THE PROPOSAL

By- Anton Chekov

SHORT ANSWER QUESTION

Q1. What is Chubukov guess about the purpose of Lomov’s visit? How does he react
when he discovers the real intention of Lomov’s visit? (WRITE ON YOUR OWN )

Q2 How does Oxen Meadows become a bone of contention between Lomov’s and
Natalya’s families?

Ans. Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov are neighbours. A piece of land known as Oxen
Meadows was situated between the Burnt Marshes and the Birchwoods which belonged to
Chubukov’s family. Both of them claim their ownership over the Meadows. Lomov,who had
inherited his aunty’s legacy, says that Oxen Meadows was given to the peasants of Natalya’a
father’s great grandfather for free use by his aunt’s grandmother. In return they were to make
bricks for the Lomovs.
The Chubokovs contest this claim of Lomov, Natalya opposes it by saying that their land
extends to Burnt Marsh. It means that Oxen Meadows belong to them. Both of them claim
their ownership over the Meadows. Thus Oxen Meadows becomes a bone of contention
between the two families.

EXTRAPOLATIVE QUESTION

Q1.Discuss the theme of the play, ‘The Proposal’.

This one act play by Chekhov that is a satire on the hypocritical elite society of Chekov’s
time and even on the idea of romance and marriage. Chekhov examines the true nature of
marriage, an institution of necessity in his time that did not necessarily need to include
romance and love.

In "The Proposal", he presents the relationship of two wealthy men to create a scenario
where they initially claim to have great affection and regard for each other as neighbours. But
soon see their words as well as situation turning ironical when not just argue and quarrel over
petty issues but even stoop down to use derogatory language for each other.

Natalya Stepanovna, who is 25, beyond her age for marriage is a bit of a shrew.She is
approached by her neighbor, seeking her hand in marriage. Lomov is a bit old as a bachelor,
and he seems to be a hypochondriac, unable to confidently make his proposal, tries to honor
Natalya with kind words, but instead makes her angry and an argument starts that comes to
include her father

But the three people are so stubborn that they can't stop arguing long enough for Lomov to
actually propose . The argument gets so heated that Lomov leaves after being totally insulted
by the two, without proposing. When Natalya finds out the Lomov had come to propose she
wants him to come back to the house, but more arguing takes place when he enters, until
finally the father instructs the two to accept each other.It’s strange that he would want to
propose to Natalya, who screams at him and insults him

Thus Checkov illustrates the idea that marriage is an arrangement between two people, rather
business like, without romance or love, In Chekhov's time marriage would have been
considered an economic necessity, more for financial security than love.