The Proposal Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 10  First Flight

This page offers The Proposal long answer type question for Class 10  from the book First Flight.  We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand The  Proposal long answer type question

The Proposal Long Answer Type Question

1. Question: Lomov and Natalya argue over land and dogs. If you were Lomov, how would you handle these arguments differently to keep the conversation calm? Chapter “The Proposal” (120 words)

Answer:  If I were Lomov, I would handle the arguments calmly by focusing on finding a solution instead of getting angry. I would listen to Natalya’s side without interrupting and explain my point of view clearly.

Instead of arguing about who owns the land or whose dog is better, I would suggest that we find a fair way to share the land and enjoy both dogs. Keeping the conversation peaceful would help avoid unnecessary conflict and keep the focus on our relationship instead of small disagreements.

2. Question:  How did the arguments between Lomov and Natalya nearly ruin their marriage proposal? What could they have done differently? Chapter “The Proposal” (120 words)

Answer:  Lomov and Natalya almost ruined their marriage proposal by arguing over small issues like land and dogs. They focused on being right instead of discussing the proposal. Their pride and stubbornness took over.

They could have avoided this by calmly talking about their worries and understanding each other’s feelings. If they had cared more about their relationship than their egos, the proposal would have gone well, and they could have started their marriage happily.

3. Question: Chubukov supports his daughter but also worsens the arguments. If you were Chubukov, how would you help Lomov and Natalya resolve their issues? Chapter “The Proposal” (120 words)

Answer- If I were Chubukov, I would focus on calming Lomov and Natalya instead of joining in their arguments. I would gently remind them how important their relationship is and encourage them to talk about their differences in a calm way.

I would help them understand that their love and future together matter much more than small disagreements over land or dogs. By guiding them to speak openly and listen to each other, I could help them resolve their issues peacefully. This approach would support their marriage proposal and ensure that they start their life together on a positive note.

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4. Question: The arguments over land and dogs show how much pride and ego can affect relationships. Write a paragraph explaining why it’s important to put pride aside and focus on what truly matters in a relationship. Chapter “The Proposal” (120 words)

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Question:  How does pride affect relationships in “The Proposal”? Discuss the importance of setting aside pride to maintain healthy relationships. (100-120 words)

Answer- In “The Proposal,” Lomov and Natalya let their pride and ego lead to arguments over small things like land and dogs. This shows how pride can hurt relationships because it makes people focus on being right instead of being happy. It’s important to set aside pride and remember what truly matters in a relationship—love, understanding, and compromise.

When people put their ego aside, they can avoid unnecessary fights and build stronger, more caring relationships. By focusing on what’s really important, like kindness and mutual respect, relationships can grow and flourish.

5. Question:  If the story continued after the play ended, how do you think Lomov and Natalya married life would be? Write a short story imagining their life together. Chapter “The Proposal” (120 words)

Answer- If the story continued after the play, Lomov and Natalya’s married life would probably have both love and arguments. They would still have small disagreements because of their strong personalities, but over time, they would learn to understand each other better. With patience and compromise, they could find a way to balance their differences and build a happy life together.

Their marriage might have ups and downs, but with effort, they could grow closer and enjoy a lasting relationship. Through understanding and working together, they could turn their challenges into a strong and loving bond.

6. Question: If you were a mediator helping Lomov and Natalya, how would you stop their arguments and help them talk calmly? Write a short dialogue where you guide them to solve their problems peacefully. (100-120 words)

Answer:  If I were a mediator, I would first ask Lomov and Natalya to take a deep breath and listen to each other. I would say, “Lomov, can you explain why the land is important to you without getting upset?

And Natalya, please share your thoughts calmly.” I would remind them that their relationship is more important than winning an argument. Then, I would suggest, “Let’s find a way where both of you can feel satisfied. Maybe you can agree to share the land or focus on something else that matters to both of you.” This approach would help them talk peacefully and understand each other better.

7. Question:  If you were a psychologist, how would you explain the role of pride and stubbornness in Lomov and Natalya’s arguments? What simple advice would you give them to improve their relationship? (100-120 words)

Answer:  As a psychologist, I would explain that Lomov and Natalya argue because they both want to be right and focus on winning rather than understanding each other. This is why they end up fighting over small things like land and dogs.

I would tell them, “It’s okay to have different opinions, but it’s more important to listen to each other and understand how the other person feels.” I would advise them to be patient, think about the other person’s feelings, and try to see things from each other’s point of view.

By doing this, they can avoid unnecessary arguments and build a stronger relationship based on care and respect for one another.

8. Question:  “The Proposal” highlights greed and materialism. Why is it important to prioritise people over possessions in relationships? (100-120 words)

Answer:  In “The Proposal,” Lomov and Natalya argue about land and dogs. This shows how material things can harm their relationship. It is important to value people over possessions because true relationships are built on love, trust, and care.

If Lomov and Natalya focused more on their feelings for each other, they would argue less and be happier together. Caring for people means putting the relationship first, not things like land or dogs.

Possessions can’t replace the connection and love that make a relationship strong. When we value people over things, our relationships become more meaningful and lasting.

9. Question:  Despite their arguments, Lomov and Natalya get married. What does this say about the value of perseverance in relationships? (100-120 words)

Answer: Lomov and Natalya’s marriage, despite their many arguments, shows that perseverance is very important in relationships. Even though they fight over small things, they still care for each other and keep trying to make things work. This shows that staying committed, even when it’s difficult, can help build a strong and lasting relationship.

Their willingness to keep going helps them overcome problems and find happiness together. It teaches us that relationships need effort, patience, and the desire to keep trying, even when things aren’t perfect. By not giving up, they show that love can grow stronger through challenges.

10. Question:  In “The Proposal,” Lomov’s nervousness and health issues affect his behaviour. How do personal insecurities and anxieties impact decision-making and relationships? (100-120 words)

Answer:  In “The Proposal,” Lomov’s nervousness and health issues make him easily upset, which leads to arguments with Natalya. Personal insecurities and anxieties can cause people to overreact or make poor decisions because they feel worried or stressed.

This can create problems in relationships, as we see with Lomov and Natalya. When people are anxious, they might focus on small issues instead of what really matters. To improve relationships, it’s important to recognize these worries and deal with them calmly. Understanding and managing anxieties can help with better communication and decision-making in relationships.

11. Question:  In “The Proposal,” the characters argue over small issues. What does this say about focusing on minor problems instead of what really matters? How can this affect relationships? (100-120 words)

Answer:  In “The Proposal,” the characters argue over small things like land and dogs. This shows how focusing on minor problems can distract from what really matters in relationships. When people concentrate on being right about small things, they forget the bigger picture, like love and understanding.

This can lead to unnecessary conflicts and hurt feelings. In the play, these small arguments almost ruin the chance of marriage between Lomov and Natalya. It teaches us that it’s important to focus on what really matters, like caring for each other, rather than getting caught up in small, unimportant issues.

12. Question:  Lomov is determined to marry Natalya even though they argue a lot. What does this say about determination in reaching goals? Can determination sometimes lead to bad choices? (100-120 words)

Answer: Lomov’s determination to marry Natalya, even though they argue a lot, shows that determination can be powerful in achieving goals. However, being too determined can sometimes lead to bad choices. In Lomov’s case, his focus on marrying Natalya makes him overlook their constant fighting.

This shows that while it’s good to be determined, it’s also important to think carefully about the decision. Sometimes, being too focused on a goal can make someone ignore the problems that might come with it. It’s important to be determined but also to make sure that the goal is truly the right one for you.

13. Question:  The characters in “The Proposal” are quick to argue and insult each other. What does this behaviour reveal about their personalities and the social pressures they face? (100-120 words)

Answer:  The quick arguments and insults in “The Proposal” show that the characters are very proud and easily offended. Lomov and Natalya both want to prove they are right, which shows their stubbornness.

This behaviour also reflects the social pressures they face. In their society, land and status are very important, so they argue to protect their pride and social standing. Chubukov also joins the arguments quickly, showing that he feels the same pressures. The play highlights how social expectations can make people focus more on their pride and less on understanding and kindness in relationships.

14. Question: Neighbours should have a cordial relationship, which Lomov and Natalya do not. Describe their first argument. Chapter “The Proposal” (120 Words)

Answer: Neighbours should have a friendly relationship, but Lomov and Natalya do not. Although Lomov came to propose to Natalya, they quickly started arguing over a small piece of land.

The land, called Oxen Meadows, lies between their properties. Natalya claimed the land belonged to her, but Lomov insisted it was his. He tried to convince Natalya by saying that his aunt’s grandmother gave the land for temporary use to Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants.

The Chubukovs misunderstood and thought the land was theirs for over three hundred years. Both Lomov and Natalya argued and threatened each other, showing their lack of cordiality.

15. Question:  The proposal was forgotten amidst arguments. What would have been the right approach for both parties? Chapter “The Proposal” (120 Words)

Answer:  Lomov came to propose to Natalya, but instead of focusing on the proposal, they began arguing over trivial matters. They first argued about a small piece of land called Oxen Meadows, with both claiming it was theirs. Later, they quarrelled about whose dog was better.

The proposal was forgotten during these arguments. The situation could have been different if they had taken the right approach. They should have been polite, patient, and avoided stubbornness.

If they focused on their marriage instead of arguing about land and dogs, they could have peacefully resolved their differences and moved forward with the proposal. Prioritising the relationship over minor issues would have led to a better outcome.

16. 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) Chapter “The Proposal” (120 Words)                     

Answer: Lomov and the Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to the Chubukovs to propose to Natalya, but instead, they started fighting over small issues like Oxen Meadows and the quality of their dogs. This is not how good neighbours should behave.

Neighbours should be friendly and maintain a positive relationship. There should be understanding and patience between them. The fight between Lomov and the Chubukovs could have been avoided if handled with care.

The issue of the meadows could have been calmly resolved through a good conversation, checking documents, or by realising that marriage would make the meadows belong to both. Similarly, the dog issue could be solved by discussing the positive points of each dog instead of arguing.

17. Question:  Describe the incidents of humour in the play “The Proposal” and explain how they contribute to the overall comedy. Chapter “The Proposal” (120 Words)

Answer: “The Proposal” is a very humorous play. The humour starts with Lomov’s formal entrance in a dress suit, and Chubukov’s funny greetings like “darling,” “my treasure,” and “my beauty.” What should be a romantic marriage proposal turns into a comedy as Natalya and Lomov argue over silly things like who owns Oxen Meadows and which dog is better.

The names they call each other, like “scarecrow,” “turnip ghost,” and “stuffed sausage,” make the audience laugh. Natalya’s hysterical reaction when she learns about the proposal, and the father and daughter’s wailing when they think Lomov is dead, add to the humour. Even when Natalya accepts the proposal while still arguing, it’s funny. The whole play is full of such moments, making it a delightful comedy.

18. Question:  Describe the first meeting between Lomov and Natalya when Lomov visits to propose marriage. How does their conversation unfold?

Answer:  Lomov visits Chubukov’s house to propose marriage to Natalya. However, when he starts talking to Natalya, he becomes nervous and doesn’t know how to make the proposal. Instead of getting to the point, he starts talking about his meadows that touch Natalya’s birchwoods.

This leads to a big argument between them over who owns the meadows. Both claim the land is theirs and begin to argue. When Chubukov joins them, instead of calming things down, he also starts arguing. Lomov becomes very upset, leaves the house, and forgets all about the marriage proposal. The meeting, instead of leading to a proposal, ends in a quarrel.

19. Question: What is the theme of the play “The Proposal”?

Answer: The one-act play “The Proposal” highlights the lifestyle of Russian landlords in the 19th century. These landlords lived easy and comfortable lives, often filled with vanity and pride. They would argue over small things, as shown when Lomov and Natalya quarrel over a piece of land and later over their dogs.

Instead of calming them, Natalya’s father, Chubukov, joins the argument, and they all behave in a humorous way. The play also reflects social issues of the time, like the pressure to marry. An unmarried daughter was seen as a burden, and an older bachelor like Lomov was also looked down upon. These themes are clearly shown through the characters of Lomov and Natalya.

20. Question:  Describe how Natalya reacts before and after knowing the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. Does she act sensibly in this regard?

Answer:  Natalya, a 25-year-old woman, really wants to get married. When Lomov visits, she doesn’t know he came to propose. Before knowing his purpose, she argues with him about who owns Oxen Meadows, thinking he’s trying to take their land. Lomov feels insulted and leaves.

When Natalya finds out he wanted to propose, she gets upset and begs to bring him back. When Lomov returns, they stop arguing about the land but start fighting over whose dog is better. This fight continues until Lomov faints.

Finally, her father tells them to get married quickly, and Natalya agrees. However, she doesn’t act very sensibly because she lets small arguments get in the way of the marriage proposal.

21. Question: In spite of being a good housekeeper, educated, and not bad looking, Natalya is quarrelsome, vain, and highly impulsive. Justify your answer in 120 words.

Answer: Natalya is the daughter of a wealthy Russian landlord. She is 25 years old and a good housekeeper. She is also educated and not bad looking. Lomov sees her as a suitable partner and comes to propose marriage. However, Natalya has some flaws. She is very quarrelsome, just like her father.

She argues with Lomov over who owns Oxen Meadows and insists her dog, Squeezer, is better than his dog, Guess. These unnecessary fights show she is impulsive and vain. Even though she wants to marry Lomov, she gets distracted by small issues. In the end, she agrees to marry him but starts her married life with yet another argument.

22. Question: Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian landlord. Instead of solving the problems, he only adds fuel to the fire in their quarrel over Oxen Meadows and the dogs. Justify the statement.

Answer: Chubukov is a typical rich landlord of 19th-century Russia. He is wealthy and resourceful. Even Lomov, his neighbour, appreciates the help Chubukov has given him, such as lending his threshing machine. Chubukov is practical and quickly agrees to Lomov’s proposal for his daughter, Natalya, knowing Lomov would be a good match.

However, Chubukov is also quarrelsome and greedy. When Lomov claims ownership of Oxen Meadows, Chubukov immediately opposes him and even threatens to send his workers there. Instead of calming the situation, Chubukov joins the argument, calling Lomov names like “landgrabber” and “villain.”

He insults Lomov’s family, making the fight worse. Although he eventually helps finalise the marriage, Chubukov’s actions show his love for conflict and land.

23. Question: Justify the title of the lesson, “The Proposal.”

Answer: Anton Chekhov has appropriately titled his one-act play “The Proposal.” The title fits the theme and subject of the play, as the entire story revolves around Lomov’s marriage proposal to Natalya, Chubukov’s daughter. The play begins with Lomov visiting Chubukov’s house to propose. When Chubukov learns about the proposal, he is very happy.

Lomov sees Natalya as an ideal wife—she is a good housekeeper, educated, and not bad looking. Natalya, who is eager to get married, becomes upset when she realises the proposal was almost missed.

Despite their quarrels over land and dogs, the play ends with Natalya accepting the proposal by kissing and embracing Lomov, and Chubukov happily blessing the couple. The title perfectly reflects the central event of the play: the marriage proposal.

24. 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: Both Lomov and Chubukov claim that Oxen Meadows belong to them. Lomov says the meadows are his because his aunt’s grandmother allowed Chubukov’s peasants to use them in exchange for making bricks, but the land still belongs to him.

Natalya disagrees, saying that their land goes up to Burnt Marsh, and they have owned the meadows for 300 years. Lomov offers to show documents to prove his point. Natalya then threatens to send workers to the meadows, making the argument worse.

When Chubukov joins, he supports Natalya, and they all start insulting each other. But when Natalya learns that Lomov came to propose marriage, she gives up her claim and agrees that the meadows belong to Lomov.

25. Question: Doesn’t it look ridiculous and childish to see mature persons like Natalya, Lomov, and Chubukov quarrelling over their dogs, Squeezer and Guess? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: Yes, it does seem ridiculous and childish to see mature adults like Natalya, Lomov, and Chubukov arguing over their dogs, Squeezer and Guess. Despite being grown-ups, they forget the main issue—the marriage proposal—and start quarrelling about whose dog is better.

Natalya, who is eager to marry Lomov, and Lomov, who sees Natalya as an ideal wife, both lose focus. Their behaviour is childish, especially considering their age. They let their pride and vanity turn a simple conversation into a heated argument. Chubukov also joins in, making things worse.

They start insulting each other, with Lomov calling Chubukov names like “old rat” and “Jesuit,” and Chubukov responding with insults like “Boy!” and “Fool!” The argument only ends when Lomov faints from the stress.

26. Question:  How do Natalya and Chubukov react when Lomov falls down in an armchair and is thought to be dead? How does Chubukov manage to get Natalya married to Lomov?

Answer:  In Anton Chekhov’s play “The Proposal,” a farcical situation arises when Lomov falls unconscious in an armchair after a heated argument. Before this, they had settled the dispute over Oxen Meadows but started a new quarrel over their dogs. Lomov is insulted and, overwhelmed by the stress, faints.

Natalya and Chubukov panic, thinking Lomov is dead. Chubukov feels helpless and considers extreme actions like shooting himself. When Lomov regains consciousness, both are relieved.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity, Chubukov quickly urges Natalya to marry Lomov. Natalya immediately agrees, kisses Lomov, and accepts the proposal. Chubukov blesses the newly married couple and celebrates with champagne. However, the couple soon starts arguing again, this time over their dogs.