CBSE Class 10 English The Proposal Worksheet Set B

Character Sketch

Natalya:
Natalya is talkative and short-tempered. She is very much concerned about her family’s honour and land. She is argumentative also. She argues with Lomov about the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of her dog Squeezer. She is very keen to get married.

Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov:
Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov is a landowner. He has a helping nature towards Lomov. He loves his daughter and plays the role of a good father. He is in search of a good match for his daughter. He is a good selector of words. He calls Lomov my angel, treasure, etc. This shows his cunningness. When Chubukov finds Lomov fighting with Natalya, he immediately changes and starts to support his daughter. He uses many ill words for Lomov and tells him to leave his house.

Multiple Choice Questions 

Question. What request did Chubukov think Lomov would make?
(a) ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage
(b) borrow money
(c) borrow land
(d) all of the above
Answer. B

Question. Who does Chubukov call a ‘‘lovesick cat’’?
(a) Lomov
(b) himself
(c) his maid
(d) Natalya
Answer. D

Question. Where do Lomov and Natalya get on the wrong foot?
(a) While talking about the weather
(b) While talking about their land
(c) While talking about their family relations
(d) While the proposal
Answer. B

Question. What is Lomov’s side of justification about the land?
(a) their land extended till Burnt Marsh
(b) his grandmother always talked about it
(c) his grandmother gave it to her great grandfather’s peasants
(d) both 1 and 2
Answer. C

Question. What did Chubukov had to say about the land?
(a) they were his
(b) They were Lomov’s
(c) they were still disputed
(d) they belong to none of them
Answer. A

Short Answer Questions : 

Question. Why is Lomov anxious to marry Natalya?
Answer. Lomov wants to settle the question of his marriage at once. He thinks that now he should not delay. He thinks about Natalya. She is a skilled house-keeper. She is educated and is not bad to look at. At this age, he should not expect a better girl than her. He is suffering from some serious diseases.Because of these reasons. He is anxious to marry Natalya.

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

Question. Describe Lomov’s first meeting with Natalya.
Answer. Lomov goes to his neighbour Chubukov’s house to ask for the hand of his daughter Natalya. He is in a fix how to make the marriage proposal. He talks in a roundabout manner. He makes a mention of his meadows which touch their birchwoods. At this, a quarrel ensues between them over the ownership rights the meadows.

Question. 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. Why do you think. Natalya Stepanovna asked her father to call Lomov back when she heard that he had come with a proposal?
Answer. 'Mien Natalya heard that Lomov had come to their house to propose her for marriage, she asked her father to call him back because Natalya was too desperate to get married. She was Tovesick cat' and wanted; someone to propose to her.
 

Question. Provide a brief insight into what Lomov and Natalya's married Life might Look like.
Answer. Lomov and Natalya's married life would be filled with Loads of disagreements and arguments. They would spend their Lives in proving their own family's superiority over the other person's.
 

Question. How is the quarrel over Oxen meadows settled at last?
Answer. When Natalya realises that Lomov has come to propose to her, she agrees that the Oxen
Meadows are indeed Lomov's property and that is how the Oxen Meadow's matter is settled.
 

Question. How does Lomov come to Chudakov's house? For what does he come? Haw is he received?
Answer. Lomov comes to Chubukov s house in a formal dress with gloves on. He comes to propose to Chubukov's daughter Natalya for marriage.
He is received courteously and respectfully by Chubukov.
 

Question. Why did Lomov want to get married to Natalya?
Answer. Lomov was a thirty-five-year old unmarried man. He wasn't getting a perfect match for himsetf. But Looking at his advancing age and ailments, he decided to compromise and proposing to Natalya Lomov also thought Natalya to be fairly good-looking, well - educated and a good housekeeper.
 

Question. Why does Chubukov go and call Lomov back?
Answer. Natalya quarrels with Lomov and throws him out of the house. But when she learns that he has come to propose to her, she sends her father to call him bock
 

Question. Chubukov and NataLya chased Lomov away from their house by arguing with him. But when Natalya eame to know about the reason behind Lomov's coming, she asked her father to bring him back. Imagine yourself as the playwright of the play and write an imaginary conversation between Natalya and her father if Lomov wouldn't have returned back with the proposal
Answer. NataLya: (angrily) Papa! Why haven’t you told me that he has come with a proposal of marriage for me? O God! I missed the opportunity to get married to a rich gentleman because of you. Chubukov: Natalya! Don't forget that it wos you who had chased him away by your silly arguments over "Oxen Meadows'.
Natalya: No way! It was you papa. You hurled abuses at him and his family. Why would he marry a daughter of a quarrelsome man?
Chubukov: Shut up! Everybody knows that you are a quarrelsome lady. How many times have
I told you to control your anger and behave nicely with people? You missed a chance to get married yet again.
Natalya: Alas! I missed such a wonderful proposal papa.
 

Question. Chubukov says of Natalya: — as if she won't consent! She's in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat™ Would you agree? And reasons for your answer.
Answer. No, I wouldn't agree that Natalya was in Love.
The way she quarrels with Lomov and even kicks him out of the house suggests that what her father says to Lomov is not true.

Question. How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage?
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Short Answer Type Questions-II 

Question. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Why did Lomov go to the house of Chubukov ? 
Answer. Lomov, a rich bachelor, went to the house of Chubukov to propose Natalya, the daughter of Chubukov, for marriage. Though Lomov was not in love with her but he felt that she was a good housekeeper, beautiful and well educated. He also felt it was time he should settle down.

Question. 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?
Answer. Chubukov says to Lomov, “And I’ve always loved you, muy angel, as if you were my own son.” But he is not sincere in saying so. Chubukov didn’t have a good opinion about Lomov. 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. What do you learn about Natalya from the play, ‘The Proposal’ ?
Answer. Natalya is the only daughter of the landowner Chubukov. She was very possessive about her land and was very determined not to part with it. She was a short tempered lady who used to quarrel with anyone very often. She always pinpointed the amount of help she had offered to her neighbours. Though well educated, she did not use her education wisely and thoughtfully.

Question. How does the argument about Oxen Meadows start?
Answer. Lomov was very nervous to propose to Natalya, so instead of proposing to her, he starts talking about the harvest and how his Oxen Meadows touch Natalya’s Birchwoods. Hearing him claim the ownership of Oxen meadows, Natalya gets enraged and says that they only belong to their family. She claims that his aunt’s grandmother gave them these Meadows to use for free in return of some favour. She further says that they have had them for nearly 300 years even though they are worth 300 roubles.

Question. NATALYA: Yes, yes… they’re ours. LOMOV: No, you’re mistaken, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, they’re mine. NATALYA: Just think, Ivan Vassilevitch! How long have they been yours? LOMOV: How long? As long as I can remember. NATALYA: Really, you won’t get me to believe that! LOMOV: But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna.
(a) What are the speakers talking about?
(b) What has been the initial topic of conversation?
Answer. (a) The speakers, Natalya and Lomov are talking about Owen Meadows lying in between Natalya’s property’s birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh.
(b) The conversation had been started by Lomov and he wanted to propose to Natalya for marriage. The topic had not cropped up and they began fighting over Owen Meadows.

Question. How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage? 
Answer. Chubukov was extremely cheerful and excited when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage. he embraced and kissed Lomov on his forehead and shed tears of joy. He exclaimed with happiness that it was his heartfelt desire. he was of the opinion that Lomov would turn out to be the perfect match for his daughter, so he showered his blessings upon Lomov after hearing this.

Long Answer Questions : 

Question. Describe the incidents of humour in the play, ‘The Proposal’?
Answer. ‘The Proposal’ is certainly a humorous play. The very entry of Lomov in a formal I dress and the way Chubukov greets calling him ‘darling’, ‘my treasure’ or ‘my beauty’ make one laugh. Marriage proposal, supposed to be romantic turns to be humorous as the way Natalya and Lomov indulge in arguments over petty issues like ownership of Oxen Meadows and superiority of dogs makes the play humorous. The critical terms that the characters I use for each other like a scarecrow, turnip ghost, blind hen, stuffed sausage, etc., force one to laugh. The hysterical fit of Natalya when she comes to know about the proposal and the wailing of father and daughter when they think Lomov is dead create immense humour. Finally, the way Natalya puts her hand in Loom’s under continuous arguments indicating acceptance of the proposal is really humorous. Thus we see that the whole play is replete with humour, making it a humorous play.

Question.”The way Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov fought over petty issues is against the behaviour and mannerisms of good neighbours.” Comment. What would you have done to resolve the issue? (If you were in the place of Chubukov)
Answer. Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. But instead of proposing they started fighting over petty issues like oxen meadows and quality of dogs.
This is not the quality of good neighbours. Neighbours should live like friends. There should be a positive relationship between the two neighbours.
There should be understanding and patience among neighbours. The fight between Looms and Chubukovs could have been avoided if handled carefully. The issue of meadows could be resolved calmly and quietly by a good conversation. There must have been some documents showing the ownership of the meadows or both the parties could be convinced by making them understand that if they got married, the meadows will belongs to both of them.

Similarly, the issues of dog could be solved instead of counting the negative points of each other’s dogs. They can discuss the positive features of the dogs. Thus the issues could be resolved.

Question. Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian landlord. Instead of solving the problems, he only adds fuel into the fire in their quarrel over Oxen Meadows and the dogs. Justify the statement.
Answer. Chubukov represents a typical rich landlord of 19th century Russia. He seems to be fairly rich and resourceful. Even his neighbour Lornov acknowledges the frequent help rendered to him by Chubukov. He lands his threshing machine to Lomov. On account of this help, he has to put off their own threshing till November. Chubukov is quite practical. He knows that Lomov can be a good match for his daughter Natalya. So, he at once gives his assent to Lomov’s proposal of marrying her. Actually, he has been waiting for such a proposal for a long time. Chubukov is a landlord and can’t resist his hunger for land. He opposes the claim of Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He even threatens to send his mowers out to the Meadows.
Chubukov can be quite quarrelsome, abusing and insulting. He always sides with his daughter. He picks up a quarrel on Oxen Meadows. He calls Lomov “a land grabber” and “villain”. He abuses his grandfather of being a “drunkard” and his father a ‘gambler’. He jumps into the quarrel and adds only fuel to the fire. However, Chubukov is a great opportunity. He grabs the opportunity the moment Lomov comes into the senses. He makes Natalya kiss and embrace Lomov and gets them married.

Question. How and why does Lomov go to Chubukov’s house? How does Chubukov react to his visit?
Answer. Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years old. He is a neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. He is at a critical age when he thinks he should get married. He wants to lead a peaceful and regular married life. He sees in Chubukov’s daughter Natalya an ideal life-companion. He thinks she is a good housekeeper, educated and not bad-looking. He comes to Chubukov’s house with a proposal of marriage. Naturally, he is formally dressed in a fashionable jacket and white gloves. In the beginning, Chubukov seems to be rather cold to his visit. He thinks that Lomov has come to borrow money from him. However, his indifference soon changes into warm enthusiasm. Lomov tells him the real purpose of his visit. Chubukov is extremely happy to hear it. He tells Lomov that he has been thinking for a long time for this marriage. He calls Lomov a good neighbour and an ‘angel’. He is ready to give his consent to their marriage.

Question. Give a brief pen-portrait highlighting Lomov’s strength and weakness. Why can’t he express himself like a calm and composed man?
Answer. Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years. He is a neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. Lomov is highly impulsive, irritating and quarrelsome. Physically, he is a wreck. He enjoys a very poor health. He suffers from palpitations, hyper-tensions and heart problems. He is easily excited and irritated. Lomov realises that he has reached an age where he needs a peaceful and regular life. In Chubukov’s daughter Natalya, he sees an ideal life-partner. She is a good house-keeper, educated, and not bad-looking. So, he visits Chubukov’s house with a proposal of marriage. Lomov is confused. He can’t talk like a calm and composed man. He forgets the main issue and the purpose of his visit. He indulges in unnecessary details and quarrels, over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He does not know how to solve and deal with controversies. He picks up a new quarrel over the dogs. He unsuccessfully tries to prove that his dog, Guess is far superior to Natalya’s dog, Squeezer.
Lomov appears in a formal dress. He seems to be fashionable, well-dressed and presentable. He is a gentleman and acknowledges the help received from his neighbour, Chubukov. He is self-respecting and is ready to give Oxen Meadows to Natalya as a present. Last but not least, his desire to marry Natalya is practical and genuine.

Question. Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian landlord. Instead of solving the problems, he only adds fuel into the fire in their quarrel over Oxen Meadows and the dogs. Justify the statement.
Answer. Chubukov represents a typical rich landlord of 19th century Russia. He seems to be fairly rich and resourceful. Even his neighbour Lomov acknowledges the frequent help rendered to him by Chubukov. He lends his threshing machine to Lomov. On account of this help, he has to put off their own threshing till November. Chubukov is quite practical. He knows that Lomov can be a good match for his daughter Natalya. So, he at once gives his assent to Lomov’s proposal of marrying her. Actually, he has been waiting for such a proposal for a long time. Chubukov is a landlord and can’t resist his hunger for land. He opposes the claim of Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He even threatens to send his mowers out to the Meadows.
Chubukov can be quite quarrelsome, abusing and insulting. He always sides with his daughter. He picks up a quarrel on Oxen Meadows. He calls Lomov “a landgrabber” and “villain”. He abuses his grandfather of being a “drunkard” and his father a ‘gambler’. He jumps into the quarrel and adds only fuel to the fire. However, Chubukov see a great opportunity. He grabs the opportunity the moment Lomov comes into senses. He makes Natalya kiss and embrace Lomov and gets them married.

Question. What are the main points of controversy over the ownership of Oxen Meadows between
Chubukov and Lomov? How and why does Natalya jump into the quarrel?
Answer. The ownership of Oxen Meadows is claimed by both the families, the Lomovs and the Chubukovs. It becomes a bone of contention between them. Lomov claims that his Oxen Meadows touch the birdwoods of Chubukov. Natalya contests the claim. She claims that they belong to them. Lomov explains that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the Meadows to the peasants of the Chubukovs. In return, they were to make bricks for the Lomovs. Natalya claims that their land expands to Burnt Marsh. Hence, Oxen Meadows belong to them. They have had the land for 300 years. Lomov is ready to present the necessary documents to prove his ownership over the Meadows. Natalya threatens to send her mowers to the Meadows. Chubukov comes in and jumps into the quarrel. He sides with his daughter. Lomov threatens to go to the court. There is a free exchange of abuses and insults. Chubukov calls Lomov’s grandfather a drunkard. Lomov calls Chubukov’s mother hump-backed. Natalya calls Chubukov’s mother hump-backed. Natalya calls Lomov dishonest, rascal and mean. Chubukov calls Lomov a villain and a scarecrow. The dispute ends when Natalya comes to know about the marriage proposal. She surrenders her claim and accepts that the Meadows belong to Lomov.

Question. How do Natalya and Chubukov react when Lomov falls down in an armchair and considered to be dead? How does Chubukov manage to get Natalya married with Lomov?
Answer. Anton Chekov’s play ‘The Proposal’ presents a farcical situation when Lomov falls down unconscious in an armchair. Before that there has been a free for all. Insults and abuses were freely hurled. The dispute over Oxen Meadows was settled but the quarrel over the dogs took an unpleasant turn.
Lomov is called “Boy! Pup!”, “Milksop” and “Fool”. He can’t bear the heat and excitement and falls down unconscious. He is thought to be almost dead.
Both Natalya and Chubukov feel that things are going out of their hands. They feel helpless.Chubukov feels like shooting himself or cutting his own throat. Natalya is dying for marriage.
The moment Lomov comes to senses, everyone feels relieved. Chubukov can’t afford to miss the opportunity. He tells Natalya to “hurry up and get married!” She too acts at once. She embraces and kisses Lomov and gives her willing to marry him. Only one thing is left for Chubukov. He blesses the newly married couple and opens a bottle of champagne.
They say old habits die hard. The new couple starts their married life with a fresh quarrel. It is over their dogs Squeezer and Guess again.

Question. Describe how Lomov, Natalya and Chubukov insist that their dogs are better.
Answer. After the verbal fight Lomov goes out in anger. Chubukov repeats that Lomov had come to propose her. At this point, Natalya asked her father to fetch Lomov in. When he comes, Natalya asks politely when he is going hunting. Lomov says that his dog Guess has gone lame. Natalya says it is a great pity. Lomov confess that his dog Guess is the best but Natalya says that their dog Squeezer costed 85 roubles. Natalya replies that Squeezer has a pure breed. But Lomov says that Squeezer’s lower jaw is shorter than the upper one. Natalya calls Squeezer a better dog. Lomov contradicts that Guess is better. Even Chubukov says that Guess is old. Lomov says that on the Marusinsky hunt, other dogs ran after a fox. But Squeezer runs after a sheep which shows he is weak.

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, show casing another argument between them.
Answer. LOMOV: I’m thinking of calling an expert to assess my garden of roses for the Annual St. Petersburg Best Roses Contest. Honoured Natalya Stepanovna, you do know that we have the best roses in town. NATALYA: I don’t think so, Ivan Vassilevitch as the entire town knows that OUR roses are the most fragrant and beautiful in Russia. LOMOV: Er….I don’t know. [sighs] I have never heard anything of the sort, but I have heard of the praises heaped on my garden. I pay my gardener 125 roubles every month to tend to my garden. NATALYA: It is too much, Ivan Vassilevitch. Papa gives 85 roubles for his garden, and our garden heaps better than yours. LOMOV: Yours better than Mine? What a claim! [laughs] NATALYA: Of course ours is better! Our garden is newer than yours but in terms of fragrance and quality of roses, our flowers are infinity better. LOMOV: I have seen those roses. And they do not stand a chance in winning the contest. It is all about originality you see? NATALYA: There’s some demon of contradiction in you today, Ivan Vassilevitch. You should get your facts right and then try to pass off your lies as truth.

Question. Chekov has used humour and exaggeration in the play to comment on courtship in his time. Illustrate with examples from the lesson, ‘The Proposal’. Also mention the values, you think, any healthy relationship requires.
Answer. The Proposal is one of Anton Chekov’s famous plays where he uses humour and exaggeration in the play to provide a commentary on courtship in his times. Chekov has used several stereotypes that help play the character’s part beautifully in the play. Lomov, Natalya ‘the shrew’, Chubukov ‘the hypocrite father’ all help in adding humour to the play. Lomov uses exaggerated actions that, sometimes exceeds the limits of common sense like, Lomov gulping down water, putting his hand to the heart or running to the door and staggering out. Another interesting aspect of this story telling is how the story progresses from cordiality to the hurling of insults which is seen when Lomov called Chubukov ‘a swindle’ and Chubukov promptly called Lomov an ‘intriguer.’ The elements of exaggeration and absurdity set the tone of ridicule, which mars the elements of love and romance that is intended in the play. The playwright, through this play, ironically emphasizes that courtesy, sincerity, love and mutual understanding are the keys to a healthy relationship.

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 fought over the superiority of their dogs-Squeezer and Guess. Lomov was pained to hear that despite many qualities, Guess had two major defects, i.e., the dog was old as well as short in the muzzle. Lomov was proud of his dog’s pure breed, its well sprung ribs. It was also a good hunter. On the other hand, Natalya’s high pedigree-squeezer was a bad hunter. She pointed out that her dog, Squeezer was better than Guess. She remarked that Guess was old, ugly and a worn out cab horse. She also called Guess a lame dog. Then Lomov stated that his dog had become lame since its leg had been bitten by some other dog.
Though Lomov had come there to propose Natalya as he wanted to marry her, they involved themselves in silly arguments— that also over petty issues. Their main purpose was sidelined in the dispute. But such silly argument should never come in the way of matrimony. Rather it is the attribute of tolerance and acceptance that paves the way to good relationship.

Question. Give a character sketch of Lomov.
Answer. Lomov was a funny man. Physically he was weak but financially he was sound. He was a rich bachelor who wanted to marry Natalya. He was not really in love with Natalya but wanted to marry her because he thought that she was a good-housekeeper and beautiful. He said if he desired for an ideal or real love, he would never get married. He felt that he was 35, now he must lead a quiet and regular life. When he went to propose her, he got diverted. Actually, Natalya thought that he had come to Claim Oxen meadows as his own, quarrel took place between them. One more time they quarrelled over petty issues. Before finally proposing to her, he fainted and after that shouted a lot but finally succeeded to get acceptance.