbours. Do you think the
author proves this message in the play “The Proposal”?
Answer: Yes, the play The Proposal clearly shows that the principle of
"Forgive and Forget" helps in building good relationships. Lomov
visits Chubukov’s house to propose marriage to Natalya. But instead of
discussing marriage, they start fighting over small issues like land and dogs.
The arguments become so heated that Lomov leaves the house in anger. When
Natalya learns about the proposal, she regrets her behaviour and asks her
father to bring Lomov back. Even though they fight again, in the end, they
forgive each other and agree to get married. This shows that forgetting past
fights and forgiving mistakes can bring people together. Chekhov uses humour to
show how silly arguments can be avoided if we choose peace over pride.
4.
Look at the given matrimonial advertisement published in the Morning
Post (newspaper) in December 1822. It was fairly common practice in the
nineteenth century for gentlemen and ladies to seek courtship and matrimony by
placing a suitable advertisement.
a) Based on your reading of the play and an understanding of the characters,
what details would Lomov provide (and specifically leave out) in a matrimonial
advertisement to find a bride like Natalya?
b) Think of what might make Chubukov
shortlist Lomov’s advertisement if he were scanning the matrimonial section of
the newspaper.
Matrimony - A well-to-do gentleman, possessing a substantial estate with valuable livestock and fertile land, seeks a suitable match for marriage. The lady must come from a respected family background and exhibit impeccable manners and decorum. Age between twenty-five and thirty, with a modest dowry and a keen interest in managing household affairs. Correspondence to be directed to L.L., Esq., at his estate in the countryside.
Lomov would likely emphasize his wealth and property holdings while downplaying any personal shortcomings or health issues. He might also omit any mention of his nervous disposition or tendency towards hypochondria to present himself in the best possible light.
b) Chubukov might consider Lomov's advertisement due to his perceived wealth and status. As a landowner himself, Chubukov would value Lomov's substantial estate and the potential for land consolidation through marriage. He would likely see Lomov as a suitable match for his daughter, Natalya, given their shared social standing and financial means. Chubukov would be particularly interested in Lomov's landholdings and income, viewing them as advantageous for securing his daughter's future.
THE PROPOSAL EXTRACT BASED
QUESTION
EXTRACT-1
"But, please, Stephen Stepanovitch, how can they be yours? Do be a
reasonable man! My aunt's grandmother gave the Meadows for the temporary and
free use of your grandfather's peasants. The peasants used the land for forty
years and ge accustomed to it as if it was their own, when it happened that
.......
i.
Why did the peasants treat the land as their
own?
(a) They used the land for forty years.
(b) They got accustomed to using the land.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
Who is the speaker of the above lines? What light do these lines throw on the
speaker's character? What reaction did his words get? Answer in about 40 words.
(2)
Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly
corresponds to the extract.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or
more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals
their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.
(c) None of the above
Why did his aunt's grandmother give the meadows? 2
EXTRACT-2
LOMOV: Never mind about my people! The Lomovs have all been honourable
people, and not one has ever been tried for embezzlement, like your
grandfather!
CHUBUKOV: You Lomovs have had lunacy in your family, all of you!
NATALYA: All, all, all!
CHUBUKOV: Your grandfather was a drunkard, and your younger aunt, Nastasya
Mihailovna, ran away with an architect, and so on...
LOMOV: And your mother was hump-backed. [Clutches at his heart] Something
pulling in my side... My head.... Help! Water!
CHUBUKOV: Your father was a guzzling gambler!
i.
Choose the option that correctly identifies the
tone of the characters in the given extract.
1) antagonism
2) humour
3) contempt
4) irony
a) (1) and (2)
b) (2) and (4)
c) (1) and (3)
d) (3) and (4)
ii.
The playwright’s intention in the given extract
is to
a) throw light upon the weaknesses of the rich in any society.
b) emphasize that family history is important in a marriage proposal.
c) satirise the superficiality of the upper class in Russian society.
d) send a message that ego is not healthy in any relationship.
iii.
If according to Chubukov and Natalya, Lomovs are
not “honourable people”,
why do they still consider Lomov’s proposal?
a) Natalya can take care of her father if she marries close by.
b) They were exaggerating in the argument and didn’t mean it.
c) They understand that honour is superficial and overrated.
d) Lomov’s status in society supersedes everything.
iv.
Imagine you found the playwright’s notes for
each scene in the play and noticed that some of the words were missing.
Choose the option that fills the missing words most appropriately.
A conversation that starts pleasantly quickly turns into a (i)
________argument. With (ii) _________ of Oxen Meadows at the heart of the
matter.
Lomov and Natalya quarrel and are later joined by Chubukov. Thus, begins
a (iii) ____ of insults, accusations and name-calling. All (iv)
_______disappears. Eventually, Lomov leaves clutching at his heart, his foot
numb.
a) (i) petty ; (ii) history ; (iii) series; (iv) politeness
b) (i) vicious ; (ii) ownership ; (iii) circus ; (iv) civility
c) (i) curious ; (ii) land ; (iii) outpouring;
(iv) laughter
d) (i) ugly ; (ii) neighbourhood ; (iii) barrage; (iv) goodness
v.
Which of the following options comes closest to
the meaning of ‘tried’ as used in the extract?
a) She mastered the game through a process of trial and error.
b) He followed the trial closely and was seen in court every day.
c) This had been a tried and tested formula for the organisation.
d) They tried with all their might to repeat their earlier successes.
EXTRACT-3
LOMOV : It's cold... I'm trembling all over, just
as if I’d got an examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind
made up. If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look
for an ideal, or for real love, then I'll never get married. Brr...It’s cold!
Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.
What more do I want? But I'm getting a noise in my ears from excitement.
(Drinks) And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I'm
already 35— a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a
quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I'm excitable and always
getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a
twitch in my right eyebrow.
i.
Which of the following is NOT a
reason why Lomov thinks he must marry?
A. He is already 35 years old.
B. He suffers from palpitations.
C. He is excitable and easily upset.
D. He is in love with Natalya.
Why is it fair to say that Lomov's tone, when he says "What more do I
want?" Is uncertain and questioning? Answer in about 40 words.
ii.
Read the following descriptions
(a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a
particular topic, usually with two or more people presenting different
viewpoints and arguments.
(b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals
their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark made by a character directly to the audience, which is not intended
to be heard by other characters on stage.
If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on,
while modulating his voice?
EXTRACT-4
CHUBUKOV: What a weight
off my shoulders, ouf!
NATALYA: But, still you
will admit now that Guess is worse than Squeezer.
LOMOV: Better!
NATALYA: Worse!
CHUBUKOV: Well, that’s a
way to start your family bliss! Have some champagne!
LOMOV: He’s better!
NATALYA: Worse! Worse!
Worse!
CHUBUKOV: [trying to shout
her down] Champagne! Champagne!
i.
Which of the following titles of Shakespeare’s
plays might best apply to the relationship of Lomov and Natalya’s relationship?
a) The Taming of the Shrew
b) Romeo and Juliet
c) As You Like It
d) Two Gentlemen of Verona
ii.
How would you characterise Chubukov’s mood
based on the given extract?
a) cautious and celebratory
b) relieved and jubilant
c) merry, yet thoughtful
d) grateful, yet hurt
iii.
Based on the extract, Lomov and Natalya’s
closing lines can best be seen as
a) a humorous and ironic take on typical marriage vows.
b) a reflection of their affections for Guess and Squeezer.
c) a sign of the prospective instability in their marital bliss.
d) the writer’s statement that disagreement is part of marriage.
iv.
Choose
the option that correctly uses the idioms to the fill in the blanks of the
paragraph below.
In a team, it is important to (i) __________. Otherwise, you would become (ii)
_______, and incur the displeasure of the others. When that happens, you might
feel (iii) ___________. However, for the others, not having to carry you along
would be a (iv) ___________.
a) (i) pull your weight; (ii) dead weight; (iii) the weight of the world on your
shoulders; (iv) weight off the shoulders.
b) (i) weight yourself; (ii) the weight of the world on your shoulder; (iii) like
dead weight; (iv) weight off their shoulders
c) (i) throw weight around; (ii) worth your weight in gold; (iii) weight off your
shoulders; (iv) dead weight
d) (i) lend weight to someone; (ii) heavy weight; (iii) like pulling your
weight; (iv) weight off their shoulders
v.
The
liberal use of exclamatory marks in the given extract indicate that the characters
are expressing
a) apologies in a solemn and heartfelt tone.
b) good counsel and advice in a serious matter.
c) reconciliation on matters leading to argument.
d) strong feelings with a raised voice.
ANSWER
EXTRACT-1
i.-c
ii-Lomov said the given lines. The given lines show his poor personality and a
bad sense of talking that seems irrelevant with place and person. He is
interrupted by Chubukov who refuted his claim by (pointing out that Oxen
Meadows' standing as disputed land was the only reason the peasants were
permitted to use it at no cost.
iii-c
iv- His aunt's grandmother gave the meadows for the temporary and free use of
the peasants employed by Stephan Chubukov's grandfather in return for which
they were to make bricks for her.
EXTRACT-2
i–c, ii–c, iii–d, iv–b, v–b
EXTRACT-3
i-d,
ii-Lomov’s tone when he says “What more do I want?” is uncertain and
questioning because he is trying to convince himself that Natalya Stepanovna is
a suitable match for him, but at the same time, he seems to be struggling with
doubts and fears. His tone suggests that he is trying to reassure himself that
he has made the right decision, but he is not entirely convinced.
iii-b
iv- The actor would be required to convey Lomove’s nervousness and excitement
through his voice modulation.
EXTRACT-4
i–c, ii–b, iii–a, iv–a, v–d
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