---Advertisement---

The Proposal DAQ

By Golam Mortuja

Updated on:

---Advertisement---

PLAY — ANTON CHEKHOV

The Proposal

Descriptive Answer-type Questions — 6 Marks

DAQ — 6 Marks

1️⃣ “My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get up?” Who asks this? Who is the person asked to? What is said about his get up? Why was he dressed in that way? [1+1+2+2] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov says this. 

Chubukov asks this question to Lomov who has come to his house. 

Wearing formal dress–a dress jacket and white gloves, Lomov enters Chubukov’s house. This formal dress is generally worn as an evening dress for ball or such other occasions. Noticing Lomov in such dress, Chubukov asks him why he is so formal in his get up. It seems to Chubukov that Lomov has come for a New Year’s Eve visit. 

Though it is unknown still to Chubukov, Lomov has worn such dress for a special purpose. He has come to Chubukov to ask the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage. 

Related Questions

[I] “Why are you so formal in your get up?” Who is the speaker? Who is being spoken to? Describe the ‘formal get up’ of the person. What is the real reason behind such ‘formal get up’? [1+1+2+2]

[II] “My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get up?” Who is the speaker? Who is so formal in his get up? What does he wear? What is the real intention behind wearing the dress? [1+1+2+2]

[III] “Why are you so formal in your get up?” Who is the speaker? Who is being spoken to? What led the speaker to make this comment? [1+1+4] [WBCHSE H.S. 2019, 2022]

[IV] “Why are you so formal in your get up?” Who asked this question? Whose formal get up is referred to here? What was the get up of the person addressed to? Why did the person have such a get up? What did the speaker think about the get up? [1+1+2+2] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov asked this question to Lomov who came to his house. 

The formal get up of Lomov is referred to here. 

Wearing formal dress–a dress jacket and white gloves, Lomov enters Chubukov’s house. 

Though it is unknown still to Chubukov, Lomov has worn such dress for a special purpose. He has come to Chubukov to ask the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage. 

This formal dress is generally worn as an evening dress for ball or such other occasions. Noticing Lomov in such dress, Chubukov asks him why he is so formal in his get up. It seems to Chubukov that Lomov has come for a New Year’s Eve visit. 

Related Question

[I] “My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get up?” Who asked this question? Whose formal get up is referred to here? What was the get up of the person addressed to? What was the real intention of the person referred to behind this get up? What did the speaker think about the get up? [1+1+2+2]

—————

2️⃣ “Then why are you in evening dress, my precious?” Who says this and to whom? Why is the person concerned in his evening dress? What does the speaker guess about the wearing of evening dress? [2+2+2] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov says this to Lomov who has come to his house. 

Though it is unknown still to Chubukov, Lomov has worn such dress for a special purpose. He has come to Chubukov to ask the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage. 

This formal dress is generally worn as an evening dress for ball or such other occasions. Noticing Lomov in such dress, Chubukov asks him why he is so formal in his get up. It seems to Chubukov that Lomov has come for a New Year’s Eve visit. 

——————–

3️⃣ “I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter…….in marriage.” Who says this and to whom? Who is the daughter referred to here? What was the immediate reaction of the person spoken to on hearing these words? [1+1+1+3] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov who has come to Chubukov’s house says this to Chubukov. 

The daughter referred to here is Natalya, the only one daughter of Chubukov.

On hearing the proposal, Chubukov cannot believe his ears. He cannot believe that he has really got such a good news. When Lomov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, Chubukov expresses his gladness, embraces and kisses Lomov. He sheds a tear in joy and blesses Lomov. This shows how relieved he feels now. Chubukov cannot control himself from his over excitement. He cannot find why he is behaving in that idiotic way. He explains that he is off his balance with joy.

Related Questions

[I] “I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter…….in marriage.” Who is the speaker? To whom does the speaker say this? What was the reaction of the person spoken to on hearing the proposal? [1+1+4] 

[II] “I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter…….in marriage.” Who says this? To whom does he say this? Who is the daughter? What was the immediate reaction of the father on hearing this proposal? [1+1+1+3]

[III] “I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter…….in marriage.” Who says this and to whom? What is the name of the daughter referred to here? What was the immediate reaction of the person spoken to on hearing these words? [2+1+3]

[IV] “I’ve come to you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, to trouble you with a request.” Who has come to Chubukov with a request? What does Chubukov assume about the purpose of his visit? What was the request? How does Chubukov react to that request? [1+2+1+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2023]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov who has come to Chubukov’s house with a request. 

Noticing Lomov in such dress, Chubukov asks him why he is so formal in his get up. It seems to Chubukov that Lomov has come for a New Year’s Eve visit. Later Chubukov assumes that Lomov has come to him to borrow money. Thinking this, Chubukov decides not to give him any money. 

Lomov has come to Chubukov’s house to ask the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage. 

On hearing the proposal, Chubukov cannot believe his ears. He cannot believe that he has really got such a good news. When Lomov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, Chubukov expresses his gladness, embraces and kisses Lomov. He sheds a tear in joy and blesses Lomov. This shows how relieved he feels now. Chubukov cannot control himself from his over excitement. He cannot find why he is behaving in that idiotic way. He explains that he is off his balance with joy.

[V] Why has Lomov come to visit Chubukov? How was Lomov dressed? How does Chubukov react to Lomov’s proposal? How far was Natalya aware of the reason of Lomov’s arrival? [1+2+2+1] [WBCHSE H.S. 2024]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov has come to Chubukov’s house to ask the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage. 

Wearing formal dress–a dress jacket and white gloves, Lomov enters Chubukov’s house. This formal dress is generally worn as an evening dress for ball or such other occasions. Noticing Lomov in such dress, Chubukov asks him why he is so formal in his get up. It seems to Chubukov that Lomov has come for a New Year’s Eve visit. 

On hearing the proposal, Chubukov cannot believe his ears. He cannot believe that he has really got such a good news. When Lomov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, Chubukov expresses his gladness, embraces and kisses Lomov. He sheds a tear in joy and blesses Lomov. This shows how relieved he feels now. Chubukov cannot control himself from his over excitement. He cannot find why he is behaving in that idiotic way. He explains that he is off his balance with joy.

Natalya was unaware of the reason of Lomov’s arrival for a long time. His father, Chubukov told her that a merchant had come for his goods and she had to meet him.

[VI] How did Chubukov express his pleasure and excitement on hearing Lomov’s proposal? 

👉On hearing the proposal, Chubukov cannot believe his ears. He cannot believe that he has really got such a good news. When Lomov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, Chubukov expresses his gladness, embraces and kisses Lomov. He sheds a tear in joy and blesses Lomov. This shows how relieved he feels now. Chubukov cannot control himself from his over excitement. He cannot find why he is behaving in that idiotic way. He explains that he is off his balance with joy.

———————

4️⃣ Who made the proposal and to whom? What was the proposal? How was the proposal realised? [2+1+3] 

👉In Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov made the proposal to Chubukov, the father of Natalya. 

The proposal was the marriage proposal for Chubukov’s only one daughter Natalya.

Wearing formal dress—a dress jacket and white gloves, Lomov entered Chubukov’s house. This type of formal dress is generally worn as an evening dress for ball or such other occasions. Seeing Lomov in such dress, Chubukov asked him why he was in evening dress. After a long hesitation, Lomov declared his platform that he had come to Chubukov for a special purpose. He had come to him to ask the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage.

After hearing Lomov’s marriage proposal for his daughter, at first, Chubukov could not believe his own ears. When Lomov asked for his daughter’s hand, Chubukov expressed his gladness, embraced and kissed Lomov. He told Lomov that he had been hoping for it for a long time. He shed a tear and blessed Lomov.

5️⃣ “I’ve been hoping for it for a long time.” Who is the speaker? What does ‘it’ refer to? How did the speaker come to know about ‘it’? What more did the speaker say in this context? [1+1+1+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2020]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

Here ‘it’ refers to the proposal of Lomov to Chubukov for Chubukov’s only one daughter Natalya in marriage.

After going round and round, Lomov desperately expressed his heart’s desire to Chubukov. And then he came to know about the proposal.

After hearing Lomov’s marriage proposal for his daughter, at first, Chubukov could not believe his own ears. When Lomov asked for his daughter’s hand, Chubukov expressed his gladness, embraced and kissed Lomov. He said that he had been hoping for it for a long time and it had been his continual desire. Shedding a tear in joy, he said that he always loved Lomov as if he had been his own son. He blessed Lomov. This showed how relieved he felt then. Chubukov could not control himself from his over excitement. He could not find why he was behaving in that idiotic way. He explained that he was off his balance with joy.

6️⃣ Who was Lomov? Why was he keen to get married? Whom did he think the right choice as a wife? Why did he think so? [1+2+1+2]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”  Lomov was a typical feudal mindset landowner who came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya. 

At the age of 35 Lomov has come to a point in his life when it is not possible for him to remain a bachelor. He cannot wait for an ideal or real love. He suffers from palpitations and insomnia. So he needs somebody to support him to lead a quiet and regular life.

Lomov thought Natalya, the only one daughter of Chubukov, the right choice a wife.

Lomov chooses Natalya not because he has fallen in love with her, but because of a practical necessity. He finds Natalya ‘an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated’. So, he chooses her. He has no cordial emotion for her. 

Related Questions

[I] Why does Lomov decide to marry? Why does he choose Natalya? [3+3] 

[II] Why does Lomov decide to end his bachelor life? Why does he choose Natalya? [3+3]

[III] Why does Lomov think Natalya will make an acceptable wife? Explain your answer.

[IV] Why did Lomov think about taking a decision about getting married? Whom did he want to marry? Why? [3+1+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2016]

[V] Why did Lomov think about taking a decision to get married? Whom did he want to marry? Why? [3+1+2] 

[VI] Lomov came with a proposal to marry Natalya Stepanovna. What logic does he give for his decision? [WBCHSE H.S. 2019]

[VII] “And it’s impossible for me not to marry.” Why is the speaker so interested to marry? Whom does he want to marry? Why? [3+1+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2020]

[VIII] “And it’s impossible for me not to marry.” Why is the speaker so interested to marry? Whom does he want to marry? Why does he want so? [3+1+2] 

[IX] “And it’s impossible for me not to marry.” Who says this? Whom does the speaker want to marry and why? What are the other reasons in favour of his marriage? [1+3+2]

[X] “And it’s impossible for me not to marry.” Who is the speaker? Why is it impossible for the speaker not to marry? [1+5]

[XI] “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….” Who is the speaker? What causes him to say the above words? [2+4] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”  Lomov who came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya is the speaker of the above line. 

At the age of 35 Lomov has come to a point in his life when it is not possible for him to remain a bachelor. He cannot wait for an ideal or real love. He suffers from palpitations and insomnia. So he needs somebody to support him to lead a quiet and regular life.

[XII] “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….” Who thinks so? When does he think so? Why does the speaker think it? [1+2+3] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”  Lomov who came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya thinks so. 

Lomov thinks so when Chubukov, the father of Natalya goes to call his daughter Natalya. While sitting alone in the drawing room Lomov thinks so.

At the age of 35 Lomov has come to a point in his life when it is not possible for him to remain a bachelor. He cannot wait for an ideal or real love. He suffers from palpitations and insomnia. So he needs somebody to support him to lead a quiet and regular life.

Related Question 

[I] “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….” Who is the speaker? When does the speaker think so? What causes does the speaker give for the marriage? What irony is stated in this comment? [1+1+2+2]

——————-

7️⃣ “She’s like a love-sick cat,” Who said this and about whom? Analyse the character of the person, referred to here, under the light of the comment above. [1+1+4] [WBCHSE H.S. 2017]

👉Here Chubukov, the father of Natalya, is the speaker of the above line. He considers his daughter ‘a love-sick cat’.

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 his 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. And he is fully relieved when suddenly Lomov and Natalya get married.

Related Questions

[I] “She’s like a love-sick cat,” Who says so and to whom? About whom it is said? Why does the speaker say so? Does the speaker provide a right assessment? [1+1+1+1+2] 

[II] “She’s like a love-sick cat,” Who is the speaker? Whom does the word ‘she’ refer to? In what context does the speaker say so? How far do you think is the statement correct? [1+1+2+2]

[III] “She’s in love; egad, she’s like a love-sick cat, and so on….” Who is the speaker? Who is the person spoken about? When does the speaker say this? Why is she ‘like a love-sick cat’? [1+1+2+2]

——————–

8️⃣ “I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before.” Who is referred to here as ‘I’? How does the speaker express his nervousness? [1+5]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”  Lomov, who came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya, is the speaker of the above line. 

After going round and round, Lomov desperately expressed his heart’s desire to Chubukov. After hearing Lomov’s marriage proposal for his daughter, at first, Chubukov could not believe his own ears. When Lomov asked for his daughter’s hand, Chubukov expressed his gladness, embraced and kissed Lomov. When Chubukov went to call his daughter Natalya, Lomov felt extremely tensed because he was not sure if he would succeed or not. He felt a shivering effect in his body as if he was going to sit for an examination. The waiting period in love or marriage after the proposal is always an experience of uncertain emotional disbalance. And it was especially prominent for a man like Lomov who suffered from palpitations.

Related Questions

[I] “I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before.” Who is the speaker? State the mental state of the speaker as expressed in this statement. [1+5]

[II] “I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before.” Who is the speaker? What seems like an examination for the speaker? Comment on the mental condition of the speaker. [1+1+4]

[III] “At this very moment my lips are trembling,” Whose ‘lips’ are trembling? When are the ‘lips’ trembling? Why are the ‘lips’ trembling? [1+2+3]

👉Here the ‘lips’ of Lomov are trembling in fear.

After going round and round, Lomov desperately expressed his heart’s desire to Chubukov. After hearing Lomov’s marriage proposal for his daughter, at first, Chubukov could not believe his own ears. When Lomov asked for his daughter’s hand, Chubukov expressed his gladness, embraced and kissed Lomov. When Chubukov went to call his daughter Natalya, Lomov felt extremely tensed because he was not sure if he would succeed or not. He felt a shivering effect in his body as if he was going to sit for an examination. The waiting period in love or marriage after the proposal is always an experience of uncertain emotional disbalance. And it was especially prominent for a man like Lomov who suffered from palpitations.

——————

9️⃣ “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” Who said this and to whom? Who is ‘the merchant’? What is referred to as ‘goods’? In what way does it bring out the attitude of the person and the society at that time? [2+1+1+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2018]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov, the feudal mindset father said this to his daughter Natalya. 

Here Lomov who has come to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya is the ‘merchant’ referred to.

Here Natalya is referred to as ‘goods’ by his father Chubukov. 

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 his 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. And he is fully relieved when suddenly Lomov and Natalya get married.

Related Questions

[I] “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” Who said this and to whom? Who is ‘the merchant’ referred to here? What is referred to as ‘goods’? In what way does it bring out the attitude of the person and the society at the time? [2+1+1+2]

[II] “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” Who is the speaker? Who is the ‘merchant’? What ‘goods’ is meant here? Explain the mentality of the speaker in the light of the above statement. [1+1+1+3]

[III] “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” What did the speaker mean by the term ‘goods’? Comment on the attitude to marriage as revealed in the light of the above remark. [1+1+4]

[IV] “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” Who is the speaker? Who do you think is referred to by the word ‘merchant’? Whom does the word ‘goods’ refer to? What did the speaker intend to convey? [1+1+1+3]

[V] “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” Who said this and to whom? Who is the ‘merchant’? What does Natalya put on when she first meets Lomov? [2+1+3]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov, the feudal mindset father said this to his daughter Natalya. 

Here Lomov who has come to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya is the ‘merchant’ referred to.

When Lomov visits Chubukov’s house wearing dress jacket and white gloves, Chubukov, Natalya’s father, receives him cordially. After that when Chubukov goes out to call his daughter Natalya to meet Lomov, she appears before Lomov wearing an apron and a negligee, a loose gown. Seeing Lomov in his formal dress, she apologizes to him for her dress by saying that they are shelling peas at the moment. 

———————

1️⃣0️⃣ Describe the first quarrel between Natalya and Lomov.

👉In his conversation, before disclosing his heart to Natalya, Lomov gets entangled with Natalya over Oxen Meadows, a plot of land. Each of them claiming it as his or her possession. Lomov admits that it is true that once upon a time it was a matter of dispute, but now everybody knows that it is his property. He also says that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants had the free use of the meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own. But Natalya claims that their land has extended to Burnt Marsh and so Oxen Meadows is surely their property. Natalya also claims that for nearly three hundred years they possess the land. The argument reaches a scandalous height when Chubukov enters and supports Natalya. Natalya accuses Lomov of ingratitude and even warns to send her mowers out to the meadows. As a result Lomov goes out of the house warning Chubukov to take the matter to the court. 

Related Questions 

[I] Describe the dispute regarding Oxen Meadows, as we find in Chekhov’s play,”The Proposal”.

[II] Describe the quarrel over Oxen Meadows.

[III] What arguments do Chubukov and his daughter put forward to claim the Oxen Meadows as theirs?

[IV] How does Lomov think their family got the right over Oxen Meadows?

[V] What are Oxen Meadows? What is the measurement of the land? What is the controversy? [1+1+4] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Oxen Meadows are a plot of disputed land of which both Natalya and Lomov claims as their own. 

The measurement of the land is five dessiatins in Russian and 13.5 acres in Indian unit. 

 In his conversation, before disclosing his heart to Natalya, Lomov gets entangled with Natalya over Oxen Meadows, a plot of land. Each of them claiming it as his or her possession. Lomov admits that it is true that once upon a time it was a matter of dispute, but now everybody knows that it is his property. He also says that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants had the free use of the meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own. But Natalya claims that their land has extended to Burnt Marsh and so Oxen Meadows is surely their property. Natalya also claims that for nearly three hundred years they possess the land. The argument reaches a scandalous height when Chubukov enters and supports Natalya. Natalya accuses Lomov of ingratitude and even warns to send her mowers out to the meadows. As a result Lomov goes out of the house warning Chubukov to take the matter to the court. 

[VI] Where are the Oxen Meadows located? What arguments did Lomov show to prove that the Oxen Meadows belong to him? [1+5] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Oxen Meadows are a plot of disputed land of which both Natalya and Lomov claims as their own. 

The meadows are wedged in between Natalya’s two plots of land–the Birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh. 

 In his conversation, before disclosing his heart to Natalya, Lomov gets entangled with Natalya over Oxen Meadows, a plot of land. Each of them claiming it as his or her possession. Lomov admits that it is true that once upon a time it was a matter of dispute, but now everybody knows that it is his property. He also says that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants had the free use of the meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own. But Natalya claims that their land has extended to Burnt Marsh and so Oxen Meadows is surely their property. Natalya also claims that for nearly three hundred years they possess the land. The argument reaches a scandalous height when Chubukov enters and supports Natalya. Natalya accuses Lomov of ingratitude and even warns to send her mowers out to the meadows. As a result Lomov goes out of the house warning Chubukov to take the matter to the court. 

[VII] “If you like, I’ll make you a present of them.” Who is the speaker? Who is the person spoken to? What would the speaker make a present of? Why did the speaker say so? [1+1+1+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2017]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov is the speaker of the above line. 

Here Lomov speaks to Natalya. 

Lomov would make a present of Oxen Meadows, a plot of land to Natalya who claimed it as their own. 

In his conversation, before disclosing his heart to Natalya, Lomov gets entangled with Natalya over Oxen Meadows, a plot of land. Each of them claiming it as his or her possession. Lomov admits that it is true that once upon a time it was a matter of dispute, but now everybody knows that it is his property. He also says that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants had the free use of the meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own. But Natalya claims that their land has extended to Burnt Marsh and so Oxen Meadows is surely their property. Natalya also claims that for nearly three hundred years they possess the land. Lomov also wants to show documents to prove his ownership of the property. But Natalya declines it as a joke. Then Lomov, having no way to convince Natalya, says that if she likes the meadows, he will make her a present of the meadows.

Related Question

[I] “If you like, I’ll make you a present of them.” Who is the speaker? Who is the person spoken to? What is referred to as ‘a present’? What is the dispute regarding the present? [1+1+1+3]

——————-

8️⃣ “We have had the land for nearly three hundred years.” Who is the speaker? Who is spoken to? What is referred to as ‘the land’? What do you know of ‘the land’ from their conversation? [1+1+1+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2018]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Natalya is the speaker of the above line. 

Here Natalya speaks to Lomov.

Here ‘the land’ refers to the plot of disputed land Oxen Meadows. 

In his conversation, before disclosing his heart to Natalya, Lomov gets entangled with Natalya over Oxen Meadows, a plot of land. Each of them claiming it as his or her possession. Lomov admits that it is true that once upon a time it was a matter of dispute, but now everybody knows that it is his property. He also says that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants had the free use of the meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own. But Natalya claims that their land has extended to Burnt Marsh and so Oxen Meadows is surely their property. Natalya also claims that for nearly three hundred years they possess the land. The argument reaches a scandalous height when Chubukov enters and supports Natalya. Natalya accuses Lomov of ingratitude and even warns to send her mowers out to the meadows. As a result Lomov goes out of the house warning Chubukov to take the matter to the court.

Related Question

[I] “Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine.” Who is the speaker? Who is spoken to? What information did the speaker give to establish the ownership of Oxen Meadows? What did the person spoken to say in response to the speaker’s argument? [1+1+2+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2023]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov is the speaker of the above line. 

Here Lomov speaks to Natalya.

In his conversation, before disclosing his heart to Natalya, Lomov gets entangled with Natalya over Oxen Meadows, a plot of land. Each of them claiming it as his or her possession. Lomov admits that it is true that once upon a time it was a matter of dispute, but now everybody knows that it is his property. He also says that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants had the free use of the meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own. But Natalya claims that their land has extended to Burnt Marsh and so Oxen Meadows is surely their property. Natalya also claims that for nearly three hundred years they possess the land. The argument reaches a scandalous height when Chubukov enters and supports Natalya. Natalya accuses Lomov of ingratitude and even warns to send her mowers out to the meadows. As a result Lomov goes out of the house warning Chubukov to take the matter to the court.

———————-

1️⃣1️⃣ “You are not a neighbor, you’re a grabber!” Who says this? To whom is this said? Why is this said? [1+1+4]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov says this.

He says this to Chubukov. 

When Chubukov joins the arguments, he supports his daughter Natalya. He declares that Oxen Meadows belong to them. But Lomov wants to show evidence which will prove that Oxen Meadows are his property. Chubukov discards Lomov’s claim and says that he can even give the plot to the peasants but not to Lomov. Lomov cannot understand how Chubukov can distribute somebody else’s property. Lomov thinks that Chubukov is making a fool on him. He cannot keep his balance intact, he is not in a mood to talk with him politely or calmly. As Chubukov denies to give up his claim for Oxen Meadows, Lomov accuses Chubukov as a land-grabber. 

1️⃣2️⃣ “You pettifogger!” Who is called a pettifogger and by whom? What does the word ‘pettifogger’ mean? Why is he a pettifogger? What does the person spoken to say in reply? [2+1+1+2]

👉In Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Lomov is called a ‘pettifogger’ by Chubukov.

The word ‘pettifogger’ means a lawyer who deals with petty cases. 

According to Chubukov, Lomov is a ‘pettifogger’ because like a mean-minded lawyer he wants to take the petty matter of the ownership of a plot of land to court. 

When Chubukov calls Lomov and all his people ‘pettifogger’, Lomov, in reply, warns him not to mind about Lomovs because the people of their family had all been honourable people. Lomov also reminds Chubukov that like his grandfather no one tried to embezzle his late uncle and aunt from whom he inherited his land.

Related Question

[I] “You pettifogger! All your people were like that! All of them!” Who said this and to whom? What does the word ‘pettifogger’ mean? Why does he say this? 

———————

1️⃣3️⃣ When does Natalya learn about the proposal? How does she react to it? Why does she react in that way? [2+2+2]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play,”The Proposal” Lomov, after a violent argument with daughter and father, leaves Chubukov’s house in rage. However, Chubukov and Natalya go on abusing Lomov in his absence. In the course of malicious criticism Chubukov attacks Lomov for proposing for his daughter. Then only Natalya learns about the marriage proposal. 

On hearing about this proposal to marry her, Natalya becomes desperate and starts wailing to bring Lomov back. Natalya, it seems, has not found her man and is being very much anxious to get Ivan. She hysterically goes on ‘I’m dying! Fetch him!’ and accuses ‘What they have done to me!’

Natalya, the love-sick cat, is desperate to find her man in spite of all her contradictions. She has already reached an age of 25, and has still not been able to find her man. Such a lonely maiden cannot afford to miss the opportunity to find Lomov as a husband. 

1️⃣4️⃣ “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.” Who says this and to whom? When is it said? Why is the speaker so excited? [1+3+2]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Natalya says this to her father Chubukov. 

When Lomov departs from Chubukov’s house without expressing his desire to Natalya, Chubukov tells her about the proposal. He informs that Lomov has expressed his desire to marry Natalya. Love-sick Natalya now understands that the argument over Oxen Meadows has done a harmful act to her life. Natalya now wants to make up the situation by calling him back. She betrays immense passion for him. 

Natalya is a maid of 25. She is not still been able to find her man. She is love-sick. She cannot afford a chance to miss such a proposal. So, she is very much upset. However her passion for Lomov has been presented in an exaggerated manner. 

Related Questions

[I] “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.” Who says this and to whom? When is this said? What impression of the speaker can be formed from this remark? [1+1+2+2] [WBCHSE H.S 2020] 

[II] “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.” Who says this and to whom? When is this said? Why does the speaker say this in such a way? [1+3+2]

[III] “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.” Who says this and to whom? When does the speaker utter such words? Write a note on the mental state of the speaker. [2+2+2]

[Iv] “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.”  What is ironic about Natalya’s request to bring Lomov back? 

 [V] “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.” Who says this and to whom? Why is the speaker so excited? How does the quoted line establish the theme of the play? [2+2+2]

[VI] “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.” Who says this about whom? Why does the speaker want him to be brought back? [2+4]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Natalya says this to her father Chubukov. She desperately requests her father to bring Lomov back at any cost.

When Lomov departs from Chubukov’s house without expressing his desire to Natalya, Chubukov tells her about the proposal. He informs that Lomov has expressed his desire to marry Natalya. Love-sick Natalya now understands that the argument over Oxen Meadows has done a harmful act to her life. Natalya now wants to make up the situation by calling him back. She betrays immense passion for him. 

Natalya is a maid of 25. She is not still been able to find her man. She is love-sick. She cannot afford a chance to miss such a proposal. So, she is very much upset. However her passion for Lomov has been presented in an exaggerated manner. 

———————

1️⃣5️⃣ “Forgive us Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated.” Who is the speaker? Who are referred to by ‘us’? Why were the persons referred to ‘a little heated’? Why does the speaker ask for forgiveness? [1+1+2+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2016]

👉Here Natalya, the love-sick cat, is the speaker of the above line. 

By ‘us’ Natalya refers to herself and her father Chubukov. 

The persons were little heated as they were involved in a furious quarrel over the ownership of Oxen Meadows with Lomov. Their tempers flared. They called each other by names and naked up their past. 

When Lomov departed from Chubukov’s house without expressing his desire to Natalya, Chubukov told her about the proposal. He informed that Lomov had expressed his desire to marry Natalya. Love-sick Natalya then understood that the argument over Oxen-Meadows had done a harmful act to her life. Natalya then wanted to make up the situation by calling him back. She betrayed immense passion for him. And when Lomov returned, she begged forgiveness for her rude behaviour. She wanted to start their conversation afresh. She could not afford to miss the opportunity to have Lomov as her husband. 

1️⃣6️⃣ “Well, that’s a way to start your family bliss!” Who is the speaker? Whom is this spoken to? Describe the context of the statement. [1+1+4]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

Chubukov speaks this to both Lomov and Natalya who just got married sometime ago. 

Natalya Stepanovna is a maid of 25. She is desperate to have Lomov, their neighbour as her husband. Lomov has also reached a critical age of 35. He is unwilling to delay his marriage anymore. But there is no harmony in the relationship between Lomov and Natalya. Lomov suffers from a strong ego while Natalya is very adamant. They twice indulge themselves in scandalous quarrels–firstly over the ownership of a plot of disputed land called Oxen Meadows, and secondly over the superiority of their hunting dogs–Guess and Squeezer. Then they suddenly get married, they declare themselves happy. But Natalya still continues claiming that Squeezer is a better dog while Lomov claims superiority of Guess. Chubukov thinks that this type of quarrel will be a regular occurrence in their conjugal life. 

Related Questions 

[I] “Well, that’s a way to start your family bliss!” Whose ‘family bliss’ does the speaker refer to? How do the persons addressed to start their ‘family bliss’? Is it really a ‘bliss’? [1+3+2]

👉Here the speaker Chubukov, the father of Natalya refers the ‘family bliss’ of both Lomov and Natalya who just got married sometime ago. 

Natalya Stepanovna is a maid of 25. She is desperate to have Lomov, their neighbour as her husband. Lomov has also reached a critical age of 35. He is unwilling to delay his marriage anymore. But there is no harmony in the relationship between Lomov and Natalya. Lomov suffers from a strong ego while Natalya is very adamant. They twice indulge themselves in scandalous quarrels–firstly over the ownership of a plot of disputed land called Oxen Meadows, and secondly over the superiority of their hunting dogs–Guess and Squeezer. Then they suddenly get married, they declare themselves happy. But Natalya still continues claiming that Squeezer is a better dog while Lomov claims superiority of Guess. Chubukov thinks that this type of quarrel will be a regular occurrence in their conjugal life. 

No, it is not a ‘bliss’ for their conjugal life. Actually in this way they will lead their married life. Chubukov thinks ironically that it is a bliss in their conjugal life.  

[II] “Well, that’s a way to start your family bliss!” Who is the speaker? Name the persons who are to start their family? In what way were they starting their family? What impact did the start of the new ‘family’ have on the speaker? [1+1+1+3]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play,”The Proposal” Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

Chubukov speaks this to both Lomov and Natalya who just got married sometime ago and are to start their family in this way. 

Natalya Stepanovna is a maid of 25. She is desperate to have Lomov, their neighbour as her husband. Lomov has also reached a critical age of 35. He is unwilling to delay his marriage anymore. But there is no harmony in the relationship between Lomov and Natalya. Lomov suffers from a strong ego while Natalya is very adamant. They twice indulge themselves in scandalous quarrels–firstly over the ownership of a plot of disputed land called Oxen Meadows, and secondly over the superiority of their hunting dogs–Guess and Squeezer. Then they suddenly get married, they declare themselves happy. But Natalya still continues claiming that Squeezer is a better dog while Lomov claims superiority of Guess. Chubukov thinks that this type of quarrel will be a regular occurrence in their conjugal life.

————————- 

More Important Questions

1️⃣ Make a brief sketch of social life as you see in the play, “The Proposal”.

👉In his one-act play, “The Proposal” Anton Chekhov has focused a spotlight on the contemporary feudal Russian society. This society does not pay any heed to personal desires and emotions. It wants to follow its worn-out conventions. In this society marriage used to be negotiated ridiculously. Marriages were mostly arranged and the quality, qualifications, temperaments, attitudes etc. hardly mattered. In most cases, marriage was either a case of economic benefits or other gains. In this society girls could not choose their partners and daughters were considered economic liability. In this play Chubukov’s daughter Natalya was not an exception. Stephan Stepanovitch Chubukov felt great relief when he could put Natalya’s hand in Lomov’s. Thus the play, “The Proposal” can be considered as a piece of contemporary Russian life.

Related Questions

[I] What spotlight does Chekhov flash on the contemporary Russian society as you see in his play, “The Proposal”?

[II] What does the play,”The Proposal” reflect about the Russian society of Chekhov’s time?

[III] How does Chekhov satirize marriage in “The Proposal”?

[IV] Discuss on the concept of marriage as Chekhov presents in “The Proposal”.

[V] What is the message that Chekhov wants to convey through the play,”The Proposal”?

[VI] What picture of the society is revealed in Chekhov’s ‘The Proposal’? 

[VII] Evaluate ‘The Proposal’ as a shadow of the late 18th century Russian society.

[VIII] Write a short note on the picture of social life as presented in the play ‘The Proposal’. 

——————–

2️⃣ Describe Natalya as you see in “The Proposal”.

👉In Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”, Chubukov’s twenty-five years old spirited, proud and stubborn daughter Natalya plays a vital role. The love-sick cat Natalya in the game of marriage proposal remains unaware about the marriage proposal for a long time. So, she does not show any favour for Lomov, a bachelor. Instead she develops a long and furious quarrel over a disputed plot of land called oxen-meadows. She is lonely and desperate for a husband. It becomes clear when she goes frantic to get Lomov back as soon as she learns about Lomov’s marriage proposal from her father. Natalya cannot deny her ego and again gets involved in an outrageous quarrel, now over the hunting dogs. Even after getting married, she carries on her argument. She is prepared to spend her life with her hypochondriac, insomniac, unstable husband probably as an ‘excellent housekeeper’.

Related Questions

[I] Sketch the character of Natalya. [WBCHSE H.S. 2017]

[II] Sketch the character of Natalya Stepanovna. [WBCHSE H.S. 2023]

——————-

3️⃣ Discuss the reasons why the marriage proposal is important to all the characters.

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play,”The Proposal” all of the characters are someway or the other influenced by the marriage proposal. Lomov enters Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for Chubukov’s daughter Natalya. This proposal is crucial for all the characters. Lomov has reached the crucial age of 35. He is desperate for a wife. Natalya has not also been able to find her man. Chubukov thinks his daughter a liability and wants her to get married soon. So, Chubukov becomes jubilant when he hears Lomov’s proposal. He hopes Natalya, a love-sick cat will readily accept it. When Natalya learns about Lomov’s proposal after his exit, she madly demands her father to get him back. However, the proposal is successfully complemented by the marriage at the end. Thus all the characters are greatly influenced by the marriage proposal. Thus the title ‘The Proposal’ appears to be more meaningful for that.

Related Questions

[I] Comment on the aptness of the title “The Proposal”.

[II] All the three characters of the play, “The Proposal” are obsessed with marriage. Discuss their motives.

[III] Each of the three characters in the play, “The Proposal” are desperate about marriage. What do you think are the reasons behind their desperation?

[IV] Discuss the reasons why the marriage proposal is so important to all the three major characters in the drama.

[V] Why is marriage proposal important to all three characters in the play ‘The Proposal’? 

[VI] Discuss the reasons why the marriage proposal is important to all the three characters of the play ‘The Proposal’.

[VII] Write a note on the significance of the title of Chekhov’s play ‘The Proposal’.

——————–

4️⃣ Give a brief sketch of the character of Lomov in the play ‘The Proposal’. [WBCHSE H.S. 2018, 2022]

👉Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” centres around Lomov’s proposal for Chubukov’s daughter Natalya. Lomov is a typical feudal landowner. Born and brought up in a feudal milieu he looks at marriage as a social relation than a personal one. He does not care a fig for mental adjustment. He decides to marry to maintain his social status. So, he happily accepts Chubukov’s suggestion ‘hurry up and get married’. Lomov is a hypochondriac. He always remains obsessed with his real or imaginary illness and spends sleepless nights due to insomnia. He is egoistic and adamant over the trifling issues of a small plot of land and the haunting dogs. He is unstable in his purpose, unpredictable in his action, ridiculous in his decision, but he is co-incidentally successful in achieving his goal. 

Related Questions

[I] Describe Lomov as you find in the play “The Proposal”. 

[II] Comment on Lomov’s ideas about marriage.

[III] Sketch the character of Lomov.

[IV] Describe the character of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov as portrayed in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play ‘The Proposal’.

[V] Analyze Lomov’s character in Anton Chekhov’s play ‘The Proposal’. 

[VI] Sketch the character of Lomov in your own words.

[VII] Write a note on the character of Lomov.

——————–

5️⃣ Describe the character of Chubukov.

👉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. 

Related Questions

[I] Describe Chubukov’s plight as the father of a grown-up daughter.

[II] Describe the character of Chubukov as a sensible father. [WBCHSE H.S. 2016]

[III] Is Chubukov a sensible father? How do you know?

[IV] Analyse the character of Mr Chubukov and comment on his statement that grown-up daughter is a burden to her father.

[V] Sketch the character of Chubukov as portrayed in Chekhov’s one-act play ‘The Proposal’.

[VI] Draw the character sketch of Chubukov.

[VII] Describe Chubukov’s plight as the father of a grown up unmarried daughter.

[VIII] “Chubukov is more a businessman than an ideal father.” Bring out the character of Chubukov in the light of the above statement. 

[IX] “I am the most unhappy of men!” Who said this? Why did he say so? How did the speaker get rid of his unhappiness? [1+3+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2019, 2022]

👉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.

——————————-

6️⃣ “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!” Who is the ‘father’? Who is the ‘daughter’? Why is the ‘daughter’ a ‘burden’ to the ‘father’? [1+1+4]

👉Here the ‘father’ is Chubukov, the father of Natalya in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”. 

Here the ‘daughter’ is Natalya, the only one daughter of Chubukov. 

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.

Related Questions

[I] “Oh, what a burden, Lord,” Who is the speaker? What does he consider as ‘burden’? Why does he think so? [1+1+4] 

[II] “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!” Who is the speaker? How does the expression bring out the contemporary social scenario of Russia of the time of the dramatist Anton Chekhov? [1+5]

[III] “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!” Who said this and to whom? What is the context? What does the speaker mean to say? [2+1+3]

[IV] “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!” Who is the speaker? Who is the daughter? When and why did the speaker remark such? Comment on the character of the speaker in the light of the quoted remark. [1+1+2 +2] 

[V] “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!” Who is the speaker? Describe the context of this remark. What attitude of the speaker is revealed here?[1+2+3]

[VI] “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!” Who is the speaker? In not more than 80 words, sketch the character of the speaker in light of the above comment. [1+5] [WBCHSE H.S. 2024] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov, the father of Natalya, is the speaker of the above mentioned line. 

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.

—————————

7️⃣ “I give you my blessing and so on. Only leave me in peace!” Who is the speaker? Why does he or she say so? [1+5]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

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.

8️⃣ “Hurry up and get married” Who says this and to whom? Why does the speaker want to hurry to get married? [2+4] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play,”The Proposal” Chubukov, the father of Natalya says this to Lomov. 

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.

Related Question

[I] “Hurry up and get married” Who says this and to whom? On what occasion does the speaker make this comment? [2+4]

——————–

9️⃣ “Hurry up and get married” Name the speaker. Who are getting married? Why did the speaker entice them to marry? [1+1+1+3]

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play,”The Proposal” Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

Here Lomov and Natalya are getting married. 

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.

1️⃣0️⃣ “I’m the most unhappy of men!” Who said this? Why did he say so? How did the speaker get rid of his unhappiness? [1+3+2] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play,”The Proposal” Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

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.

The father of Natalya, Chubukov got rid of his unhappiness when finally Lomov and Natalya got married in front of him. He felt as if he got a permanent relief when after getting married, Lomov and Natalya kissed each other.

1️⃣1️⃣ “What a weight off my shoulders…Ouf!” Who says this? What is the speaker’s weight? How is the weight off the speaker’s shoulders? [1+1+4] 

👉In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Chubukov says this. 

Here the speaker, Chubukov considers his daughter, Natalya a weight. 

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 relieve. This attitude can be found in almost every patriarchal family in our time too. And he is fully relieved when suddenly Lomov and Natalya get married. 

Related Question

[I] “What a weight off my shoulders…Ouf!” Who is the speaker? Analyze the character of the speaker in the light of the quoted statement. [1+5]

———————

1️⃣2️⃣ Do you find the play, “The Proposal” by Anton Chekhov is a funny one? Support your answer with illustrations from the text. 

👉Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” is a funny comedy full of funny situations. The story of this play centers around a single issue of the marriage proposal. Lomov’s formal costume, his strange reason behind his decision to marry, his obsession with illness and his outrageous arguments instead of persuasive proposal make him a funny fellow. Chubukov’s over-excitement, his arguments for the haunting dog Squeezer and his sudden suggestion ‘hurry up and get married’ are no less funny. Natalya denies to share anything with Lomov, and abuses him with her father but suddenly marries Lomov and says, “I’m happy too”. Thus, these three characters fill the play with funny episodes. 

Related Questions

[I] Elucidate the funny incidents of the play, “The Proposal”. 

[II] Describe Anton Chekhov’s play, “The Proposal” as a delightful gem of a comedy. 

[III] Briefly describe the play, “The Proposal” as a play of fun. 

[IV] Chekhov’s “The Proposal” is full of farcical incidents. Cite some of the farcical incidents which add to the fun element in the play. 

[V] Consider Chekhov’s “The Proposal” is a play of farce. Cite some of the farcical incidents which add to the fun element in the play. 

——————————

Extra Important DQ 

1️⃣ “I’m cursed with bad luck” Who is the speaker? Give the context when he says so. Why does the speaker lament in this way? [1+2+3] 

👉Here Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

When Lomov departed from Chubukov’s house without expressing his desire to Natalya, Chubukov told her about the proposal. He informed that Lomov had expressed his desire to marry Natalya. Love-sick Natalya then understood that the argument over Oxen-Meadows had done a harmful act to her life. Natalya then wanted to make up the situation by calling him back. She became hysteric. At that time Chubukov said that he was cursed with bad luck and he wanted to shoot or hang himself. 

Chubukov is the father of a grown up daughter Natalya. He thinks her daughter a liability and wants her to get married soon. And only for her daughter he must go to bring Lomov back to his house. So, he laments in this way. This attitude can be found in almost every patriarchal family in our time too. And he is fully relieved when suddenly Lomov and Natalya get married. 

2️⃣ “He is the best dog in the district for all that, and so on.” Who is the speaker? Name the dog that has been referred to here? Who are the parents of the dog? Does the dog have any deformity? If yes, mention the deformity in your own words. [1+1+1+1+2] 

👉Here Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

Here Chubukov refers to his own dog, Squeezer in the above line. 

According to Natalya, the parents of Squeezer are Harness and Chisels. 

Yes, the dog has a deformity. Squeezer is overshot. It means his lower jaw is shorter than the upper. 

3️⃣ “I’m not used to being spoken in that tone of voice, and so on.” Who says this and to whom? When is it said? Why is it said? [1+3+2]

👉Chubukov says this in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal”. 

He says this to Lomov. 

During the quarrel over Oxen Meadows Chubukov supports his daughter. He says that Oxen Meadows belong to them. He discards Lomov’s logic and warns that he can even give up the meadows to the peasants. Lomov asks whether he has right to distribute somebody else’s property. Chubukov cannot tolerate such insulting hints from Lomov and says this. 

Chubukov is unable to tolerate the way in which Lomov attacks him. He does not expect it from the suitor of his daughter. So he alerts Lomov not to cross the limit of decency. 

Related Question

[I] “I’m not used to being spoken in that tone of voice, and so on.” Who is the speaker? Whom does the speaker say this? When and why is it said? [1+1+4]

—————-

4️⃣ “Guess certainly has his good points” Who is the speaker? What is the price of ‘Guess’? What are the ‘good points’ of Guess? What are the defects of ‘Guess’, according to the speaker? [1+1+2+2]

👉Here Chubukov is the speaker of the above line. 

The price of the dog of Lomov, Guess is 120 roubles. 

Chubukov considers that Lomov’s dog, Guess certainly has his good points. He’s pure-bred, firm on his feet, has well-sprung ribs, and all that.

But, according to Chubukov, the speaker, that dog has two defects: he’s old and he’s short in the muzzle.

Related Question

[I] “…… your Guess certainly has his good points…..” Who is the speaker? What are the good points about Guess according to the speaker? What are its ‘shortcomings’ as mentioned by the speaker? [1+3+2]

——————–

5️⃣ “I’m happy too…” Who says this and when? Why is the speaker happy? How can the speaker’s happiness be properly explained? [2+2+2]

👉In Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” Natalya says this. 

When Lomov recovers from his temporary unconsciousness, Chubukov directs him to hurry up and get married. He asks Lomov to kiss Natalya. Lomov does so and feels himself happy. At this, Natalya says this.

Natalya is a maid of 25. She has not still been able to find her man. She is love-sick. She cannot afford a chance to miss such a proposal. She has become desperate to have Lomov as a husband. Finally her desire gets fulfilled with Lomov’s kiss. So, the ‘love-sick cat’, Natalya is happy. 

Natalya wants Lomov not for any cordial emotion, but for a practical necessity. There is no harmony in the relationship between Lomov and Natalya. They twice engage in scandalous and spiteful quarrel with each other. So, their mental happiness seems to be temporary and forced. 

6️⃣ How does Lomov and Natalya quarrel over hunting dogs?

👉In the play, “The Proposal” the fight regarding dogs starts when Natalya offers Lomov to ‘talk of something else’. Lomov, in course of talking, expresses his sorrow to Natalya that his dog Guess has gone lame. He also informs her that he has spent only 125 roubles for his best dog. At this point Natalya comments that it is too much to spend so much roubles. She says that her father has spent only 85 roubles for his dog Squeezer. And she says that Squeezer is heaps better than Guess. Then Lomov finds Squeezer’s faults–it is overshot; as a result it is a bad hunter. Natalya then describes their dog as a pure dog and Guess is an impure, old and ugly and like a worn-out cab-horse. Chubukov also mentions that Guess is old and short in the muzzle. Then Lomov reminds Chubukov that how Squeezer was left behind and Guess ran neck and neck with the Count’s dog. Then they leave the issue of dogs aside and start abusing their families.

Related Questions

[I] Briefly describe the fight regarding dogs in the play, “The Proposal”.

[II] What was the subject of second quarrel between Lomov and Natalya? How did they put forward their arguments? [1+5] 

[III] What was Lomov’s opinion about Guess and Squeezer? How did Natalya contradict him? [3+3]

[IV] How does Natalya prove that her dog is better than Lomov’s dog? How does Lomov contradict Natalya’s points? [3+3]

[V] What are the names of hunting dogs of Lomov and Chubukov? From whom has Lomov purchased his dog and at what price? According to Lomov, what defects does Chubukov’s dog have? [2+2+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2024]

👉In Chekhov’s one-act play, “The Proposal” the names of haunting dogs of Lomov and Chubukov are Guess and Squeezer respectively. 

Lomov has purchased his haunting dog Guess from Mironov at 125 roubles. 

According to Lomov, Chubukov’s dog Squeezer overshot which means its lower jaw is shorter than the upper one which indicates that it is not a good hunter.

Golam Mortuja

Hello! I'm Golam Mortuja is here to share with you my own creative English study materials from pre-primary level to master's and higher English competitive level for your betterment in English language and literature. So, stay updated.

---Advertisement---

Related Post

Important SAQ

Read all 21 important SAQ sets for class-xii under WBCHSE and prepare yourself for the upcoming examination. English examination will be easy ...

Higher Secondary SAQ

Read all important 16 Higher Secondary SAQ sets and prepare yourself for the upcoming examination. Higher Secondary is an important exam ...

Grammatical Question Papers

Read and learn how all important grammatical question papers for class-xii under wbchse have been solved ...

An Astrologer’s Day MCQ

Read all important An Astrologer’s Day MCQ and be ready for examination. R K Narayan’s An Astrologer’s Day is thriller and suspense based story ...

Leave a Comment

error: Content is protected !!