The Proposal Extra Questions and Answers

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Extra Questions, Notes, Assignment and study material for Class 10^th as Per Latest CBSE Syllabus

Chapter- 11 English Language and Literature- First Flight

The Proposal Extra Questions and Answers

By– Anton Chekov

About the Author – Anton Chekov – The Proposal

Antony Chekhov was a great playwright and story writer. He was born on 29 January 1860 in a village in Southern Russia. His father ran a grocery store. His mother, Yevgeniya was an excellent storyteller. Chekhov was an established physician. He is considered to be among the greatest writers of short stories in the world. Chekhov once said, “Medicine is my lawful wife and literature is my mistress.”

Introduction of the lesson- The Proposal

The Proposal Extra Questions and Answers

Anton Chekov (1860-1904) was a famous writer. He is chiefly known for his short stories. This story ‘The Proposal’ is a romantic story of a neighbour named Ivan Lomov. He is a landowner and often gets money from Chuhukov’s another landowner. Chubukov has a daughter named Natalya. Lomov comes to Chubukov with a marriage proposal for his daughter Natalya.

(ऐन्टन चेखव (1860-1904) एक प्रसिद्ध लेखक था । वह अपनी लघु कहानियों के लिए बहुत प्रसिद्ध है । यह कहानी “The Proposal’ एक रोमांस से भरपूर (एक पड़ोसी इवान लोमोव की ) कहानी है वह एक ज़मीदार है और शुबुकोव नाम के दूसरे ज़मीदार से रुपया उधार ले लेता है । शुबुकोव की एक बेटी है नाताल्या । लोमोव शुबुकोव के पास उसकी बेटी के साथ शादी करने का प्रस्ताव लेकर आता है ।)

Plot/ Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson/ Literary Analysis of The Proposal/ Main Idea

`The Proposal’ is a one-act play. Actually, it is a farce written by Anton Chekhov in 1888-89. The play is about the tendency of wealthy families to seek matrimonial ties. The real purpose is to increase their estates and landed properties. Ivan Lomov was a wealthy neighbour of another wealthy farmer Stepan Chubukov. Lomov comes to seek the hand of Chubukov’s twenty-five-year-old daughter, Natalya. Tomov, Chubukov and Natalya’-all three are quarrelsome people. They quarrel over petty or small issues. Each one of them has a claim over a particular piece of land. They also quarrel over their dogs. Amidst this quarrelling, they completely forget the real issue — the marriage proposal. But good sense prevails in the end. Economic good sense ensures that the proposal is made. Chubukov doesn’t want to miss the opportunity. He puts his daughter’s hand into Lomov’s hands. He doesn’t waste any time and blesses them. However, old habits die hard. The newly married couple starts their married life with a fresh quarrel.

Important Word-Meanings of difficult words from the lesson- The Proposal

[PAGE 144] : Hearty = large-hearted (बड़े दिल वाला); suspicious = doubtful (शक्की); gloves = gloves (दस्ताने); squeezes = wrings (निचोड़ना/दबानाl); get-up = dress (पोशाक); my treasure = term of endearment (प्यार का संबोधन); my precious = term of endearment (प्यार का संबोधन); privilege = special right (विशेषाधिकार); awfully = greatly (बहुत अधिक); deserve = able (काबिल होना) I

[PAGE 145] :Interrupting = interfering (दखल देना); embraces = hugs (अर्लिगन करना); sheds = drops (गिराना); off my balance = excited (उत्तेजित); consent = agreement (सहमति); lovesick = in search of love (प्यार की खोज में)I

[PAGE 146): Excellent = very good (शानदार); palpitations = beating of the heart (दिल का धड़कना); twitch =. pull with a jerk (फड़कना); lunatic = mad (पागल); apron = apron (एप्रन); neglige = gown (गाऊन); shelling = removing shells (छिलके उतारना); splendid = beautiful (सुंदर); stacked = stored (संग्रह किया); hay = straw (भूसा); ball = a kind of dance (नाच); pause = stop (रुकना) I

[PAGE 147] : Inherited = received as heir (विरासत में मिलना); affectionate = loving (प्रिय); wedged = lying in between (के बीच में); dispute = quarrel (झगड़ा) ; in perpetuity = in continuation (लगातार); reckoned = understood (समझा) I

[PAGE 148] : Dessiatins = a currency (एक मुद्रा); unfairness = injustice (अन्याय); implore = request (प्रार्थना करनाr); bake = heat (पकाना); make head and tail = understand (समझना); threshing = separating grain and chaff (अनाज और भूसा अलग करना); gipsies = nomadic (खानाबदोश); impudent = rude (अभद्र); landgrabber = one who grabs others’ land (दूसरे की जमीन हड़पने वाला ); carafe = a water container (पानी का पात्र) I

[PAGE 149] : Mowers = crop cutters (फसल काटने वाला); meadows = grasslands (घास के मैदान); clutches = holds (पकड़ना); restrain = control (नियंत्रित करना); excruciating = strong (मजबूत) I

[PAGE 150) : Accustomed = habitual (आदी); yelling = shouting (चिल्लाना); give up = renounce (त्याग देना); right = claim (दावा); agitating = becoming exciting (उत्तेजित होना) ; calmly = peacefully (शांति से )I

[PAGE 151) : Pettifogger = a clever person (चालाक आदमी ); tried = sued (मुकद्दमा चलाया) ; embezzlement = financial misappropriation (गबन); lunacy = madness (पागलपन); drunkard = one who drinks too much wine (बहुत शराब पीने वाला ); hump-backed = with curved back (कुबड़ा); guzzling = drinking (पीना); gambler = one who gambles (जुआरी); backbiters = criticizing others behind their backs (चुगलखोर); intriguer = planner (षड्यंत्रकारी); malicious = full of ill-will (दुर्भावनापूर्ण); numb = senseless (सुन्न); staggers = falls (गिरना); rascal = rogue (धूर्त); villain = scoundrel (बदमाश) ; scarecrow = figure in the field to scare birds (डरेबा); monster = devil (शैतान); impudence = arrogance (घमण्ड); blind hen = an abuse (गाली); turnip-ghost = an abuse (गाली); confounded=confused (घबराया हुआ); stuffed sausage = an abuse (गाली); wizen-faced frump = an abuse (गाली) I

[PAGE 152] :Wails = weeps (रोना); hysterics = mad cries (पागलों जैसी चीखें); exhausted = tired (थका हुआ); heated =angry (नाराज); evidence = proof (सबूत /प्रमाण)I

[PAGE 153) : Twisted = bent (मुड़ा हुआ ); heaps better = much better (अधिक बेहतर); pedigree = race (जाति); overshot = when the lower jaw is shorter than the upper (जब निचला जबड़ा ऊपर वाले भाग से छोटा हो ); thoroughbred = pure hied (शुद्ध जाति); cab = carriage (बग्गी); contradiction = disagreement (असहमति) I

[PAGE 154): Acknowledge = admit (प्रवेश करने देना); implore = request (प्रार्थना करना); muzzle = nose and mouth of an animal (थूथन); a whole verst = much behind (बहुत पीछे); whip = cane with a string (चाबुक) I

[PAGE 155] : Beetles = insects (कीड़े); tracking = following (पीछा करना); pup = small dog (छोटा कुत्ता); Partridge ,. a bird (तितर); sparks = tiny glowing hits of fire (चिंगारियाँ); milksop = an abuse (गाली); screams = cries (चीखें) I

[PAGE 156] : Tumbler = glass (गिलास); mist = fog (धुन्ध): be damned = an abuse (गाली); champagne = a kind of liquor (एक प्रकार का मादक पेय) I

Summary in English- The Proposal

When the play begins we see that Lomov comes to meet Chubukov at his house. Chubukov who is a farmer welcomes Lomov. He asks him why he is wearing formal clothes and whether he is going to attend a function. Lomov replies that he is not going anywhere; he has come only to meet him. Lomov appears excited and perturbed. He calms himself down and begins to tell him the purpose of his visit. He tells him that he came to him many times in the past also for his help but he did not help him. Before telling the purpose of his visit. Lomov is excited once again. Chubukov thinks that perhaps he has come to ask for a loan. He makes up his mind not to help him in any way.

Lomov once again begins to tell Chubukov about the purpose of his visit. But he once again becomes excited. He talks about himself in exaggerated terms. Chubukov asks him not to beat about the hush and to talk about his purpose of coming. Lomov gathers courage and tells him that he has come to ask for his daughter Natalya’s hand in marriage. On hearing this Chubukov becomes very happy, he goes in to call Natalya. But before this Lomov asks him whether Natalya would give her permission for this. Chubukov replies that she will readily accept a match like him.

Lomov is left alone in the room. His body is trembling with excitement. He thinks about his present life. He wants to settle the question of his marriage at once. He thinks that now he should not delay. He thinks about Natalya. She is a skilled house-keeper. She is educated and is not bad to look at. At this age, he should not expect a better girl than her. Now he is thirty-five years old. Now he should lead a regulated life. He is suffering from serious diseases like palpitation, excitement and insomnia. Because of these reasons, he should marry.

Just then Natalya comes in. Her father has not told her that Lomov has come to meet her. He only told her that a customer had come. Even then she welcomes Lomov. Before Lomov can speak, she starts speaking-When she mentions his beautiful dress, he is again excited. Before he can talk about his marriage to her, he starts trembling. Natalya encourages him and he recovers. He says that he will tell her everything in brief. Even then he cannot talk in a straight-forward manner. He beats about the bush. He tells her that for the Iasi many decades their families have had good relations. Their estates are also adjoining. His Oxen Warbles touch their birchwoods. Natalya protests against this. She says that the Oxen Meadows belong to her. they lay their claims to it. They start quarrelling about the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. They shout loudly at each other. They do not calm down in any way.

Chubukov comes in and finds them both quarrelling. He is greatly surprised. But when he finds that they are quarrelling about the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. he also becomes angry. Instead of calming them down, he also starts quarrelling. He claims to be the owner of the Meadows. He insults not only Lomov but also his family members. Lomov becomes more excited. He uses insulting words for Chubukov, Natalya and their family members. Lomov’s palpitation increases and he becomes very perturbed. He goes out of the room. Chubukov says how the foolish Lomov dared to bring a proposal for Natalya’s marriage. When Natalya hears this, she is deeply shocked. She is almost unconscious. She starts weeping and asks her father to bring tomor back. Chubukov feels sad. He says that it is the biggest misfortune to be the father of a girl. He goes out to call Lomov.

Lomov again enters the room. Natalya thinks that she will not annoy him this time. She tries to please him. She says that the Meadows belong to him. She tries to change the topic so that he could propose to her. But he is still not all right. He is feeling disturbed. He does not come to the point. Lomov starts praising the qualities of his dog Guess, which he has purchased for 125 roubles. But Natalya says that her dog Squeezer which she purchased for 85 roubles is much better than Lomov’s dog Guess. Both of them praise the qualities of their dogs. Now they start quarrelling on this topic. They again start shouting at each other. In the meantime, Chubukov comes. Instead of putting an end to their quarrel, he also starts quarrelling. In this dispute. Lomov’s condition deteriorates and he falls on the chair, unconscious. Both the father and the daughter think that he has died. Natalya starts lamenting that her chance of getting married has gone.

After sometime. Lomov comes to his senses. Chubukov tells Lomov that Natalya is willing for marriage. so he should marry her. Natalya expresses her willingness. Chubukov does not want to lose even a moment and joins their hands. He asks them to kiss each other. But soon, they start quarrelling again. They start debating the qualities of their respective dogs. Chubukov tries to calm them down. With this, the play comes to an end.

Summary in English- The Proposal (2) :

Lomov’s Arrival with a Proposal of Marriage: Chubukov is sitting in his drawing room. Lomov, a wealthy neighbour of Chubukov arrives. He is wearing dress-jacket and white gloves. Chubukov welcomes him. He wonders why Lomov is in his formal evening dress. Lomov says that he has come to trouble Chubukov with a request. Chubukov becomes cautious. He thinks that perhaps Lomov has come to borrow money. He is in no mood to help him. Lomov is excited. He fails to come to the point. Chubukov asks him not to beat about the hush. He should come to the point. Lomov, at last, tells him the purpose of his visit. He tells that he has come to ask the hand of Chubukov’s daughter Natalya Stepanova. Chubukov is extremely happy. He embraces and kisses Lomov. He tells that it has been his long desire to see Lomov and Natalya married together. Chuhukov assures Lomov that Natalya too will give her consent. She is in love, She is like a love-sick cat.

Value Points of the Story – The Proposal

1. Lomov and Chubukov are both neighbours and landlords.

2. Lomov comes to Chubukov with a proposal of marriage with Chubukov’s daughter Natalya.

3. Lomov is 35 and wants to lead a peaceful married life.

4. He thinks that Natalya is an excellent housekeeper, and not bad looking.

5. He is excited and forgets the purpose of his visit.

6. He starts quarrelling with her over Oxen Meadows.

7. Natalya opposes Lomov and claims that Oxen Meadows belong to them.

8. Lomov is ready to show the documents to prove his ownership of Oxex Meadows.

9. He is ready to make Oxen Meadows a present to her.

10. Chubukov enters and adds fuel to the fire.

11. Chubukov sides with his daughter Natalya.

12. Lomov threatens to go to court.

13. They quarrel and indulge in abusing and insulting each other. Character Sketch

14. Natalya comes to know that Lomov has come there with a proposal of marriage.

15. She blames her father for not telling her about it before.

16. She threatens to die if Chubukov doesn’t bring Lomov back.

17. Lomov returns and now they pick up a new quarrel over their dogs.

18. Natalya says that her dog squeezer is far superior to Lomov’s dog Guess.

19. Lomov is excited and his palpitations start rising.

20. He falls down in the armchair and loses his consciousness.

21. Chebukov is confused and threatens to cut his throat or shot himself.

22. Chubukov doesn’t want to miss this opportunity.

23. He makes them embrace and kiss each other.

24. Chubukov blesses them a happy married life.

DETAILED SUMMARY in Hindi – The Proposal

जब नाटक शुरु होता है तो हम देखते हैं कि लोमोव शुबुकोव के घर उससे मिलने के लिए आता है । शुबुकोव जोकि एक किसान का स्वागत करता है । वह उससे पूछता है कि वह औपचारिक पोशाक क्यों पहने हुए है, और क्या वह किसी विशेष कार्य के लिए जा रहा है । लोमोव उतर देता है कि वह कहीं और नहीं जा रहा है, वह तो उससे ही मिलने आया है ।लोमोव उत्तेजित और व्याकुल नज़र आता है । वह अपने-आपको शांत करता है और अपने आने का उदेश्य बताना आरंभ करता है । वह उसे बताता है कि वह पहले भी कई बार सहायता के लिए उसके पास आया है और उसने उसकी सहायता नहीं की है । अपना उदेश्य बताने से पहले ही लोमोव फिर से उत्तेजितहो जाता है । शुबुकोव मन में सोचता है कि शायद वह कर्ज लेने आया है । वह निश्चय

कर लेता है कि वह उसे किसी प्रकार की सहायता नहीं देगा ।

लोमोव एक बार फिर शुबुकोव को अपने जाने के उद्देश्य के बारे में बताना चाहता है। लेकिन वह दोबारा उत्तेजित होजाता है । वह सहायता के बारे में बोतने की अपेक्षा अपने बारे में कुछ बढ़-चढ़कर बात करता है । शुबुकोवउसे इधर- उधर की बात न करके उसके आने के उद्देश्य की बात करने के लिए कहता है । लोमोव शक्ति बटोर लेता है और उसे बताता है कि वह उसकी बेटी नाताल्या का हाथ विवाह के लिए माँगने आया है । यह सुनकर शुबुकोव बहुत प्रसन्नहोता है । वह नाताल्या को बुलाने के लिए अंदर जाने लगता है । परंतु उससे पहले ही लोमोव उससे पूछता है कि क्या नाताल्या इसकी स्वीकृति देगी । शुबुकोव उसे उत्तर देता है कि वह उस जैसे अच्छे लड़के को तुरंत स्वीकार कर लेगी ।

लोमोव कमरे में अकेला रह जाता है ।उसका शरीर उत्तेजना से कांप रहा हैं । बह अपनेवर्तमान जीवन के बारे में सोचना शुरू कर देता है । वह अपनी शादी का मामला तुरंत तय कर देना चाहता हैं । वह सोचता है कि उसे अब ज्यादा देर नहीं करनी चाहिए । वह नाताल्या के बारे में सोचता है । वह एक कुशल गृहिणी हैं । वह पढी-लिखी हे ओर देखने में भी की बुरी नहीं है । इस आयु में उसे इससे अच्छी लड़की की आशा भी नहीं करनी चाहिए । वह पैंतीस वर्ष का चुका है । उसे अब एक नियमित जीवन बिताना चाहिए । वह दिल की धड़कन ,बौखलाहट और अनिद्रा जैसी भयकर बीमारियों से भी पीड़ित है । इन कारणों से उसे अब विवाह कर लेना चाहिए ।

इतने में नाताल्या अंदर आती है । उसके पितानेउसे नहीं बताया कि लोमोव उससे मिलने आया है उसने तो उसे यही बताया था कि कोई ग्राहक आया है । फिरभी वह लोमोव का स्वागत करती है । इससे पहले कि लोमोव कुछ बात करे , वह बात करना आरंभ कर देती है । तब वह उसकी सुंदर पोशाक की ओर संकेत करती है , वह फिर उत्तेजित हो उठता है ।इससे पहले कि वह उससे शादी के बारे में पूछे , वह काँपने लगता है । नाताल्या उसे प्रोत्साहित करती है और वह ठीक हो जाता है । वह कहता है कि उसे संक्षेप मेंसब कुछ बता देगा । फिरभी वह स्पष्ट रूप से बात नहीं कर पाता । वह वह इधर – उधर की बातें करने लगता है ।

वह उसे कहता हैं कि पिछले कई दशकों से उनके परिवारों के संबंध बहुत अच्छे हैं उनकी संपत्तियाँ भी साथ-साथ हैं। उनकीचरागाहैं उनके भोज-पत्र के वनों को छूतीहै । नाताल्या इस बात का विरोध करती है । वह कहती है कि चरागाहें उनकी हैं । दोनों ही उन पर अपना-अपना अधिकार जमाते हैं । इन चरागाहों की मलकियत के प्रश्न पर दोनों में झगड़ा आरंभ हो जाता है ।दोनों बहुत जोर से एक-दूसरे पर चिल्लाते हैं वे किसी भी प्रकार से शांत नहीं होते ।

शुबुकोव अंदर आता हैं। और उन्हें झगड़ते हुए देखता है । वह बड़ा हैरान होता हैं । परंतु जब उसे पता चलता है कि वे दोनों चरागाहों के स्वामित्वपर झगड़ रहें तो वह भी क्रोधित हो उठता है । उन्हें शांत करने की अपेक्षा वह भी लड़ने लग जाता है । वह चरागाहों के स्वामित्व का दावा करता हिया । वह न केवल लोमोव उसके परिवार के सदस्यों के लिए अपमानजनक शब्दों का प्रयोग करता है । लोमोव के दिल की धड़कन बढ़ जाती है और यह अत्यधिक अशांत हो उठता है। वह कमरे से बाहर चला जाता है ।

शुबुकोव कहता है कि इस मूर्ख लोमोव को उसकी बेटी के सामने शादी का प्रस्ताव रखने का साहस कैसे हुआ ? जैसे ही नाताल्या यह बात सुनती है, उसे बड़ा गहरा सदमा पहुँचता है। वह मुर्छित –सी हो जाती है । वह रोने लगती हैँ और अपने पिता से कहती है कि वह लोमोव को वापस लाए। शुबुकोव बहुत दुख अनुभव करता है । वह कहता है कि एक लड़की का बाप होना सबसे बड़ा दुर्भाग्य है । वह लोमोव को बुलाने बाहर चला जाता हैं ।

लोगोव दोबारा कमरे में प्रवेश करता है । नाताल्यासोचती है क्रि इस बार वह उसे फिर से नाराज नहीं करेगी । वह उसे प्रसन्न करने का प्रयत्न करती है । वह कहती है कि ये चरागाहें उसकी हैं । वह इस विषय को बदलना चाहती है ताकि वह (लोमोव) उसके सामने शादी का प्रस्ताव रखे । परंतु यह अब भी स्वस्थ नहीं है । उसे अब भी घबराहट अनुभव हो रही है । वह मतलब की बात नहीं करता ।

। लोमोव अपने कुत्ते गेस, जिसे उसने 125 रुबल में खरीदा है, की तारीफ करना आरंभ करता है । परंतु नाताल्या कहती है कि उसका कुत्ता स्कूईज़र, जिसे उसने 85 रूबल में खरीदा है, लोमोव के कुत्ते गेस से अच्छा हे । दोनों ही अपने-अपने कुत्तों के गुणों का वर्णन करने लगते हैं । अब वे इस विषय पर झगड़ना शुरु कर देते है । वे फिर एकदूसरे पर चीखना-चिल्लाना शुरु कर देते हैं इस बीच में शुबुकोव आ जाता है । उनके झगड़े को समाप्त करने की अपेक्षा वह भी झगड़ने लगता है । इस मतभेद में लोमोव की तबीयत हो जाती है और वह बेहोश होकर कुर्सी पर गिर जाता है । दोनों पिता-पुत्र समझते हैं कि वह मर गया है । नाताल्या विलाप करने जाती है क्योंकि उसके विवाह का अवसर जाता रहा है ।

कुछ देर के पश्चात लोमोव होश में आता है। शुबुकोव लोमोव से कहता है कि यह (नाताल्या) बिवाह के लिएतैयार है इसलिए वह उससे शादी कर ले । नाताल्या भी अपनी सहमति प्रकट करती है । शुबुक्रोवएक पल भी नहीं गँवाता और उन दोनों के हाथ मिला देता है । वहउनदोनोंकोएक-दूसरेका चुम्बन लेने के लिएकहता है ।परंतु शीघ्र ही वे दोनों फिर झगड़ने लग जाते है । वे अपने –अपने कुत्तों की विशेषताओं पर वाद-विवाद करने लग जाते हैं । शुबुकोव उन्हें फिर शांत करने का प्रयत्न करता है और इसके साथ ही नाटक समाप्त हो जाता है ।

IMPORTANT PASSAGES FOR COMPREHENSION The Proposal

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :

PASSAGE 1

CHUBUKOV: We just get along somehow, my angel, thanks to your prayers, and so on. Sit down, please do… Now, you know, you shouldn’t forget all about your neighbours, my darling. My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get-up! Evening dress, gloves, and so on. Can you be going anywhere, my treasure?

LOMOV: No. I’ve come only to see you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch. CHUBUKOV: Then why are you in evening dress, my precious? As if you’re paying

a New Year’s Eve visit!.

LOMOV: Well, you see, it’s like this (Takes his arm] I’ve come to you, honoured

Stepan Stepanovitch to trouble you with a request. Not once or twice have I already had the privilege of applying to you for help, and you have always, so to speak… I must ask your pardon. I am getting excited. I shall drink some water honoured Stepan Stepanovitch.

Word-meanings: Get-up = dress (पोशाक): gloves = gloves (दस्ताने): privilege = special right ( विशेषाधिकार)’

Questions :

(a) What kind of dress is Lomov wearing?

(b) Why Is Lomov in a formal dress?

(c) What does Lomov say about the purpose of his visit?

(d) Why does he drink some water?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘special right’.

Answers :

(a) Lomov is wearing an evening dress.

(b) He is in a formal dress as he has come for the hand of Chubukov’s daughter.

(d) He drinks some water because he gets excited.

(e) ‘ privilege’.

PASSAGE 2

Brr… It’s cold! Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. [Drinks] And It’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I’m already 35—a critical age, so to speak. In the second place. I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I’m excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a twitch in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep. I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something in my left side gives a pull, and l can feel it in my shoulder and head… I jump up like a lunatic, walk about a bit and lie down again, but as soon as I begin to get off to sleep there’s another pull! And this may happen twenty times…

Word-meanings: Excellent = very good (शानदार); palpitations = beating of the heart (दिल का धड़कना); twitch = pull with a jerk (फड़कना)

Questions :

(a) Who is the speaker of these lines?

(b) Why is he eager to marry?

(c) What does the speaker think of Natalya?

(d) What disease does he suffer from?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘mad’.

Answers :

(a) Lomov is the speaker of these lines.

(b) He is eager to many because he is already 35.

(d) He suffers from palpitations.

(e) ‘lunatic’.

PASSAGE 3

NATALYA: Then smoke. Here are the matches. The weather is splendid now, but yesterday it was so Wet that the workmen didn’t do anything all day. How much hay have you stacked? Just think. I felt greedy Ibd bad a whole field cut, and now I’m not at all pleased about it because I’m afraid my hay may not. I bought 00 hives waited a bit. But what’s this? Why you’re in evening dress! Well. I never! Are you going to a ball or what? Though I must say you look better… Tell me. why are you got up like that?

LOMOV : [excited] You see, honoured Natalya Stepanovna… the fact is. I’ve made up my mind to ask them out… Of course, you’ll be surprised and perhaps even angry. but a… [aside] It’s awfully cold!

Word-meanings : Splendid = beautiful (सुंदर); stacked = stored (संग्रह किया); hay = straw (भूसा): ball = a kind of dance (नाच) I

Questions :

(a) What does Natalya say about the weather?

(b) Why is she not happy with her action?

(c) What does Natalya say about Lomov’s dress?

(d) Why is Lomov excited?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘fine’.

Answers :

(a) She says that the weather is fine.

(b) She is not happy in getting her field cut because the hay may not dry up.

(d) Lomov is excited because he has come to propose to Natalya.

(e) ‘Splendid.’

PASSAGE 4

LOMOV: But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true, was once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own when it happened that…

NATALYA: No. it isn’t at all like that! Both grandfather and great-grandfather reckoned that their land • extended to Burnt Marsh—which means that Oxen Meadows were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about. It’s simply silly!

Word-meanings : Dispute = quarrel (झगड़ा); in perpetuity = in continuation (लगातार); reckoned = understood (समझा) I

Questions :

(a) What documents does Lomov offer to show Natalya?

(b) What for did Lomov’s aunt’s grandfather give the Oxen Meadows to

Natalya’s father’s grandfather?

(c) For how many years did the peasants have the free use of the Meadows?

(d) Why does Natalya say that Oxen Meadows are theirs?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘calculated’.

Answers :

(a) He wants to show her the documents relating to the Oxen Meadows.

(b) He gave the Meadows in lieu of their making bricks for Lomov’s aunt’s

grandmother.

(d) She says so because her grandfather and great-grandfather thought that Oxen Meadows extended to Burnt Marsh.

(e) ‘Reckoned.’

PASSAGE 5

LOMOV: I’ll show you the documents, Natalya Stepanovna!

NATALYA: No, you’re simply joking. or making fun of me. What a surprise! We’ve had the land newly dare a hundred years, and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch. I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins and are worth perhaps 300 miles. but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I can’t stand unfairness.

LOMOV: Hear me out, I implore you! The peasants of your father’s grandfather, as I have already had the honour of explaining to you, used to bake bricks for my aunt’s grandmother. Now my aunt’s grandmother, wishing to make them a pleasant…

NATALYA: I can’t make head or tail of all this about aunts and grandfathers and grandmothers. The Meadows are ours, that’s all.

Word-meanings: Dessiatins = a currency (एक मुद्रा): unfairness = injustice (अन्याय): implore = request (प्रार्थना करना ): bake = heat (पकाना): make head or tail = understand (समझना).I

Questions :

(a ) What documents does Lomov refer to?

(b) According to Natalya, for how many years did her family, own the land in question?

(c) What ‘unfairness’ is Natalya talking of here?

(d) What is the meaning of: “I can’t make head or tail of all this”?

(e) Find a phrase from the passage which means ‘request.’

Answers :

(a) He refers to the documents showing his ownership of Oxen Meadows.

(b) Her family had the land for three hundred years.

(d) “I cannot understand anything of this.”

(e) ‘Implore.’

PASSAGE 6

NATALYA: I can make you a present of them myself because they’re mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to this, we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, you behave to us as if we were gipsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that’s not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, it’s even impudent, if you want to know.

LOMOV: Then you make out that I’m a landgrabber? Madam, never in my life have I grabbed anybody else’s land and I shan’t allow anybody to accuse me of having done so. (Quickly steps to the carafe and drinks more water] Oxen Meadows are mine!

Word-meanings: Threshing = separating grain and chaff (अनाज और भूसा अलग करना): gipsies = nomadic (खानाबदोश):/t): impudent = rude (अभद्र); landgrabber = one who grabs others’ land (दूसरे की जमीन हड़पने वाला )

Questions :

(a) What did Natalya lend to Lomov the previous year?

(b) How did she suffer on account of this?

(c) What had she always thought of Lomov?

(d) According to Natalya, what not ‘at all neighbourly’?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘disrespectful’.

Answers :

(a) Natalya lent her threshing-machine to Lomov.

(b) As a result, she had to put off her own threshing till November.

(d) According to Natalya, laying claim over her land is not ‘at all neighbourly’.

(e) ‘impudent’.

PASSAGE 7

CHUBUKOV: Dear one, why yell like that? You won’t prove anything just by yelling. I don’t want anything of yours and don’t intend to give up what I have. Why should I ? And you know, my beloved, that if you propose to go on arguing about it, I’d much sooner give up the Meadows to the peasants than to you. There!

LOMOV: I don’t understand! How have you the right to give away somebody else’s property?

CHUBUKOV: You may take it that I know whether I have the right or not. Because of the young man. I’m not used to being spoken to in that tone of voice, and so on. I, young man, am twice your age and ask you to speak to me without agitating yourself, and all that.

LOMOV: No, you just think I’m a fool and want to have me on! You call my land yours, and then you want me to talk to you calmly and politely! Good neighbours’ don’t behave like that. Stepan Stepanovitch! You’re not a neighbour, you’re a grabber!

Word-meanings : Yelling = shouting (चिल्लानाt); give up = renounce (त्याग देना);right = claim (दावा); agitating = becoming exciting (उत्तेजित होना): calmly = peacefully (शांति से ) I

Questions :

(a) What is Lomov yelling for?

(b) What does Chubukov threaten to do?

(c) According to Chubukov, how should Lomov speak to him?

(d) What does Lomov call Chubukov?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘shouting’.

Answers :

(a) Lomov is yelling to make it clear that Oxen Meadows are his.

(b) He threatens to give the Meadows to the peasants.

(d) He calls Chubukov a landgrabber.

(e) ‘Yelling.’

PASSAGE 8

LOMOV: Squeezer better than Guess ‘? What an idea! [laughs] Squeezer better than Guess!

NATALYA: Of course he’s better ! Of course, Squeezer is young, he may develop a bit, but on points, and pedigree he’s better than anything that even Volchanetsky has got. LOMOV: Excuse me. Natalya Stepanovna, but you forget that he is overshot, and an overshot always means the dog is a bad hunter!

NATALYA: Overshot, is he? The first time I hear it!

LOMOV: I assure you that his lower jaw is shorter than the upper.

NATALYA: Have you measured?

LOMOV: Yes. He’s all right at following, of course. but if you want to get hold of anything…

Word-meanings: Pedigree = race (जाति); overshot = when the lower jaw is shorter than the upper (जब निचला जबड़ा ऊपरवाले से छोटा हो )

Questions :

(a) Who are ‘Squeezer’ and ‘Guess’ here?

(b) How, according to Natalya, is Squeezer ‘better’ than Guess?

(c) What is the major handicap with ‘Squeezer’?

(d) What is the effect of a dog being overshot?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘breed’.

Answers :

(a) ‘Squeezer’ is Natalya’s dog and ‘Guess’ Lomov’s.

(b) ‘Squeezer’ is ‘better’ because he is young and has a good pedigree.

(d) A dog is overshot when his lower jaw is shorter than the upper.

(e) ‘pedigree’.

PASSAGE 9

LOMOV: He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him. Why, how can you? Guess is a dog; as for Squeezer, well, it’s too funny to argue. Anybody you like has a dog as good as Squeezer… you may find them under every bush almost. Twenty-five roubles would be a handsome price to pay for him.

NATALYA: There’s some demon of contradiction in you today, Ivan Vassilevitch. First, you pretend that the Meadows are yours; now, that Guess is better than Squeezer. I don’t like people who don’t say what they mean, because you know perfectly well that Squeezer is a hundred times better than your silly Guess. Why do you want to say he isn’t?

LOMOV: I see, Natalya Stepanovna, that you consider me either blind or a fool. You must realise that Squeezer is overshot!

Word-meaning : Contradiction = disagreement (असहमति )

Questions :

(a) What is funny, according to Lomov?

(b) What does Natalya say about her own dog?

(c) Where can you find dogs like Squeezer, according to Lomov?

(d) How does Lomov interpret Natalya’s accusation of him?

(e) Which Russian currency has been mentioned in these lines?

Answers :

(a) According to Lomov, it is funny to say that Squeezer is better than Guess.

(b) She says that her dog is a hundred times better than Lomov’s dog.

(d) He thinks that she considers him either blind or a fool.

(e) Roubles.

PASSAGE 10

CHUBUKOV: Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me. Your Guess certainly has his good Points. He’s purebred, firm on his feet. has well-sprung ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects: he’s old and he’s short in the muzzle.

LOMOV: Excuse me, my heart… Let’s take the facts. You will remember that on the Marusinsky hunt my Guess ran neck-and-neck with the Count’s dog, while your Squeezer was left a whole verst behind.

CHUBUKOV: He got left behind because the Count’s whipper-in hit him with his whip.

LOMOV: And with good reason. The dogs are running after a fox when Squeezer goes and stars worrying a sheep!

Word-meanings: Muzzle = nose and mouth of an animal (थूथन); a whole verst = much behind (बहुत पीछे); whip = cane with a string (चाबुक)

Questions :

(a) What are the two good points of Guess, according to Chubukov?

(b) What are the two defects of Guess?

(c) What happened to Squeezer on the Marusinsky hunt?

(d) How was Squeezer different from other dogs?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘nose and mouth part of an animal’.

Answers :

(a) According to Chubukov. Guess is purebred and is firm on his feet.

(b) He is old and is short in the muzzle.

(d) Squeezer ran after a sheep while other dogs ran after a fox.

(e) ‘muzzle’.

PASSAGES FOR PRACTICE (UNSOLVED)

PASSAGE 11

NATALYA : (teasing] My heart! What sort of a hunter are you? You ought to go and lie on the kitchen oven and catch black beetles, not go after foxes! My heart!

CHUBUKOV: Yes really, what sort of a hunter are you, anyway? You ought to sit at home with your palpitations, and not go tracking animals. You could go hunting, but you only go to argue with people and interfere with their dogs and so on. Let’s change the subject in case I lose my temper. You’re not a hunter at all, anyway!

LOMOV: And are you a hunter? You only go hunting to get in with the Count and to intrigue. Oh, my heart! You’re an intriguer! ,

CHUBUKOV: What? I am an intriguer? /shouts/ Shut up !

LOMOV: Intriguer!

CHUBUKOV: Boy! Pup! ‘

LOMOV: Old rat! Jesuit!

CHUBUKOV: Shut up or I’ll shoot you like a partridge! You fool!

Word-meanings: Beetles = insects (कीड़े): tracking = following (पीछे करना): pup = small dog (छोटा कुत्ता); partridge = a bird (तीतर)

Questions :

(a) What ought to Lomov to do, according to Natalya?

(b) What should Lomov do, according to Chubukov?

(c) Why does Lomov go for hunting, according to Natalya’s father?

(d) Why does Chubukov go for hunting, according to Lomov?

(e) Find a phrase from the passage which means ‘plotter’.

PASSAGE 12

CHUBUKOV: Who’s dead?[Looks at Lornov] So he is! My word! Water! A doctor [ Life a tumbler to Lomov’s mouth ] Drink this! No, he doesn’t drink. It means he’s dead, and all that. I’m the most unhappy of men ! Why don’t I put a bullet into my brain? Why haven’t I cut my throat yet? What am I waiting for?

Give me a knife ! Give me a pistol! [Lomov moves] He seems to be Coming round. Drink some water! That’s right.

LOMOV: I see stars.., mist… where am I?

CHUBUKOV: Hurry up and get married and—well. to the devil with you! She’s willing! [He puts Lomov hand into his daughter’s.) She’s willing and all that. I give you my blessing and so on. Only leave me in peace!

LOMOV [getting up] : Eh ? What ? To whom ?

CHUBUKOV: She’s willing! Well? Kiss and be damned to you!

NATALYA (wails]: He’s alive… Yes. yes. I’m willing.

CHUBUKOV: Kiss each other!

Word-meanings : Tumbler = glass (गिलास); mist = fog (धुन्ध): be damned = an abuse (गाली )I

Questions :

(a) Who appears to be dead to Chubukov?

(b) What does Chubukov call for to bring Lomov to life?

(c) Why does Chubukov put Natalya’s hand in Lomov’s hand?

(d) Who is willing to marry Lomov?

(e) Find a word from the passage which means ‘glass’.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS – The Proposal

1.Who was Lomov?

(A) a landowner (B) a shepherd

Ans. (A) a landowner

2. How old was Lomov?

(A) Thirty years (B) Thirty-five years

Ans. (B) Thirty-five years

3. Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?

(A) to quarrel over the piece of land (B) to settle the ownership question of meadows

Ans. (B) to propose to Natalya

4. How old was Natalya?

(A) twenty years (B) twenty-five years

Ans. (B) twenty-five years

5. Which feature Is correct with Natalya?

(A) a love-sick cat (B) an ugly girl

Ans..(D) all of the above

6. Chubukov was Natalya’s __________ .

(A) father (B) mother

Ans. (A) father

7. What did Lomov and Natalya quarrel over for the second time??

(A) the meadows ownership (B) the superiority of dog

Ans. (B) the superiority of dog

8. Who gave Oxen Meadows to the fore-grandfather of Chubukov?

(A) Lomov’s father (B) Lomov himself

Ans. (B) Lomov’s aunt’s grandfather

9. When Lomov left Chubukov’s house, how did he feel?

(A) happy (B) normal

Ans. (C) upset

10. Chubukov called Natalia _________ .

(A) a love-sick cat (B) a corrupt minded

Ans. (A) a love-sick cat

11. Was Natalya willing to marry Lomov?

(A) yes (B) no

Ans. (B) no

12. Natalya was highly in love with ____________ .

(A) Oxen Meadows (B) Lomov

Ans. (B) Lomov

13. Who runs out of the home of fetch Lomov back?

(A) Chubukov (B) Natalya

Ans. (A) Chubukov

14. Who was suffering from heart trouble?

(A) Lomov (B) Chubukov

Ans. (C) both (A) and (B)

15. Did Natalya and Lomov get married in the end?

(A) Yes (B) No

Ans. (A) Yes

Extract Based / comprehension test Questions and Answers of The Proposal

Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. It’s cold… I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. 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.

(a) Who is saying, “I’m trembling all over as if I had got an examination before me”?

(b) What is the great thing that the speaker is talking about?

(d) Why did Loom not want to wait for real love?

Ans. (a) Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.

(b) The speaker is talking about real love and marriage.

(d) This was because he was anxious to get married.

2.”He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him. Why, how can you? Guess is a dog, as for Squeezer; well it’s too funny to argue. Anybody you like has a dog as good as Squeezer…

You may find them under every bush almost. Twenty-five roubles would be a handsome price to pay for him.”

(a) Who does ‘he’ refer to?

(b) Whom does Squeezer belong to?

(d) What would be a handsome price to pay for Squeezer?

Ans. (a) He refers to ‘Guess’ the dog.

(b) Squeezer belongs to Chubukovs.

(d) It would be twenty-five roubles.

3. “She’s willing… I give you my blessing and so on. Only leave me in peace !”

(a) ‘lb who is the speaker giving his blessing?

(b) Why is he giving his blessing?

(d) What is she willing for?

Ans. (a) The speaker gives his blessing to Lomov and Natalya.

(b) Because both are willing to marry each other and Chubukov agrees to it. So he is giving his blessings.

(d) She is willing for her marriage.

4. Last year we lent you our threshing machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November you behave to us as if we were gipsies. Giving me my own land indeed! No really, that’s not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, it’s even impudent if you want to know.

(a) What did the speaker do last year?

(b) What happened after that?

(d) Why Chubukovs had to delay their threshing till November

Ans. (a) Last year the speaker lent their threshing machine.

(b) After that, they had to put off their own threshing till November.

(d) This was because; they had lent it to Lomov, their neighbour.

5. “No, you’re simply joking, or making fun of me. What a surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dissipations and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand unfairness”.

(a) Who is making fun of whom?

(b) For how long did they have the land?

(d) What has been unfairness with the speaker?

Ans. (a) Lomov is making fun of Natalya.

(b) They had the land for nearly three hundred years.

(d) The land that the speaker has had for nearly 300 years have been told that it isn’t theirs.

6. “Well, that’s a way to start your family bliss! Have some champagne!”

(a) Who speaks the above lines and on what occasion?

(b) Name any one conflict they’ve had before starting the ‘family bliss’.

(d) What were the positive and negative points of Squeezer?

Ans. (a) Chubukov speaks these lives on the occasion of Natalya and Loom’s marriage.

(b) Their conflict over the dogs i.e., Guess and Squeezer.

(d) Squeezer was young but was overshot and did not have a strong grip.

7. “The peasants of your father’s grandfather, as I have already had the honour of explaining to you, used to bake bricks for my aunt’s grandmother. Now my aunt’s grandmother, wishing to make them a pleasant…”

(a) Who is the speaker?

(b) What did the peasants do?

(d) Which land was under dispute?

Ans. (a) Lomov.

(b) The peasants baked bricks for Loom’s aunt’s grandmother.

(d) Oxen Meadows

8. “And are you a hunter? You only go hunting to get in with the Count and to intrigue Oh, my heart! You’re an intriguer!’’

(a) Who is speaking and to whom?

(b) Which character trait of the listener is being emphasized?

(d) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the speaker uses to speak to Chubukov?

Ans. (a) Lomov to Chubukov.

(b) That of being an intriguer.

(d) Not a neighbour but a grabber, old rat, intriguer.

9. “Then you make out that I’m a land grabber? Madam, never in my life have I grabbed anybody else’s land and I shan’t allow anybody to accuse me of having done so. Oxen Meadows are mine!”

(a) Who is ‘Madam’ in the above lines?

(b) In which situation does Lomov call himself a ‘land grabber’?

(d) What will he not allow the other?

Ans. (a) Natalya

(b) Natalya accuses Lomovof grabbing Oxen Meadows. So, Lomov says that he is not a land grabber.

(d) He will not allow anybody to accuse him of having grabbed anyone’s land.

10. “The peasants used the land for forty years and got accustomed to it as if it was their own…”

(a) Who speaks this line?

(b) Who is the speaker speaking to?

(d) Who gave the free use of this land to whom?

Ans. (a) Lomov is speaking this line.

(b) Chubukov.

(d) The grandmother of Loom’s aunt gave its free use to the peasants of Chubukov’s grandfather.

11. “It true, was once the subject of dispute but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her.”

(a) Who is the speaker of these lines?

(b) Who is he speaking to?

(d) What did the peasants do for them?

Ans. (a) Lomov

(b) Natalya

(d) The peasants worked for forty years for them making bricks.

12. My dear fellow… I’m so glad, and so on… Yes, indeed, and all that sort of thing. [Embraces and kisses] I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It has been my continual desire, (sheds a tear) and I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own. May God? we you both — His help and His love and so on, and so much hope — what am I behaving In this idiotic way for? I am off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance! Oh, with all MY soul I’ll go and call Natalya and all that.

(a) Name the speaker of the above lines.

(b) Why is the speaker so happy?

(d) What purpose did the speaker initially suspect the guest had for visiting?

(a) Who is addressing who

(b) Name the lesson an author?

(d) What joy’ has made the speaker behave in an idiotic manner?

Ans. (a) Chubukov is the speaker

(b) Lomov has expressed his desire to marry Natalya, Chubukov’s daughter.

(d) He thought guest had come to borrow money.

(a) ‘Chubukov’ to tome’

(b) The Proposal, Anton Chekov

(d) He is happy because Lomov has expressed his desire to marry Chubukov’s daughter Natalya

13. I can make you a present of them myself because they are mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to this, we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our threshing machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, you behave to us as if we were gipsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that is not in all neighbourly my opinion, it is even impudent if you want to know.

(a) Who is speaking to whom?

(b) How had she helped her neighbour?

(d) What happened after that?

Ans. (a) Natalya is speaking to Lomov.

(b) She helped her neighbour by lending the threshing machine.

(d) They had to put off their own threshing till November.

14. Well, there! It’s you, and papa said, “Go, there’s a merchant come for his goods

(a) Who is the speaker of the above lines?

(b) Why does the speaker’s father mention the vision as ‘a merchant come for his goods’?

(d) What did Natalya’s father say to her?

Ans. (a) Natalya

(b) Lomov had come to marry Natalya. Chubukov considered `Lomov’ as `merle Natalya as ‘his goods’.

(d) There was a merchant to come for his goods.

15. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetual, peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for

(a) Who is the speaker of these lines?

(b) What type of relationship has been described in these lines?

(d) What did the peasants do?

Ans. (a) Lomov

(b) They had a cordial relationship as they were neighbours.

(d) The peasants baked bricks for Lorne’s aunt’s grandmother.

16. We just get along somehow, my angel, thanks to your prayers, and so on. Sit down, please do… Now, you know, you shouldn’t forget all about your neighbours, my darling. My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get-up?

(a) Who is the speaker?

(b) ‘You shouldn’t forget all about your neighbours’ — what does the speaker wish to say here?

(d) What did the speaker mean by ‘so formal in your get-up’ here?

Ans. (a) Chubukov

(b) Chubukov wishes to say that they are neighbours and hence should take care of each other.

(d) Chubukov wanted to suggest Lomov not to be formal in his get up. This was because, he was in his evening dress, gloves and so on.

17. What a surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I can’t stand unfairness.

(a) Who speaks the above lines and to whom?

(b) How much are the meadows worth?

(d) What is difficult for the speaker to believe?

Ans. (a) Lomov speaks these lines to Natalya.

(b) They worth perhaps 300 roubles.

(d) That the Meadows don’t belong to the speaker.

Main Characters of the Story- The Proposal

Character Sketch

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

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

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS The Proposal

Q.1. Who is Lomov?

Ans. Lomov is a young landowner.

Q.2. Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?

Ans. Lomov came to Chubukov’s house with a marriage proposal for Natalya.

Q.3. How old were Lomov and Natalya? [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-C)

Ans. Lomov was thirty-five years old and Natalya was twenty-five years old.

Q.4. Why is Lomov so eager to marry?

Ans. Lomov is so eager to many because he is already over thirty-five.

Q.5. What disease does Lomov suffer from?

Ans. Lomov suffers from palpitations.

Q.6. What does Lomov quarrel over with Natalya for the first time?

Ans. Lomov quarrels over ownership the right of Oxen Meadows.

Q.7. What documents does Lomov offer to show Natalya?

Ans. He wants to show her the documents relating to the Oxen Meadows.

Q.8. Who has been using Oxen Meadows?

Ans. Peasants have been using Oxen Meadows.

Q.9. What do they quarrel over for the second time?

Ans. For the second time, they quarrel over the quality of their dogs.

Q.I0. Who was Guess?

Ans. Guess was Lomov’s pet dog.

Q.11. Who appears to be dead to Chubukov?

Ans. To Chuhukov, Lomov appears to be dead.

Q.12. Did Lomov and Natalya get married ultimately?

Ans. Yes, they got married ultimately.

Q.I3. How does Natalya react when she learns that Lomov had come to propose her?

Ans. She weeps and yells and asks her father to fetch his hack.

Short Answer Type Important Questions The Proposal

1. What do you think would have been Chubukov’s reaction on hearing the reason for which Lomov had come to his house?

Ans. When Chubukov came to know that the reason of Lomov’s coming to their house is to marry Natalya, he was overwhelmed with joy. He embraced and kissed Lomov and told him that he was hoping for it for a long time. He told Lomov that he had always loved him as if he was his own son.

2. What justification did Lomov give to Natalya and Chubukov to prove that he is the rightful owner of Meadows?

Ans. Lomov told Natalya and Chubukov that his aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows for the temporary and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. So he is the rightful owner of the open meadows.

3. Lomov was a quarrelsome person. Justify.

Ans. Lomov was a quarrelsome person. He came to Chubukov’s house to propose Natalya. But he started arguing about the meadows and insisted that those meadows belonged to him. Later he kept on proving that his dog Squeezer is better than ‘Guess’ – the dog of Chubukov’s. He did not care for his health or his proposal but kept on fighting for one or the other reason. It proves that he was a quarrelsome person.

4. There is a certain way in which the characters speak in the play “The Proposal”. What does it tell us about the Russian men?

Ans.As the story belongs to the Russian character. So through the dialogues of the characters, we come to know a lot about Russian man. According to the story the Russians are very particular about their dress and have particular dresses for a special occasion. Secondly, they are hypocrites. They show off to be sweet but the very next moment, they started fighting. They pretend to be good neighbours but within their heart, they have so many grudges. They love to have dogs as a pet and consider their pet better than the other one. All of them are stubborn, short-tempered, quarrelsome and rigid.

5. Describe, in brief, the character of Natalya as sketched in the chapter the proposal.

Ans. Natalya was 25 years old, daughter of Chubukov. She was a good housekeeper, not bad looking and well educated. She secretly loved Lomov. She was greedy and short-sighted. She was short-tempered as well.

6. Lomov went to Chubukov’s house and was seeking permission so that he could trouble him with a request. What is the trouble that he is talking about?

Ans. Lomov went to Chubukov’s house to ask him to marry his daughter, Natalya. He asked Chubukov for Natalya’s hand. This is the trouble he was talking about.

7. Natalya was not Lomov’s real love. But still, he wanted to marry her. Give two reasons for his decision.

Ans. Though Lomov was not in love with Natalya, he wanted to marry her because he was suffering due to a weak heart and sleep-sickness. He wanted a companion who could look after him.

8. Lomov calls himself a ‘land grabber’. Justify the statement in about 20-25 words.

Ans. Lomov and Natalya argue over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Natalya calls him a ‘land grabber’ as he claims his ownership over it. Lomov says that he is not a ‘land grabber’ as he has never done so and would never let anyone do so.

9. How and why did Lomov come to meet the Chubukov family?

Ans. Lomov came in a formal evening dress — wearing a jacket and white gloves. He had come to meet the Chubukov family to put his proposal for Natalya. He wanted to marry her.

10. How can you say that Natalya was not convinced that Oxen Meadows were owned by Lomov?

Ans. Natalya was not convinced as she said that they owned Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years. It was surprising and ridiculous if someone else claimed it to be his own. Chubukov also joined the quarrel.

11. What did Natalya say about Guess?

Ans. Natalya said that Squeezer was superior to Guess —Lomov’s dog. Lomov said that his dog Guess was better than Squeezer. Natalya believed that Guess had become old and ought to be shot. She also claimed that Squeezer was a hundred times better than Guess.

12. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for?

Why was Stephan Chubukov not happy to welcome Lomov in his house?

Ans. Lomov arrives in a formal evening dress. On seeing him, Chubukov thinks that he has come to borrow money. He decides not to lend it to him but talks to him quite politely.

13. What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?

Ans. Lomov is 35 years old. It is high time that he should settle for a quiet and regular life. He is suffering due to a weak heart and sleep-sickness. In need of a companion who may look after him, he wants to get married.

14. What request did Lomov make to Chubukov?

Ans. Lomov went to Chubukov in a formal dress in order to propose marriage to his daughter, Natalya. Hesitatingly he told Chubukov that he needed his help and had come to trouble him with a request. He told him that he wanted to marry Natalya.

Q.15. Describe Lomov’s first meeting with Natalya.

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

Q.16. What kind of a man is Lomov?

Ans. Lomov is a man of thirty-five years old. He is really a very funny and comical character. He comes to make a proposal to Natalya. But he is so nervous and excitable that he continues quarrelling with the girl over trifles, and fails to make the proposal. He has no confidence and no self-control. He suffers from the fits of epilepsy.

Q.17. Who is the heroine of the play?

Ans. Natalya is the heroine of the play The Proposal’. She is twenty-five years old. She is still unmarried. It causes great worry to her father. Natalya wishes that somebody should love her and propose to her. Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat’.

Q.18. Why does the proposal remain unmade during Lomov’s first visit?

Ans. The proposal remains unmade during Lomov’s fust visit because Lomov is very much nervous and excitable. He beats about the bush. When Natalya comes Lomov begins to quarrel with her about a piece of land. He gets very much excited and leaves the room, cursing and threatening the old man and his daughter, Natalya. He forgets all about the proposal.

Q.19. Why is Natalya is so anxious to marry Lomov?

Ans. Natalya is an ugly, middle-aged woman. She knows that only a fool like Lomov can marry her. So, the moment she comes to know that Lomov had come to propose for her hand, she cries and shouts and forces her father to bring Lomov back.

Q.20. How does Chubukov join the quarrel between Natalya and Lomov?

Ans. Chubukov comes in and finds Natalya and Lomov quarrelling. When he finds that they are `luanvIling about the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. he also becomes angry. Instead of calming them down. he also starts quarrelling. He claims to be the owner of the Meadows. He insults not only Lomov but also his ancestors.

Q.21. What is the cause of the second quarrel between Natalya and Lomov?

Ans. Lomov starts praising the qualities of the dog Guess. But Natalya says that her dog sq which she purchased for 85 roubles is much better than Lomov’s dog Guess. Both of them praise the qualities of their dogs. Now they start quarrelling on this topic. They again start shouting at each other.

Q.22. What is Chubukov guess about the purpose of Lomov’s visit?

Ans. Lomov calms himself down and begins to tell him the purpose of his visit. He tells him that he came to him many times in the past also for his help but he did not help him. Chubukov thinks that perhaps he has come to ask for a loan. He makes up his mind not to help him in any way.

Q.23. Why is Lomov anxious to marry Natalya?

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

Q.24. Why was Lomov brought hack by Chubukov?

Ans. Chubukov wondered how Lomov dared to make a proposal of marriage. Natalya was startled to hear it. She forced her father to bring Lomov back. Chubukov rushed out most unwillingly to request Lomov to come back. Lomov agreed to come back.

Q.25. How does Lomov behave when he is excited?

Ans. When Lomov is excited his heart starts palpitating. His right eyebrow starts twitching. His foot goes to sleep. In the play, he becomes so excited that he falls unconscious.

Q.26. How does Natalya lay claim to the piece of land called the ‘Oxen Meadows’?

Ans. Natalya says that the land belonged to her family for the last three hundred years. Now suddenly Lomov lays his claim to that land. She says that the land is not worth much in terms of money. But as a principle, she won’t let Lomov claim it.

Q27. Who are Lomov and Chubukov and how are they related to each other?

Ans. Lomov and Chubukov are landlords. They are neighbours too. According to Lomov, he has been coming to Chubukov for help. Chubukov has helped him even earlier. There seems to be a dispute over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Each one claims that the land belongs to him. Lomov is interested in marrying Chubukov’s daughters, Natalya and considers her a suitable match for her.

Q28. Why does Lomov come to Chubukov? How does Chubukov react to his visit?

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

Q29. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal dress when he conies to meet him?

Ans. Ivan Lomov is well dressed. He comes to visit Chubukov. Chubukov notices his dress. He is .surprised to see Lomov wearing a dress-jacket and white gloves. He is in a formal evening dress. It appears as if he were paying a New Year’s Eve visit. Only later on, Chubukov comes to know that Lomov has come in that formal dress only with a proposal for marriage.

Q30. How does Chubukov react when he comes to know that Lomov has come with a proposal of marrying his daughter Natalya?

Ans. Soon the misunderstanding is cleared. Chubukov comes to know that Lomov has not come to borrow money instead he has come with a proposal of marrying his daughter Natalya. He is extremely happy to hear it. This is exactly what he wants. He embraces and kisses Lomov. He calls him “darling” and “angel”. He tells Lomov that he has been hoping it for a long time. He is ready to bless them.

Q31. Why does Lomov think that he should not be alone but marry a suitable woman like Natalya?

Ans. Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five years. He thinks that it is a critical age. He should now think of leading a peaceful and regular married life. Natalya, the daughter of a rich landlord and neighbour Chubukov, can be a suitable life-partner for him. Lomov thinks that Natalya is an excellent housekeeper. Moreover, she is educated and not bad looking. All these qualities qualify Natalya is an ideal life-partner for him.

Q32. How does Lomov speak warmly of Chubukov’s family in the beginning? Why does he change his stand?

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

Q33. Describe Oxen Meadows. How were they a bone of contention between Lornov’s and Natalya’s family?

Ans. Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov are neighbours. A piece of land known as Oxen Meadows becomes a bone of contention between the two families. Both of them claim their ownership over the Meadows. Lomov says that Oxen Meadows was given to Chubukov’s peasants for free use. They were to make bricks for the Lomovs. The Chubokovs contest this claim of Lomov.

Q34. Why do both the families of Lomovs and Chubukovs claim the ownership of Oxen Meadows?

Ans. Oxen Meadows become a bone of contention between the two families. Lomov thinks that Oxen Meadows that touch the birch forest of Chubukov belong to him. His aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather. In return, they were to make bricks for them. Natalya opposes it by saying that their land extends to Burnt Marsh. It means that Oxen Meadows belong to them.

Q35. Why does Natalya think that Lomov’s behaviour is strange and he is simply joking and making fun of her?

Ans. Natalya thinks that Lomov’s behaviour is quite strange. He is only joking and making fun of her. She claims that they have Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years. She is suddenly told that it is not theirs. It is strange that Lomov is making a present of the Meadows to them which are not owned by him. It is unlike a good neighbour and a friend.

Q36. Why does Lomov say that Chubukov is not a good neighbour but a land-grabber?

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

Q37. How does Natalya react when she comes to know that Lomov has come to make a marriage proposal to her?

Ans. Chubukov and Natalya indulge in all sorts of abuses and insults for Lomov. However, Chubukov discloses the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. She comes to know that Lomov has come there with a proposal of marrying her. She grows hysterical. She blames her father for not telling it before. She tries to bring him back. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought back.

Q38. Besides Oxen Meadows what is the other important cause of quarrel between Lomov and Natalya?

Ans. Natalya and Lomov have already quarrelled over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Now crops up a fresh cause of their quarrel. It is over their dogs, Squeezer and Guess. Natalya thinks that their Squeezer is a thoroughbred animal. He is far better than his dog Guess. Natalya calls Guess an old and a worthless dog. The quarrel continues even after they are married.

Q39. Describe the physical condition and health of Lomov.

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

Q40. What happens when Lomov is thought to be almost dead?

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

Q41. How does Chubukov react when Lomov comes to senses?

Ans. Lomov’s unconsciousness unnerves both Chubukov and his daughter Natalya. He is thought to be dead. Chubukov thinks that a golden opportunity has been lost.

He thinks of shooting himself or cutting his throat. When Lomov comes to senses Chubukov doesn’t lose the opportunity, He cries, “Hurry up and get married!” He at once blesses both of them.

Q42. Give in brief the character-sketch of Lomov.

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

Q43. What opinion of Chubukov do you form after reading ‘The Proposal’?

Ans. Chubukov is a rich landlord and a neighbour of Lomov. He is short tempered and rash in behaviour. He wants Lomov to be married to Natalya. But he forgets the main issue and joins the quarrels between Lomov and Natalya. He adds only fuel to the fire. He can be abusive and insulting. However, he grabs the opportunity and blesses Natalya and Lomov in the end.

Q44. What opinion do you form of Natalya after reading the play, ‘The Proposal’?

Ans. Natalya is a woman of twenty-five years. Lomov considers her a good housekeeper and not bad looking. She likes to get married with Lomov. However, she indulges in unnecessary quarrels over Oxen Meadows and dogs. She even insults Lomov with harsh words. However, good sense prevails upon her and she doesn’t lose the opportunity of marrying Lomov.

Q45. Justify the title of the play. ‘The Proposal’ Or What is the theme or the message of ‘The Proposal’?

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

Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each The Proposal

1. Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and Natalya do not have. Describe the first between them.

Ans. Neighbours must have a cordial relationship which Lomov and have. Although he had come there to propose Natalya he started fighting with her over a small piece of land. This land adjoined her land and his oxen meadows touched her birch woods. Natalya told Lomov that Lomov tried meadows belonged to her but Lomov claimed that m the oxen meadows are his. Convince Natalya by telling her that his aunt’s grandmother gave the meadows for the temporary and free use to Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. They did not demand money for it for a long time so the Chubukov’s misunderstood that the meadows belonged to them. While Chubukov’s insisted that yelling could not prove anything because everyone knows that meadows belong to Chubukov’s since last three hundred years. Both threatened each other.

2. The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right approach should have been followed by both parties?

Ans. Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. Both are neighbours and at the right age to marry. But instead of forwarding the proposal both of them started fighting over truffles. Firstly they fought over a small piece of land called oxen meadows both of them claimed that the land belonged to them and not the other one. Somehow the argument came to an end and they started fighting over dogs and claimed each of their dog better than the other ones. The proposal was forgotten amidst all these arguments. The situation might be different if both the parties had followed the right approach. Oxen meadows would belong to both of them if they got married. Similarly, dogs are the very petty thing to argue about while marriage is going to take place. There should not be any ego in between of them both. They should be polite and patient to each other. They should not be rigid and stubborn. Their priority should be their marriage and not meadows or dogs. Only the proposal could be carried on.

3.”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)

Ans. Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. But instead of proposing they started fighting over petty issues like oxen meadows and quality of dogs. This is not the quality of good neighbours. Neighbours should live like friends. There should be a positive relationship between the two neighbours.

There should be understanding and patience among neighbours. The fight between Looms and Chubukovs could have been avoided if handled carefully. The issue of meadows could be resolved calmly and quietly by a good conversation. There must have been some documents showing the ownership of the meadows or both the parties could be convinced by making them understand that if they got married, the meadows will belongs to both of them.

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

4. Why does Lomov think of marrying he should settle into a quiet and regular Natalya Stepanovna

Ans. Lomov was 35 years old. It was high time that life IV moreover, he was suffering d In order to put his proposal to Natalya, due to a weak heart and sleeplessness. He wanted company and file one to look after him, so he wanted to get married he visited Chubukov. However, Lomov was not in love with Natalya. Besides his ill health, he understood quite well that she was an excellent housekeeper, not bad looking, and well-educated. Thus, he thought of marrying her because of all these practical reasons.

5. Write a brief character sketch of Lomov.

Ans. Lomov is a man who is of marriageable age. He also suffers from a weak heart and sleeplessness. So, he is desperate to settle down in life and lead a quiet and regular life. Despite his ailments, Lomov was a rich and prosperous farmer. This makes Chubukov secretly wish him to marry his daughter Natalya. As for Lomov, he did not love her, though he was desperate to have a life partner, and so marry Natalya. Lomov was however hesitant to ask for her hand from Chubukov. That made him beat around the bush, argue with Natalya and leave without proposing. Thus we can find that Loom’s conditions overpower the other traits he has. He is an eligible, assertive, rich, bachelor, who will be liked by any girl. However, we also know that he is nervous, lacks confidence and is prone to talk in a long-winded manner.

6. Describe how Chubukov got Natalya married with Lomov.

Ans. Chubukov was thinking that Lomov had come to borrow money from him but when he told him that he had come to propose to his daughter he was overjoyed and even shed a tear. He kissed and embraced Lomov. He told Lomov that he was hoping it for a long time. He also told Lomov that he loved him as his own son.

In fact, Chubukov, secretly wished Lomov to marry his dither as he knew that Lomov was a rich and prosperous farmer and his only daughter could lead a comfortable life with him. No wonder, he was overjoyed to know that Lomov was there to propose to his daughter.

7. Describe the incidents of humour in the play, ‘The Proposal’?

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

8. Give a brief character sketch of Natalya.

Ans. Natalya was 25 years old and the daughter of Chubukov. She was a good housekeeper, not bad to look at and educated; that was why Lomov wanted to marry her. She could be a good wife to him.

She secretly loved Lomov. She became hysterical when she came to know that Lomov had come to propose to her. She asked her father to call him back. To please Lomov she asked him to forgive her and agreed to his ownership of the Oxen Meadows.

She was greedy and short-sighted. She got the whole field of hay cut. She was also very inquisitive and wanted to know why Lomov was dressed up formally.

She was touchy and short-tempered and fell into contradiction and argument on two occasions—once over the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the second time over the superiority of her dog Squeezer.

She is as rigid as Lomov. She is not ready to give up even after getting ready to marry him.

Q.9. Bring out the humorous element in the one-act play ‘The Proposal’.

Ans. The one-act play ‘The Proposal’ is full of the humorous element. The characters in the play behave ridiculously. Lomov comes to propose to Natalya. But he cannot talk in a straight forward manner. He beats about the bush. He starts quarrelling with her over a piece of land. When he comes back, he quarrels about the superiority of his dog. Chubukov is also a humorous character. He knows that Lomov has come to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Even when he quarrels with him. We laugh at the words used by them and their behaviour. The sudden marriage of Lomov and Natalya creates laughter. Chubukov puts his daughter’s hand in Lomov’s in a foolish manner. Lomov is a comic character. His complaints about his poor health provoke laughter. Thus the play gives us a lot of laughter.

Q.10. Draw a brief character-sketch of Natalya. [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-D)]

Ans. Natalya is the heroine of the play ‘The Proposal’. She is twenty-five years old. She is still unmarried. It causes great worry to her father. Natalya wishes that somebody should love her and propose to her. Her father calls her ‘a love-sick cat.’

She is very quarrelsome. She quarrels with others over trifles. Lomov comes to propose to her, but she starts quarrelling with him over the ownership of a piece of land. Lomov leaves her house in a fit of anger. When she comes to know that he had come to propose to her, she starts weeping. She asks her father to bring him back. When Lomov comes back, she tries to please him. But after some time, she starts quarrelling with him on the question of dogs. Lomov faints and she again begins to wail lest she should lose the opportunity for marriage. After some time, Lomov regains consciousness. Her father does not want to lose this opportunity. He at once puts Natalya’s hand in the hands of Lomov. He announces that they are engaged with each other. Natalya. become very happy. But she again starts quarrelling with him. Thus Natalya is an interesting character.

Q11. Describe the first meeting of Lomov and Natalya.

Ans. Lomov goes to his neighbour Chuhukov’s house to ask for the hand of his daughter Natalya. When he talks to Natalya, he becomes nervous. He is in a fix on how to make the marriage proposal. He talks in a round-about manner. He beats about the bush. He makes mention of his meadows which touch their birchwoods. At this, a quarrel ensues between them over the ownership of the meadows. Both of them claim the ownership and start rebuking each other. In the meantime, Chubukov comes there. Instead of pacifying them, he also joins the quarrel. He abuses Lomov which worsens the situation. Lomov is deeply upset. He leaves Chubukov’s house and forgets about the marriage proposal.

Q.12. Give a short character sketch of Lomov.

Ans. Lomov is the hero of the One Act Play ‘The Proposal’. He is a land-owner. He is a funny character He is a young man of thirty-five years. He becomes nervous very soon. He loses his temper whenever he is upset. He looks very funny when he complains about his ill-health. He is short-tempered. He quarrels with Natalya over the ownership of a piece of land. He also quarrels with her over the superiority of his dog. He loses temper and starts abusing Chubukov. He loses control over himself and faints in a fit of anger. Lomov is a funny and foolish character. We laugh at his dress, manners and behaviour. Lomov is a bachelor even at the age of thirty-five. He wants to marry Natalya not out of love but because he is already a grown-up man. He has no sense of beauty. He wants to marry Natalya only because she is a good house-keeper.

Q.13. What is the theme of the play ‘The Proposal’?

Ans. The One Act play ‘The Proposal’ throws light on the lifestyle of the landlords of Russia in the 19th century. The farm labourers worked on their farms. So these landlords led a life of ease and comfort. In fact. they led an idle life. They were full of vanity and pride. They quarrelled over petty things. In the play, we see that Lomov and Natalya have a dispute over a piece of land. They quarrel again over the qualities of their dogs. Chubukov, Natalya’s father, instead of pacifying them, joins them. He and Lomov abuse each other. All of them behave in a very funny way. The play also brings to light the social life of the landowners of the 19th century. An unmarried grown-up daughter was considered a great burden by the parents. Chubukov curses himself for being the father of Natalya. An aged bachelor was also looked down upon in society. This theme has been presented nicely through the characters of Lomov and Natalya.

Q14. How and why does Lomov go to Chubukov’s house? How does Chubukov react to his visit?

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

Q15. Describe how does Natalya react before and after knowing the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. Does she act sensibly in this regard?

Ans. Natalya is a woman of twenty-five years. She is of marriageable age and wants to get married at all cost. Chubukov calls her a love-sick cat. Lomov visits her house and has come with a proposal of marriage. She doesn’t know of it and comes to know of it only after Lomov goes out in disgust. Before that Natalya and Lomov have a long quarrel over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Lomov claims the owner and is ready to show the necessary documents to prove his claim. Natalya calls Lomov a strange man who wants to grab their land. His act is unfriendly not like that of a good neighbour. Lomov feels excited and insulted and goes out in disgust. We find a different Natalya when she comes to know the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. She cries loudly to bring Lomov back. She threatens to die if he is not brought back. Lomov returns. But old habits die hard. Both Lomov and Natalya forget the real issue of their marriage. The quarrel over the Meadows is settled. Now they start fighting over their dogs Squeezer and Guess. Natalya calls Lomov’s dog Guess and old and good for nothing. On the other hand, Lomov calls her dog Squeezer far inferior to his dog Guess. This quarrel continues till Lomov becomes unconscious. In the end, Chubukov loses no opportunity and says “Be quick and get married.” Natalya embraces and blesses Lomov and they are blessed by Chubukov. They start their married life by picking up a fresh quarrel over Squeezer and Guess.

Q16. Give a brief pen-portrait highlighting his strength and weakness of his character. Why can’t he express himself like a calm and composed man?

Ans. Lomov is a Russian landlord of thirty-five years. He is a neighbour of another rich landlord Chubukov. Lomov is highly impulsive, irritating and quarrelsome. Physically, he is a wrack. He enjoys very poor health. He suffers from palpitations, hyper-tensions and heart problems. He is easily excited and irritated. Lomov realises that he has reached an age when he needs a peaceful and regular life. In Chubukov’s daughter Natalya he sees an ideal life-partner. She is a good house-keeper, educated and not bad looking. So, he visits Chubukov’s house with a proposal of marriage.

Lomov is confused. He can’t talk like a calm and composed man. He forgets the main issue and the purpose of his visit. He indulges in unnecessary details and quarrels over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He does not know how to solve and deal with controversies. He picks up a new quarrel over the dogs. He unsuccessfully tries to prove that his dog Guess is far superior to Natalya’s dog Squeezer.

Lomov appears in a formal dress. He seems to be fashionable, well-dressed and presentable. He is a gentleman and acknowledges the help received from his neighbour Chubukov. He is self-respecting and is ready to give Oxen Meadows to Natalya as a present. Last but not least, his desire for many Natalya is practical and genuine.

Q17. 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.

Ans. Natalya is the daughter of a rich Russian landlord Chubukov. She is twenty-five years old. She knows that she must marry and not lose a suitable match for her. She doesn’t want to miss any opportunity to many her neighbour and landlord Lomov. Natalya is a good housekeeper, educated and not bad looking. Even Lomov acknowledges her skills and suitability as his life-partner. He himself comes to her house with a proposal of marriage.

In spite of having many good qualities which helps her to be an ideal wife, Natalya has certain weaknesses in her character. She is quarrelsome like her father. She doesn’t seem to be practical and prudent. She is ‘a love-sick cat’. She is dying too many Lomov. However, she forgets the main issue but indulges in unnecessary quarrels over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. She irritates Lomov by proving the superiority of her dog Squeezer over his dog Guess. However, she grabs the opportunity in the end. As directed by Chubukov, she embraces, blesses and gets married to Lomov at once. But old habits die hard. She starts her married life with a fresh quarrel.

Q18. Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian landlord. Instead of solving the problems, he only adds fuel into the fire in their quarrel over Oxen Meadows and the dogs. Justify the statement.

Ans. Chubukov represents a typical rich landlord of 19th century Russia. He seems to be fairly rich and resourceful. Even his neighbour Lornov acknowledges the frequent help rendered to him by Chubukov. He lands his threshing machine to Lomov. On account of this help, he has to put off their own threshing till November. Chubukov is quite practical. He knows that Lomov can be a good match for his daughter Natalya. So, he at once gives his assent to Lomov’s proposal of marrying her. Actually, he has been waiting for such a proposal for a long time. Chubukov is a landlord and can’t resist his hunger for land. He opposes the claim of Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He even threatens to send his mowers out to the Meadows.

Chubukov can be quite quarrelsome, abusing and insulting. He always sides with his daughter. He picks up a quarrel on Oxen Meadows. He calls Lomov “a landgrabber” and “villain”. He abuses his grandfather of being a “drunkard” and his father a ‘gambler’. He jumps into the quarrel and adds only fuel to the fire. However, Chubukov is a great opportunity. He grabs the opportunity the moment Lomov comes into the senses. He makes Natalya kiss and embrace Lomov and gets them married.

Q19. Justify the title of the lesson, ‘The Proposal’.

Ans. Anton Chekov has aptly and logically titled his one-act-play ‘The Proposal’. The title justifies the theme and the subject of the play. The whole story revolves round Lomov’s marriage proposal to Chubukov’s daughter Natalya. The play ends with Chubukov asking Natalya to hurry up and get married immediately. Natalya seals the proposal by kissing and embracing Lomov. Chubukov willingly and happily blesses the couple.

The play begins with the visit of Lomov to Chubukov’s house. The moment Chubukov comes to know that Lomov has come with a proposal of marriage, he becomes extremely happy. Lomov is genuinely interested in marrying Natalya. He thinks that she is a good housekeeper, educated and not bad looking. He sees in Natalya an ideal wife who can help him in leading a peaceful and regular life. Natalya herself being a love-sick cat sees in Lomov a suitable life-partner for her. The Moment she comes to know that Lomov has come with a marriage proposal, she blames her father for not telling it before. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought back immediately.

No doubt, there are quarrels and disputes over the ownership of Oxen Meadows and on the superiority of their dogs. I Abuses and insults are freely traded. But this farce can’t hide the real intention of the main characters. The play ends with Natalya kissing and embracing Lomov and Chbukov blessing the newly married couple.

Q20. 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?

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

Q21. Doesn’t it look ridiculous and childish to see mature persons like Natalya, Lomov and Chubukov quarrelling over their dogs, Squeezer and Guess? Give the reasons answer.

Ans. Natalya and Lomov are mature persons who can be childish and ridiculous on occasions. They easily forget the main issue—the proposal of marriage. No doubt, Natalya is a love-sick cat and is dying to marry Lomov. Even Lomov considers Natalya a good housekeeper. Such a good looking and educated woman can be an ideal wife for him. But both of them fail to come to the main issue. After the dispute over the ownership of Oxen Meadows is resolved, they pick up a fresh quarrel over their dogs. Their behaviour is childish and unwanted considering their mature age. Their dogs Squeezer and Guess become the symbols of their vanity and false pride. Natalya calls her Squeezer a thoroughbred animal of a noble breed. Chubukov jumps into the quarrel. He calls Squeezer the best dog in the district. He calls Lomov’s dog Guess old and short in the muzzle. It is free for all. Abuses and insults are exchanged. Lomov calls Chubukov an “intriguer”, “old rat” and “Jesuit”. Chubukov calls Lomov “Boy! Pup!” and “milksop! Fool!”. The quarrel ends only when Lomov lies down unconscious in an armchair.

Q22. How do Natalya and Chubukov react when Lomov falls down in an armchair and considered to be dead? How does Chubukov manage to get Natalya married with Lomov?

Ans. Anton Chekov’s play The Proposal’ presents a farcial situation when Lomov falls down unconscious in an armchair. Before that, there has been a free for all. Insults and abuses were freely hurled. The dispute over Oxen Meadows was settled but the quarrel over the dogs took an unpleasant turn. Lomov is called “Boy! Pup!”, Milksop” and “Fool”. He the heat and excitement and falls down unconscious: He is thought to be almost dead.

Both Natalya and Chubukov feel that things are going out of their hands. They feel helpless. Chubukov feels like shooting himself or cutting his own throat. Natalya is dying for marriage. The moment Lomov comes to senses, everyone feels relieved. Chubukov can’t afford to miss the opportunity. He tells Natalya to “hurry up and get married!” She too acts at once. She embraces and kisses Lomov and gives her willing to marry him. Only one thing is left for Chubukov. He blesses the newly married couple and opens a bottle of champagne. They say old habits die hard. The new couple starts their married life with a fresh quarrel. It is over their dogs Squeezer and Guesses again.

Extra Questions, Notes, Assignment and study material for Class 10th as Per Latest CBSE Syllabus

Chapter- 11 English Language and Literature- First Flight

The Proposal Extra Questions and Answers

By– Anton Chekov

Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.

Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each The Proposal

Extra Questions, Notes, Assignment and study material for Class 10^th as Per Latest CBSE Syllabus