Play
"The Proposal"
Anton Chekhov
1. About the Author:
Anton Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short story writer.
Known for his humorous and satirical plays.
2. Summary of the Play:
The play is a farcical comedy about a marriage proposal.
Characters:
Chubukov – A landowner, father of Natalya.
Natalya – His 25-year-old daughter.
Lomov – A nervous, wealthy neighbor who comes to propose
marriage.
o Lomov visits to propose but ends up quarreling with Natalya
over petty issues like property and dogs.
o Eventually, the proposal is accepted, but even then, the
quarrelling continues.
3. Character Sketches:
Prepare short notes for:
Chubukov – Short-tempered, greedy but practical.
Natalya – Argumentative, strong-willed, emotional.
Lomov – Nervous, talkative, hypochondriac (imagines illnesses).
4. Themes & Message:
Satire on the marriage system.
Foolishness of people who argue over unimportant matters.
Irony and humor in social customs.
5. Question and Answer
1. Draw Character sketch of Natalya Stepanovna
Or
What do you learn about Natalia from the play, „The proposal‟?
Describe in your own words.
Natalya Stepanovna is a 25-year-old unmarried daughter of a landowner,
Chubukov. She is an important character in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play
―The Proposal.‖ She is described as a well-educated, good-looking, and
hardworking girl, but she lacks emotional maturity.
She appears to be quite argumentative and quarrelsome. Instead of
discussing the proposal calmly, she starts fighting with Lomov over trivial
issues like the ownership of Oxen Meadows and whose dog is better. She
is also short-tempered, easily offended, and does not control her anger.
However, Natalya is also shown to be sensitive and eager to marry. When
she finds out that Lomov came to propose, she breaks down emotionally
and asks her father to call him back immediately. This shows her insecurity
and desire for marriage.
Overall, Natalya is a comic yet realistic character, representing how pride
and ego can interfere with common sense in social matters like marriage.
2. Draw Character Sketch of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov
Or
What do you learn about Lemov from the play, „The proposal‟?
Describe in your own words.
Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is a landowner in his mid-thirties. He is a neighbor
of Chubukov and comes to propose marriage to Natalya. Lomov is
portrayed as a nervous, fussy, and talkative man who suffers from several
imaginary illnesses and is always concerned about his health. He calls
himself a hypochondriac and frequently complains of a weak heart, numb
feet, and headaches.
Lomov tries to act formal and respectful but ends up getting into petty
arguments over land and dogs. His lack of confidence and short temper
often lead to silly quarrels, even while proposing marriage. This brings out
the humor in the play.
Despite his weaknesses, Lomov is also practical and determined. He
knows that he is getting old and believes that marriage is necessary for a
stable life. He returns to Natalya even after the arguments, showing his
willingness to settle things.
Overall, Lomov is a comical character who reflects how human foolishness
and social customs can turn serious moments into ridiculous situations.
3. Draw Character sketch Stepanovitch Chubukov
Or
What do you learn about Chubukov from the play, „The
proposal‟? Describe in your own words.
Chubukov is a landowner and the father of Natalya. He is a short-
tempered, greedy, and humorous character in the play "The Proposal". At
first, he pretends to be friendly and warm when Lomov comes to his house.
He is overjoyed to know that Lomov wants to marry his daughter and even
calls it a "blessing."
However, his true nature is revealed when arguments begin between
Lomov and Natalya. Instead of calming them down, Chubukov joins the
fight and starts shouting and insulting Lomov. He calls him names like
"pup," "pettifogger," and "monster."
Chubukov is also a hypocrite. He first welcomes Lomov with respect, then
abuses him, and later again begs him to return when he learns Lomov
came with a marriage proposal.
Although he behaves foolishly, Chubukov’s actions bring humour and satire
to the play. He represents the mindset of selfish and status-conscious
parents, more interested in property and social status than love.
Overall, Chubukov is a comic and dramatic character who adds energy and
fun to the play.
First Quarrel
4. Describe the first quarrel between Lemov and Natalia in your
own words.
Or
Describe the first quarrel in the play “The Proposal”.
The Argument over Oxen Meadows:
In Anton Chekhov's play 'The Proposal', there are two quarrels between
Lomov and Natalya. The first one is an argument over the ownership of
Oxen Meadows.
When Lomov visits Natalya's house to propose marriage, he begins with
polite and formal conversation. But instead of directly proposing, he talks
about land matters, especially the Oxen Meadows. This leads to their first
argument.
Main Points of the Quarrel:
Lomov claims that Oxen Meadows belong to him. Natalya strongly
disagrees and says the land belongs to her family. Both try to prove
ownership by recalling old family documents and history. Lomov says his
aunt’s grandmother gave the land to her peasants to use. Natalya insists
that their family has owned it for generations. The argument grows heated;
both raise their voices and insult each other. Chubukov enters and also
joins the quarrel, taking Natalya’s side. Lomov becomes angry and
nervous, saying he came with peaceful intentions. In frustration, Lomov
leaves the house, without proposing.
Purpose of the Scene:
This quarrel is full of humour and irony. It shows how ego and pride can
spoil even important matters like marriage. It also reflects the petty mindset
of people who argue over small property issues.
Second Quarrel
5. Give the detailed description of the second quarrel in the play
„The Proposal‟.
Or
Describe the second quarrel between Lemov and Natalia
The Argument Over Dogs:
In Anton Chekhov's play 'The Proposal', there are two quarrels between
Lomov and Natalya. The second one is an argument over the dogs.
After the first quarrel (about Oxen Meadows), Lomov leaves angrily. When
Natalya learns he had come to propose, she feels guilty and begs her
father to bring him back. Lomov returns, and again they try to have a calm
conversation. But soon, a new argument starts — this time over whose dog
is better.
Main Points of the Second Quarrel:
Lomov mentions that his dog Guess is a good hunting dog. Natalya
disagrees and says her dog Squeezer is much better. Lomov says
Squeezer is a bad dog, fat and slow. Natalya gets angry and calls Guess a
―worthless old dog.‖ They start shouting at each other again about whose
dog is more powerful. Both try to prove their dog’s superiority with silly
reasons. Chubukov enters and again takes Natalya’s side, insulting Lomov.
Lomov becomes more nervous and physically weak, complaining about his
heart. In the middle of this silly fight, Lomov faints.
Purpose of the Scene:
The second quarrel adds more humour and satire. It shows how petty ego
clashes can ruin even serious moments like a marriage proposal. It also
shows Lomov’s hypochondria (imaginary illnesses) and Natalya’s
stubbornness.
6. Discuss the major themes of the play, 'The Proposal".
Or
How is the problem of marriage as one of the major themes of
the play, "The Proposal?
Or
Comment on the major theme of the play, 'The Proposal.
Or
What is the theme of the play, 'The Proposal‟?
Major Themes of The Proposal:
In Anton Chekhov's play 'The Proposal', we see a variety of themes woven
together, such as marriage, pride, materialism, and human foolishness.
i. Marriage as a Social Arrangement
The play shows marriage not as a romantic union but as a practical deal.
Lomov wants to marry Natalya not out of love but because she is a good
match socially and economically.
It reflects how marriage in upper-class society was often based on wealth,
status, and convenience.
ii. Foolishness of Human Ego
The characters argue over silly matters like land and dogs. Their pride and
ego stop them from having a proper conversation. This shows how minor
issues can destroy major goals due to human foolishness.
iii. Hypocrisy in Relationships
Chubukov welcomes Lomov warmly at first, then abuses him during the
quarrel, and later begs him to return. This shows the double-faced nature of
people in society.
iv. Comic Elements and Satire
Chekhov uses humour and exaggeration to mock the upper class. The
quarrels, nervous breakdowns, and the proposal itself create comic
situations. The play is a satire on social customs, especially related to
property and marriage.
v. Materialism and Greed
Property (like Oxen Meadows) is given more importance than emotions.
Characters are more interested in ownership and status than
understanding or love.
7. Bring out the humour in the play "The Proposal" by Anton
Chekhov.
Or
Describe the farcical elements in the play „The Proposal‟.
Anton Chekhov’s one-act play ―The Proposal‖ is filled with comic situations,
witty dialogues, and exaggerated behaviour, which create humour
throughout the play. The humour mainly comes from the foolish quarrels,
dramatic expressions, and irony in character actions.
The main source of humour is the way Lomov and Natalya fight over silly
matters like Oxen Meadows and whose dog is better, while Lomov actually
comes to propose marriage. Instead of speaking about love, they end up
shouting and insulting each other. The fact that a marriage proposal turns
into an argument creates situational comedy.
Lomov’s behaviour is also funny. He is a hypochondriac, always worried
about his health and heart. His dramatic complaints, like ―I’m dying!‖, and
―My foot’s gone numb!‖ make the audience laugh.
Chubukov’s character adds to the humour. He first welcomes Lomov as a
friend, then joins the quarrel, and finally begs him to marry his daughter.
His changing attitude and overreaction are highly amusing.
In conclusion, the play uses satire, irony, and exaggeration to create
humour and highlight the silliness of people when pride and property come
in the way of meaningful relationships.
End
