9. The Proposal - Class 10 - First Flight

Chapter Title :The Proposal 

Author by Anton Chekhov

First Flight – Drama

📝 Summary

The Proposal is a humorous one-act play by Anton Chekhov. It focuses on a marriage proposal that turns into a series of comic quarrels. Ivan Lomov, a wealthy but hypochondriac landowner, visits his neighbour Chubukov to ask for his daughter Natalya’s hand in marriage. Chubukov is thrilled but the proposal is delayed when Lomov and Natalya begin to argue about the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Both get angry, and Chubukov also joins in the fight. Lomov gets so worked up that he almost faints. When he leaves in frustration, Natalya is shocked to learn about the proposal and insists on calling him back. Lomov returns, but the couple ends up fighting again — this time about whose dog is better. Eventually, Chubukov forces them to get engaged quickly before another argument starts. The play ends on a funny note, with the couple still fighting. The play uses farce to highlight the absurdity of human nature, especially how people can let ego and materialism ruin important moments.

👤 Character Sketch

1. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov

A wealthy and nervous man, Lomov suffers from health issues and is easily agitated. He wants to propose marriage but is distracted by minor quarrels. He represents people who value social standing over real affection.

2. Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov

Natalya’s father, a landowner who initially pretends to be warm and welcoming but quickly becomes argumentative. He is hypocritical, selfish, and primarily interested in social gain.

3. Natalya Stepanovna

She is 25, argumentative, and proud. She is unaware of Lomov’s proposal at first and quarrels with him fiercely. Later, she becomes emotional and desperate to accept the proposal. She represents people who are practical but quick-tempered.

📚 Themes

✨ Literary Devices

📖 Title Justification

The title The Proposal is apt because the entire plot is based on Ivan Lomov’s intention to propose marriage to Natalya. However, instead of focusing on love, the proposal leads to endless quarrels over land and dogs. The title also reflects the social importance given to marriage proposals in upper-class society. Despite all the confusion and fighting, the proposal is made and accepted, which justifies the title both literally and ironically.

✅ One-Mark Questions

1. Who wrote the play "The Proposal"?

   The play The Proposal was written by Anton Chekhov

   
   

2. What was Lomov’s main purpose in visiting Chubukov’s house?

   Lomov came to Chubukov’s house to propose marriage to Natalya.

   
   

3. What is the name of Lomov’s dog?

   Lomov’s dog is named Guess.

   
   

4. What piece of land do Lomov and Natalya argue about?

   They argue about Oxen Meadows.

   
   

5. What is the relationship between Chubukov and Natalya?

   Chubukov is Natalya’s father.

   
   

✅ Three-Mark Questions

1. Why did the argument about Oxen Meadows begin between Lomov and Natalya?

   The argument started when Lomov mentioned that Oxen Meadows belonged to him, but Natalya claimed they were her family's property. This led to a heated exchange, showing their pride and obsession with land.

   
   

2. How does Chubukov react when he learns that Lomov has come to propose?

   At first, Chubukov thinks Lomov has come to borrow money. But when he hears of the proposal, he becomes overjoyed, embraces Lomov, and quickly gives his consent. However, he later joins in the quarrels, showing his double standards.

   
   

3. How does the play end?

   The play ends with Lomov and Natalya finally getting engaged after being forced by Chubukov. However, instead of celebrating, they start arguing again — this time about whose dog is better. The ending highlights the absurdity of their relationship.

   
   

🧠 Value-Based Question

What lesson does the play "The Proposal" teach us about relationships and ego?

The play teaches us that pride, ego, and greed can ruin important relationships. It highlights the importance of communication, patience, and understanding in personal relationships. Quarrelling over small matters shows immaturity, and true happiness comes only when people learn to let go of their ego.

End

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