Summary of "The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov
Answers to Questions
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What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says, "And I've always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son"?
- Chubukov initially suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He is not entirely sincere when he later claims that he has always loved Lomov like his own son. His exaggerated reaction to Lomov's proposal, followed by the rapid change in his behavior when Lomov starts arguing with Natalya, shows that his affection is more tied to the material benefit of the marriage than genuine emotion.
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Chubukov says of Natalya: "...as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat..." Would you agree?
- Yes, Chubukov's statement is partly true. Natalya’s reaction after learning that Lomov came to propose — she becomes extremely upset and demands that he be brought back immediately — suggests that she has feelings for Lomov, even if they are not overtly romantic. Her sudden switch from arguing with Lomov to eagerly accepting his proposal reflects emotional confusion, much like a "lovesick cat."
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(i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other.
- Lomov calls Chubukov a "malicious, double-faced intriguer" and accuses him of being a "grabber." Chubukov, in turn, calls Lomov a "fool," a "pettifogger," and an "intriguer." Natalya and Lomov also insult each other, with Lomov claiming that Natalya’s dog, Squeezer, is "overshot" and a poor hunter, while Natalya calls Lomov’s dog, Guess, "old" and "ugly."
(ii) Five adjectives to describe each character:
- Lomov: Nervous, argumentative, insecure, excitable, indecisive.
- Natalya: Stubborn, emotional, quarrelsome, passionate, prideful.
- Chubukov: Manipulative, opportunistic, impatient, hypocritical, dramatic.
(iii) What will they quarrel about next?
- They are likely to quarrel about household matters, future decisions regarding their land or livestock, or continue bickering about trivial matters like their dogs, as their argumentative nature seems to be a core part of their personalities.
Important Questions and Answers Based on "The Proposal" for CBSE Exam
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Why does Lomov want to marry Natalya?
- Lomov wants to marry Natalya mainly for practical reasons. He is 35 years old and feels that it's time to settle down. He believes Natalya is a good housekeeper and from a wealthy family, which makes her a suitable match. Love is not his primary motivation.
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Why do Lomov and Natalya argue over Oxen Meadows?
- Lomov and Natalya argue because both believe they own the Oxen Meadows. Lomov insists they belong to his family, while Natalya is equally sure they are her family's property. This small land dispute quickly turns into a heated argument.
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How does Chubukov react when Lomov tells him about the proposal?
- At first, Chubukov is overjoyed when Lomov mentions the proposal. He expresses happiness and excitement, saying he has always wanted Lomov to marry Natalya. However, his excitement quickly fades when the arguments start.
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How do the characters' arguments reflect their personalities?
- The characters’ arguments show that they are all stubborn, easily provoked, and prideful. Lomov is nervous and easily agitated, Natalya is headstrong and competitive, and Chubukov is opportunistic and quick to support whoever benefits him most.
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What happens when Natalya learns that Lomov came to propose?
- When Natalya finds out that Lomov came to propose, she immediately regrets arguing with him and becomes hysterical. She asks her father to bring Lomov back because she feels embarrassed and is eager to accept his proposal.
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Why does the argument about the dogs start?
- The argument about the dogs starts when Lomov mentions his dog, Guess, has gone lame. Natalya insists that her dog, Squeezer, is better, while Lomov believes his dog is superior. This leads to yet another pointless and heated argument.
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How does the play show the importance of property and wealth in marriage?
- The play shows that property and wealth play a big role in marriage decisions, especially for wealthy families like Lomov's and Natalya's. Lomov’s proposal is motivated more by economic benefits than love, and their arguments often revolve around land and possessions.
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What role does Chubukov play in the quarrels between Lomov and Natalya?
- Chubukov often fuels the arguments between Lomov and Natalya. Instead of calming them down, he gets involved in the disputes and even adds to the tension, especially during the argument about Oxen Meadows and the dogs.
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What does the play suggest about the nature of marriage in wealthy families?
- The play suggests that in wealthy families, marriage is often more about business and social status than love. Lomov, Natalya, and Chubukov are more concerned about property, land, and practical benefits than genuine emotional connection.
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Do you think Lomov and Natalya will continue to argue after their marriage? Why or why not?
- Yes, it is likely that Lomov and Natalya will continue to argue after their marriage. Both are stubborn and competitive, and their constant bickering over small issues, even after the proposal, suggests they will continue to have disagreements in the future.
MCQs on The Proposal by Anton Chekhov
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What is the original title of the play "The Proposal"?
- a) A Wedding Proposal
- b) A Marriage Proposal
- c) The Engagement
- d) The Wedding Invitation
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What is the main reason Lomov wants to marry Natalya?
- a) He is deeply in love with her
- b) He wants to increase his social status
- c) He believes it's time to marry and Natalya is a good match
- d) His family pressured him to propose
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How old is Natalya Stepanovna in the play?
- a) 20
- b) 25
- c) 30
- d) 35
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What does Lomov first discuss with Natalya when he arrives?
- a) His proposal
- b) Oxen Meadows
- c) Their dogs
- d) His health issues
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What does Chubukov initially think when Lomov comes to visit?
- a) Lomov wants to borrow money
- b) Lomov wants to settle a land dispute
- c) Lomov came to propose to Natalya
- d) Lomov needs help with his health problems
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What is the name of Lomov's dog?
- a) Squeezer
- b) Guess
- c) Max
- d) Rex
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Why do Lomov and Natalya argue about Oxen Meadows?
- a) Natalya sold the meadows
- b) They both claim ownership of the meadows
- c) The meadows are being leased to someone else
- d) They are planning to build on the meadows
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How does Natalya react when she finds out Lomov came to propose?
- a) She is angry and rejects him
- b) She laughs and mocks him
- c) She feels embarrassed and demands he return
- d) She immediately accepts the proposal
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What health issues does Lomov frequently complain about?
- a) Stomach pain and headaches
- b) Insomnia and anxiety
- c) Heart palpitations and trembling
- d) High blood pressure and dizziness
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Who does Chubukov blame for the arguments in the play?
- a) Lomov
- b) Natalya
- c) Both Lomov and Natalya
- d) Himself
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What happens at the end of the play?
- a) Lomov and Natalya agree to part ways
- b) Lomov and Natalya get engaged but continue arguing
- c) Chubukov disapproves of the marriage
- d) Lomov leaves and refuses to return
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What kind of play is "The Proposal"?
- a) A tragedy
- b) A drama
- c) A farce
- d) A romantic comedy
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How does Chubukov react when Lomov collapses during the argument?
- a) He panics and tries to revive him
- b) He calls for a doctor immediately
- c) He believes Lomov is faking it
- d) He ignores it and continues arguing
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What does Natalya claim about her dog, Squeezer?
- a) He is too old to hunt
- b) He is a thoroughbred and better than Guess
- c) He is not as good as Guess
- d) He is unable to run anymore
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How does Lomov describe Natalya at the beginning of the play?
- a) Beautiful and kind
- b) A skilled and organized housekeeper
- c) Argumentative but charming
- d) A great conversationalist
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Why does Chubukov initially support Lomov's proposal?
- a) He genuinely loves Lomov
- b) He sees it as a good match for his daughter
- c) He wants to increase his own wealth
- d) He feels sorry for Lomov
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What is the primary theme of the play?
- a) True love
- b) Wealth and social status in marriage
- c) Family relationships
- d) The struggle for independence
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What is Lomov’s biggest fear when proposing to Natalya?
- a) That she will laugh at him
- b) That she will reject him
- c) That she will insult his property
- d) That she will argue with him
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How does the play depict the characters' priorities?
- a) They value love over everything else
- b) They prioritize wealth and property more than personal relationships
- c) They focus on maintaining family traditions
- d) They are more interested in social appearances than in genuine emotions
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What kind of relationship do the Lomovs and Chubukovs have before the proposal?
- a) Hostile and competitive
- b) Friendly and cooperative
- c) Respectful but distant
- d) Full of misunderstandings and disputes
Answer Key:
- b) A Marriage Proposal
- c) He believes it's time to marry and Natalya is a good match
- b) 25
- b) Oxen Meadows
- a) Lomov wants to borrow money
- b) Guess
- b) They both claim ownership of the meadows
- c) She feels embarrassed and demands he return
- c) Heart palpitations and trembling
- c) Both Lomov and Natalya
- b) Lomov and Natalya get engaged but continue arguing
- c) A farce
- a) He panics and tries to revive him
- b) He is a thoroughbred and better than Guess
- b) A skilled and organized housekeeper
- b) He sees it as a good match for his daughter
- b) Wealth and social status in marriage
- b) That she will reject him
- b) They prioritize wealth and property more than personal relationships
- d) Full of misunderstandings and disputes
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