CBSE Class 10 English The Proposal Important Questions Set 03

Extract Based Questions

Extract 1

(a). What was the tone Chubukov spoke in when he said “What’s that? What did you say”?
1. Questioning 2. Joking
3. Confused 4. Surprised
5. Playful
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (3), and (4)
(d) (2) and (5)
Answer: (c) (1), (3), and (4)

(b). Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) Shan’t give them up
(2) Then I’ll show you!
(a) (1) is true and (2) false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) further relates to (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
Answer: (c) (2) further relates to (1).

(c). Which word below best matches ‘pettifogger’?
(a) An honest, underhanded lawyer.
(b) A sneaky, underhanded lawyer.
(c) A stealthy lawyer.
(d) A good straight forward lawyer.
Answer: (b) A sneaky, underhanded lawyer.

(d). Select the option to indicate meaning of Embezzlement.
(a) Compensation
(b) Reimbursement
(c) Returns
(d) Misappropriation of funds
Answer: (d) Misappropriation of funds

(e). From the options given below, identify the person Lomov is accusing for ‘misappropriation of funds’.
(a) His Grandfather
(b) Chubukov
(c) Natalya
(d) Chubukov’s grandfather
Answer: (d) Chubukov’s grandfather

Extract 2

(a). ‘He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him’ who said these words to whom and whom were they referring to?
1. Lomov to Chubukov referring the dog.
2. Chubukov to Natalya referring the dog.
3. Natalya to Chubukov referring the dog.
4. Chubukov to Lomov referring the dog.
5. Lomov to Natalya referring the dog.
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) Only (5)
(d) (2) and (5)
Answer: (c) Only (5)

(b). Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him.
(2) As for Squeezer, well, it’s too funny to agree.
(a) (1) is true and (2) false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) further relates to (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
Answer: (a) (1) is true and (2) false.

(c). Select the option which displays an example of ‘- Old’ in the context of this extract.
(a) The actress looked gorgeous dressed in a latest outfit.
(b) The elderly man was sitting in the park.
(c) The little boy dressed in jazzy clothes danced on stage.
(d) The young gymnast did a stunning act.
Answer: (b) The elderly man was sitting in the park.

(d). What are roubles?
(a) Monetary unit of China.
(b) Monetary unit of Japan.
(c) Monetary unit of Russia.
(d) Monetary unit of Germany.
Answer: (c) Monetary unit of Russia.

(e). From the options given below, what would you understand by the term ‘handsome’ in the context of this extract?
(a) Stunning
(b) Striking
(c) Moderately large
(d) Meagre
Answer: (c) Moderately large

Extract 3

(a). Who is the speaker here ? Who is he talking to?
Answer: The above lines are spoken by Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov in response to the proposal for his daughter, Natalya Stepanovna by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.

(b). Why does the speaker shed a tear ?
Answer: The tear shed here has no significance. Chubukov is merely feigning emotions because to him, the marriage proposal is simply an opportunity to extend their estates.

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has 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. (NCERT)
Answer: Chubukov suspected that Lomov has come for borrowing money from him. No, he was not sincere because he relaxed only on knowing that he had got a son-in-law. He had always wanted to see his daughter Natalya get married to Lomov. So he, at once changed his tactics.

Question 2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “... as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad she’s like a lovesick cat ...” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer. (NCERT)
Answer: Yes, Natalya is in love with Lomov. Because when she comes to know that Lomov has come to propose her, she realises her mistake and requests her father to call Lomov back. She becomes restless and wants to accept the proposal of Lomov.

Question 3. What makes Chubukov misunderstand the purpose of Lomov’s visit?
Answer: Lomov had come to visit Chubukov’s house. He didn’t reveal his purpose of coming directly. Chubukov misunderstands that Lomov had come to borrow money from him and he had come to trouble him with a request for help.

Question 4. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal evening dress when Lomov comes to meet him?
Answer: Chubukov is surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal evening dress as there was no formal occasion known to him. He asked Lomov if he was going somewhere in such a nice dress. Lomov told him that he had come to his house to propose Natalya.

Question 5. Chubukov says to Lomov, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son.” Is he sincere in saying so? Give reasons.
Answer: Chubukov says to Lomov, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son.” No, he is not sincere in saying so. He didn’t have a good opinion about him. He thought that he had come there to ask for some money. He changed his stand only when he came to know that Lomov wanted to marry Natalya, his daughter. It was something that Chubukov always wanted.

Question 6. What was Lomov’s opinion about Squeezer?
Answer: Lomov’s opinion about Squeezer was not positive. He considered Squeezer a bad hunter. Lomov was sure that dog’s lower jaw was shorter than the upper one. He thought it to be of inferior quality.

Question 7. With what request does Lomov come to Chubukov? What is his state of mind at that time?
Answer: Lomov came to Chubukov to request him to allow him to propose to his daughter Natalya. At that time he was suffering from weakness. His limbs became numb. Whenever he was excited, his heart started palpitating. His foot often became numb and he was unable to bear the shock in life.

Question 8. Why did Chubukov thank Lomov for proposing to his daughter?
Answer: Chubukov was overjoyed to know that Lomov wanted to propose to his daughter Natalya. He thanked him for taking this decision. He was happy as Natalya had passed the marriage age and he wanted to get relieved of his responsibility.

Question 9. Why was Chubukov sure that Natalya would give her consent for the proposal?
Answer: Chubukov was sure that Natalya would give her consent for the proposal because Natalya was in love with Lomov. Therefore, she would give her consent for the marriage proposal. Moreover, she wanted to get married.

Question 10. What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?
Answer: Lomov is suffering from the palpitation. He felt weakness or depression. His limbs become numb. Whenever he is excited his heart starts palpitating. His foot often becomes numb and he is unable to bear the shock in life.

Question 11. Whose dog turns out to be superior? How?
Answer: Lomov and Natalya are not able to decide whose dog is superior as Natalya is proud of her dog, Squeezer who is young and belongs to a pedigree, whereas Lomov considers it to be overshot and boasts of his pet ‘Guess’ who he thinks is a first-rate dog. But Natalya considers ‘Guess’ to be old and as ugly as a worn out cab horse.

Question 12. What was the objective of Lomov’s visit to Chubukov’s house? (CBSE 2022)
Answer: Lomov wanted to marry Chubukov’s daughter Natalya. He was in love with Natalya. He had already crossed the age of marriage and was very anxious to get married. So he came to Chubukov’s house to ask Natalya’s hand in marriage.

Question 13. How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage? (All India 2019)
Answer: Chubukov was extremely happy to hear it. It was exactly what he wanted. He embraced and kissed Lomov. He called him ‘darling’ and ‘angel’. He told Lomov that he had been hoping it for a long time.

Question 14. Describe Oxen Meadows. How were they a bone of contention between Lomov’s and Natalya’s family?
Answer: Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov are neighbours. A piece of land known as Oxen Meadows becomes a bone of contention between the two families. Both of them claim their ownerships over the Meadows. Lomov says that Oxen Meadows were given to Chubukov’s peasants for free use. They were to make bricks for the Lomovs. The Chubokovs contest this claim of Lomov.

Question 15. Why does Lomov say that Chubukov is not a good neighbour but a land-grabber?
Answer: Lomov has his reasons to think that Chubukov is not a good neighbour but a land-grabber. His aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows for ‘temporary’ and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. He doesn’t intend to give up his claim over the Meadows. Good neighbours don’t behave like that. Only landgrabbers behave in this fashion.

Question 16. Describe the physical condition and health of Lomov.
Answer: Lomov is thirty-five years old. He doesn’t enjoy a good health. He gets easily excited. He suffers from palpitations. His feet are benumbed. He can’t express himself like a calm and composed man. He can’t bear too much tension and excitement. He throws himself down in an armchair and becomes unconscious soon. Only when water is sprinkled over his face, he comes to senses.

Question 17. Give in brief the character-sketch of Lomov.
Answer: Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five. He suffers from palpitations, cramps and benumbness of limbs. He is nervous and can’t speak and act like a calm and composed man. He comes to Natalya’s house with a proposal of marriage but soon forgets the real purpose of his visit. He picks up unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and on their respective dogs.

Question 18. Who are Lomov and Chubukov and how are they related to each other?
Answer: Lomov and Chubukov are landlords. They are neighbours too. According to Lomov, he has been coming to Chubukov for help. Chubukov has helped him even earlier. There seems to be a dispute over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Each one claims that the land belongs to him. Lomov is interested in marrying Chubukov’s daughter, Natalya and considers her a suitable match for her.

Question 19. Why does Lomov come to Chubukov? How does Chubukov react to his visit?
Answer: Lomov, a landlord, pays a visit to Chubukov. The purpose of his visit is quite clear. He has come with a proposal of marriage. He is interested in marrying Natalya, who he considers a good housekeeper and not bad looking. Chubukov misunderstands the purpose of Lomov’s visit. He thinks that he has come to borrow money from him. However, when he comes to know that Lomov has come with a marriage proposal, he is overjoyed and excited.

Question 20. Why does Lomov think that he should not be alone but marry a suitable woman like Natalya?
Answer: Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five years. He thinks that it is a critical age. He should now think of leading a peaceful and regular married life. Natalya, the daughter of a rich landlord and neighbour Chubukov, can be a suitable life-partner for him. Lomov thinks that Natalya is an excellent housekeeper. Moreover, she is educated and not bad-looking. All these qualities qualify Natalya as an ideal life-partner for him.

Question 21. Why do both the families of Lomovs and Chubukovs claim the ownership of Oxen Meadows?
Answer: Oxen Meadows become a bone of contention between the two families. Lomov thinks that Oxen Meadows that touch the birch forest of Chubukov, belong to him. His aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather. In return, they were to make bricks for them. Natalya opposes it by saying that their land extends to Burnt Marsh. It means that Oxen Meadows belong to them.

Question 22. How does Natalya react when she comes to know that Lomov has come to make a marriage proposal to her?
Answer: Chubukov and Natalya indulge in all sorts of abuses and insults for Lomov. However, Chubukov discloses the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. She comes to know that Lomov has come there with a proposal of marrying her. She grows hysterical. She blames her father for not telling it before. She cries to bring him back. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought back.

Question 23. What happens when Lomov is thought to be almost dead?
Answer: Lomov has come with a proposal of marrying Natalya. When he falls down unconscious in an armchair, both Natalya and Chubukov are unnerved and worried. She starts crying thinking him dead. Chubukov calls for a doctor. He threatens to shoot himself or cut his throat. When Lomov comes to senses, Chubukov grabs the opportunity and blesses them for a happy married life.

Question 24. What opinion of Chubukov do you form after reading ‘The Proposal’?
Answer: Chubukov is a rich landlord and a neighbour of Lomov. He is short-tempered and rash in behaviour. He wants Lomov to be married to Natalya. But he forgets the main issue and joins the quarrels between Lomov and Natalya. He adds only fuel to the fire. He can be abusive and insulting. However, he grabs the opportunity and blesses Natalya and Lomov in the end.

Question 25. Justify the title of the play, ‘The Proposal’. Or What is the theme or the message of ‘The Proposal’?
Answer: Anton Chekov has aptly titled the play, ‘The Proposal’. The title justifies the main theme – the marriage of Natalya and Lomov. No doubt, both Lomov and Natalya want to be life partners. However, unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and their dogs Squeezer and Guess temporarily spoil their game. The message is very clear. The main issue must not be clouded and lost sight of by indulging in unnecessary and avoidable quarrels.

Question 26. Besides Oxen Meadows, what is the other important cause of quarrel between Lomov and Natalya?
Answer: Natalya and Lomov — already quarrelled — ownership of Oxen Meadows. Now crops up a fresh cause of their quarrel — over their dogs, Squeezer and Guess. Natalya thinks — Squeezer is a thoroughbred animal — far better than his dog, Guess. Natalya calls Guess an old and a worthless dog — quarrel continues even after they are married.

Question 27. How does Chubukov react when Lomov comes to senses?
Answer: Lomov’s unconsciousness unnerves both Chubukov and his daughter, Natalya — is thought to be dead — Chubukov thinks — a golden opportunity has been lost — thinks of shooting himself or cutting his throat — Lomov comes to senses — Chubukov doesn’t lose the opportunity — cries, “Hurry up and get married!” — at once blesses both of them.

Question 28. What opinion do you form of Natalya after reading the play, ‘The Proposal’?
Answer: Natalya — a woman of twenty-five years — Lomov considers her a good housekeeper and not bad-looking — She likes to get married with Lomov — However, she indulges in unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and dogs — even insults Lomov with harsh words. However, good sense prevails upon her and she doesn’t lose the opportunity of marrying Lomov.

Question 29. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal dress when he comes to meet him?
Answer: Ivan Lomov — well dressed. He comes to visit Chubukov — Chubukov notices his dress — surprised to see Lomov wearing a dress-jacket and white gloves — Lomov in a formal evening dress. It appears as if he were paying a New Year’s Eve visit — later on, Chubukov comes to know — Lomov has come in that formal dress only with a proposal for marriage.

Question 30. How does Lomov speak warmly of Chubukov’s family in the beginning? Why does he change his stand?
Answer: In the beginning — Lomov speaks warmly about Chubukov’s family — reminds Natalya — he knows the Chubukovs since his childhood — His aunt and uncle too had a great respect for her family — Both the families have been most friendly and close neighbours — Lomov — changes his opinion about the Chubukovs — he picks up a quarrel with Natalya and Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.

Question 31. Why does Natalya think that Lomov’s behaviour is strange and he is simply joking and making fun of her?
Answer: Natalya — thinks Lomov’s behaviour is quite strange — only joking and making fun of her — claims they have Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years — suddenly told that it is not theirs — It is strange that Lomov is making a present of the Meadows to them which are not owned by him — unlike a good neighbour and a friend.

Question 32. Compare Lomov and Natalya in terms of their stubbornness and pride.
Answer: Both Lomov and Natalya share a strong sense of pride in their families and their own integrity. Both are unwilling to back down from their positions, which leads to stubborn and heated arguments. Their stubbornness and pride fuel the conflict between them, first over the ownership of the Oxen Meadows and then over their dogs.

Question 33. The play is a powerful example of ‘forgive and forget’ to maintain cordial relationships with others. Justify.
Answer: Initially, Lomov, Natalya and Chubukov fought over petty issues, putting important matters aside. When Natalya learnt that Lomov had come to propose to her, she dropped the quarrel over the Oxen Meadows, asked Lomov to forgive them and even conceded that the Meadows were his. This shows that one has to ‘forgive and forget’ to maintain cordial relationships.

Question 34. Lomov’s proposal to Natalya is driven by practical considerations rather than genuine affection. Elaborate.
Answer: Lomov wanted to marry Natalya mainly because he had turned thirty-five and was still unmarried. He suffered from palpitations and needed a quiet, regular life with someone to take care of him. He considered Natalya an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking and well-educated, rather than someone he loved.

Question 35. Do you think Chubukov is a good father? Justify your opinion based on your reading of the text.
Answer: No, I don’t think Chubukov is a good father, because he considered his daughter Natalya a burden rather than a responsibility. He was desperate to get Natalya married. Even when he saw Lomov and Natalya arguing terribly, he was ready to get them married. Also, when Lomov proposed, Chubukov gave his consent on Natalya’s behalf.

Question 36. What idea do you form about Russian weddings from the statement that Chubukov made: “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods”?
Answer: The statement shows that in Chekhov’s time, Russians saw marriage as a business deal that could enhance their economic and social status. Marriages were not based on love or respect but on material considerations. Thus Chubukov called Lomov a ‘merchant’ who had come for his ‘goods’, that is, Natalya.