CBSE Class 10 English The Proposal Assignment Set 02

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Justify the title of the play “The Proposal” with reference to the characters and plot.
Answer: The title “The Proposal” is justified as the central theme revolves around Ivan Lomov’s intent to propose to Natalya Stepanovna. A string of misunderstandings and humorous confrontations, including arguments about dogs and land, are started by Lomov’s visit. Chubukov’s support and Natalya’s responses in the play highlight how important the proposal is to the plot’s development.

Question. To what end does the playwright employ Lomov’s palpitations in the play?
Answer: Lomov’s palpitations play a main role in the play. In the first scene, his palpitations are used to show his excitement and nervousness. Later on, his heart’s weakness is used to terminate the heated argument over Oxen meadows. Finally, the playwright ends the play by showing that the palpitations can extend to an almost heart attack situation.

Question. Why do you think Natalya Stepanova asked her father to call Lomov back when she heard that he had come with a proposal?
Answer: The play highlights the tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families. Lomov was a wealthy neighbour of Natalya with a lot of real estate. Moreover, Natalya was already 25, an age suitable for marriage. She was a lovesick cat and wanted to get married to a rich man.

Question. 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: The play highlights the money-minded people of Russian society. Chubukov called Lomov a merchant and Natalya is referred to as his goods that he will take away with him after their marriage.

Question. 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 do not agree with the above statement. They were arguing to show off their richness and superior choice over the other. Dog owners carry a status respective to their dog’s breed. The maintenance of high breed dogs is a pricey issue and a status symbol among elite people of society.

Question. Provide a brief insight into what Lomov and Natalya’s married life might look like.
Answer: Both of them are quarrelsome people. They can easily enter into an argument over money matters. They will discuss and argue over petty issues even after their marriage.

Question. “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: According to the given statement, they had a cordial relationship as neighbours. They were pretending to be polite and respectful towards each other. But, in reality, they considered themselves to be superior to the other. They despised each other to the extent that they laughed upon each other’s family members by calling funny names and made fun of them by various ways.

Question. Do you think Chubukov is a good father? Justify your opinion based on your reading of the text.
Answer: According to the text, Chubukov is a good father. He is ready to do anything for his daughter’s will. He had an argument with Lomov over the ownership of oxen meadows. Still, he forgets everything when his daughter cries and asked him to bring Lomov back. He is ready to get her married to a man of her choice.

Question. 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 tells you about Lomov.
Answer: The first statement shows that Lomov is on the lookout for a suitable bride for himself to get married. Whereas the second statement implies that Lomov is considering marriage for himself and Natalya.
It tells us that Lomov is well aware of the fact that he would not get a perfect match as he was already 35. He should compromise at certain points. This shows his urgency of marriage.

Question. How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage?
Answer: Chubukov was very happy when Lomov asked for his daughter’s land in marriage. He was rather overjoyed and blessed him. He kissed and embraced him.

Question. How does the argument about Oxen Meadows start?
Answer: Both Lomov and Natalya are argumentative in nature. Both of them claim for Oxen Meadows. Natalya is of the opinion that she owns the Oxen Meadows whereas Lomov insists that the Oxen Meadows belong to him. Thus, the argument starts between both of them.

Question. Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov’s arrival?
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Why does Chubukov suspect Lomov when he comes to his house?
Answer: Chubukov suspects that Lomov may be going somewhere as he wears formal dress. When Lomov explains that he has come seeking help, Chubukov suspects that he has come to borrow money.

Question. Why does Lomov wish to propose to Natalya?
Answer: Lomov wishes to propose to Natalya because he is in love with her and wants to marry her. He tells her that their families know each other for a long period. He thinks that she is a good housekeeper.

Question. How did Chubukov react when Lomov told him that he had come to propose to his daughter, Natalya?
Answer: When Lomov told Chubukov that he had come to propose to his daughter, Natalya, Chubukov was very glad to hear of the proposal. He embraced and kissed Lomov. He said that he had been hoping for it for a long time. With a wistful smile, Chubukov said, ‘I’ve always loved you my angel; as if you were my son. May God give you and Natalya his love and help, and so on!’

Question. Who is Lomov? Why does he visit Chubukov?
Answer: Lomov is the long-time wealthy neighbour of Stepan Chubukov. He is a romantic hero of thirty-five, crazy to seek the hand of Natalya, Chubukov’s daughter.
Lomov visits Chubukov because he wanted to ask Chubukov for his daughter Natalya’s hand in marriage. So he came in a formal dress to propose marriage.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!”
Explain what this line conveys about Chubukov as a father.
Answer: Here Chubukov, the father of Natalya, is the speaker of the above line. He considers himself the most unhappy man in the world.
In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal: Chubukov is a landowner with feudal mindset. He is better described as a shrewd landowner and a businesslike father than a sensible one. He looks at marriage as an economic settlement rather than a personal desire. Chubukov is the father of a grown up daughter Natalya. Chubukov thinks her daughter a liability and wants her to get married soon. Though he does not welcome Lomov cordially, his address is full of tender words. He is happy with Lomov’s proposal as it will offer him a permanent relief. This attitude can be found in almost every patriarchal family in our time too.
Thus it clearly appears from his behavioural aspects that Chubukov is out and out a matter of fact father with lack of personality and very little sensible concerns.

Question. Based on your understanding of the Play, ‘The Proposal’, what do you think of relationships?
Prepare a speech draft on relationships based on Natalya’s and Anne Frank’s characters.
You may begin this way.
Good morning everyone.
Relationships are the bond between two people based on mutual likes, understanding, need or love. I’d like to discuss relationships as portrayed in the two texts .....
You may end this way
To conclude, I’d like to say that .....
Thank you,
Answer: Relationships are the bond between two people based on mutual likes, understanding, need, or love. I’d like to discuss relationships as portrayed in the two texts, “The Proposal” and “from the Diary of Anne Frank.” In “The Proposal,” we see the character of Natalya, who embodies the complexities of romantic relationships. Natalya’s interactions with her suitor, Lomov, highlight the sometimes absurd and comical nature of courtship. However, beneath the surface, Natalya’s behavior also reflects deeper issues such as pride, insecurity, and societal expectations. Through Natalya’s character, we are reminded that relationships can be fraught with misunderstandings and challenges, yet they also have the potential to bring joy and fulfillment when based on genuine affection and understanding.

Question. 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: The Proposal play was written in the late nineteenth century. Through this play we can clearly visualise the tendency of wealthy families to marry their son or daughter in other rich families. Because this type of family bonding increased their real estates and brought them chances of economic growth.
It is evident from the play that Lomov and Natalya enter into an argument even if they talk of simple things. They are not attracted towards each other still they agree to marry just because they share the same financial status. Their disagreement about dog’s breed shows to the readers that they can stoop down to the lowest level to show off their riches and status.

Question. 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.
Answer: (a) To find a bride like Natalya, lomov would include the following points in his matrimonial advertisement –
A tall and average looking boy of high rank who earns more than 500 pounds a year. Having inherited many real estates and owns a magnificent house. He is looking for a suitable bride of equal status, not more than 35 years of age, well educated and should be an excellent housekeeper.
(b) From the above advertisement, Chubukov would shortlist the points that matter to him the most, like, financial status, monthly income, real estates’ net worth. If he finds everything matches with his own status, he would be ready to marry off his daughter Natalya with the advertiser.

Question. Natalya and Ivan argued about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their respective dogs in the play, The Proposal. Imagine yourself as the playwright of the play. Based on your understanding of the personality traits of Natalya and Ivan, write a dialogue based on an imaginary event, showcasing another argument between them.
Answer: Natalya enters Ivan’s house furious.
Natalya : Your dogs have ruined my meadow. Why are you letting them loose?
Ivan : My dogs are in my compound. How do you know it was my dogs, and not anybody else’s, that ruined your meadow?
Natalya : It happened in the middle of the night. I heard the cows mooing when the dogs entered the meadow, and woke up.
Ivan : You should have shooed them away. Why didn’t you?
Natalya : Before I came out into the meadow, they ran away. They were frightened by the cow mooing. Next time, ensure you tie your dogs to a pole before going to bed. Now, you ensure that my meadow is cleaned up.
She storms out of his house in anger.

Question. Among neighbours we should have cordial relations and not lose our temper. How do Natalya and Lomov lose their temper on trivial issues?
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Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have Describe the first fight between them.
Answer: Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have. Although he had come there to propose Natalya, he started fighting with her over a small piece of land. This land adjoined her land and his Oxen meadows touched her Birch woods. Lomov tried to explain that the meadows belonged to her but Lomov claimed that the Oxen meadows are his. He further tried to convince Natalya by telling her that his aunt’s grandmother gave the meadows for the temporary and free use to Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. They did not demand money for it for a longtime so the Chubukov’s misunderstood that the meadows belonged to them. While Chubukov insisted that yelling could not prove anything because everyone knows that those meadows belonged to Chubukov since last three hundred years. Both threatened each other.

Question. Arguments and disputes seldom solve a problem. Describe the dispute between Natalya and Lomov over the dogs and their superiority.
Answer: Natalya and Lomov were argumentative in nature. They fought over trivial issues without realising that arguments and disputes seldom solve a problem. They fought the superiority of their dogs-Squeezer and Guess. Squeezer was called to be an overshot and a bad hunter whereas Natalya called Guess a lame dog. It was difficult for both of them to accept the other’s bad statement. Both were sure that their dogs were well-bred and good hunters. But all this was incorrect. One must realise that silly arguments should never come in the way of matrimony. It is only tolerance and acceptance that paves the way towards a good relationship.

Question. 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 one-act play, ‘The Proposal’ Chekov has used humour and exaggeration in order to create a ridiculous situation. It is a farce in which Chekov employs highly exaggerated or caricatured types of characters like Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov in the play. The play is about neighbours, Chubukov, her daughter Natalya and Lomov, who quarreled over petty issues such a ownership of the land, Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their dogs. They were stubborn and rigid but humane too. In fact, the play focuses on the tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families, which was the prevailing Russian wedding culture in Chekov’s times. Hence, in this play, this economic sense evokes and ensures that the proposal is made, after all. Although the quarrelling perhaps continues.

Question. On what issues did Lomov and Natalya quarrel? What does their quarrel reveal about them?
Answer: Lomov and Natalya quarrelled over two controversial issues. First issue deals with their point of controversy over the ownership of their land, Oxen Meadows. Lomov argues that his aunt’s grandmother had given the free use of the Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather for forty years. But, the peasants thought that they were owners of the land. Second issue of controversy is regarding the superiority of their pet dogs, Guess and Squeezer. When Lomov praises his dog, Guess, Natalya tries to prove her dog Squeezer better than his dog. Natalya argues that Squeezer is a thoroughbred animal. Lomov’s dog Guess is old and short. So, there is a heated argument between them. The quarrel between Lomov and Natalya reveals that both of them are quarrelsome and short-tempered. Basically, the quarrel is based on petty issues, but the sweet marriage proposal is made after all, which ensures economic good sense.

Extract Based Questions

1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
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.

Question. 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.
Answer: (d) He is in love with Natalya.

Question. 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.
Answer: 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.

Question. 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.
Answer: (b) A soliloquy is a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.

Question. If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on, while modulating his voice?
Answer: The actor would be required to convey Lomov’s nervousness and excitement through his voice modulation.

2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
CHUBUKOV : And that blind hen, yes, that turnip ghost has the confounded cheek to make a proposal, and so on!
NATALYA : What proposal?
CHUBUKOV : Why, he came here to propose to you.
NATALYA : To propose? To me? Why didn’t you tell me so before?

Question. Identify Natalya’s reaction at this point in the play.
Answer: shock and anger

Question. What made Natalya react so sharply to her father’s words? Explain the irony in her words. Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: Natalya had been overly critical of Lomov’s claims and had mocked him unsparingly without displaying even basic civil behaviour to her neighbour. But the moment she learned about the marriage proposal, she took a U-turn and took her father to task.

Question. State TRUE or FALSE. None of the descriptions (a)-(d) 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.
(d) A dialogue is the exchange of spoken words between two or more characters in a book, play, or other written work.
Answer: False (description (d) correctly corresponds to the extract.)

Question. If an actor were to enact this extract, what would he be required to focus on, while modulating his voice?
Answer: An actor while modulating his voice to enact this extract should pay attention to his pitch and pauses.

3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
“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 got accustomed to it as if it was their own, when it happened that.....

Question. 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 options
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)

Question. 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.
Answer: 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.

Question. 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 options
Answer: (c) None of the options

Question. Why did his aunt’s grandmother give the meadows?
Answer: 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.

4. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
NATALYA : No you’re simply joking, or making fun of me. What a surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I can’t stand unfairness.
LOMOV : Hear me out, I implore you! The peasants of your father’s grandfather, as I have already had the honour of explaining to you, used to make bricks for my aunt’s grandmother, wishing to make them a pleasant ...

Question. Which of the facts given below is the most accurate explanation to complete the statement: Natalya told Lomov that he was simply joking or making fun of her because _____.
(a) Chabukovs’ land extended to Burnt Marsh which included Oxen Meadows.
(b) he claimed that Oxen Meadows was his ancestral property.
(c) he declared that his land extended to Burnt Marsh.
(d) Oxen Meadows had belonged to Natalya’s mother for generations.
Answer: (a) Chabukovs’ land extended to Burnt Marsh which included Oxen Meadows.

Question. Why were the Meadows not worth fighting or arguing over between the neighbours? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer: Natalya and Lomov had been quarrelling over the ownership of Oxen Meadows when suddenly Natalya took a U-turn and admitted to the reality that the Meadows were not worth fighting or arguing over as they only came to five dessiatins and were worth perhaps 300 roubles only.

Question. Read the following descriptions (a)-(c) and identify which one correctly corresponds to the extract given to you for analysis.
(a) The extract is a debate usually with two or more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
(b) The extract is a soliloquy or a speech given by a character alone on stage, which reveals their innermost thoughts and feelings to the audience.
(c) The extract is an argument or an exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.
Answer: (c) The extract is an argument or an exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.

Question. On the basis of your understanding of the extract, which common character traits are exhibited by both Natalya and Lomov?
Answer: Both Natalya and Lomov are obstinate and argumentative by nature.