The words and expressions that have been used to describe each other by various characters of the play are Chubukov: intriguer, grabber, old rat Natalya: a lovesick cat, an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking’ well-educated. Lomov: a good neighbour, impudent, pettifogger, malicious, double faced intriguer, rascal, blind hen, turnip ghost, a villian, scare crow, stuffed sausage, etc.
Thinking About the Language
(Page 157)
Question I.
1. This play has been translated in English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more – Russian than English?
For example would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play?
Answer:
Expressions not used in contemporary English are- my angel, my beloved, my beauty (Here these expressions, are used for an adult man) and ‘all that sort of thing’ (not explaining what it is just leaving it as it is) and ‘how may you be getting on’? reported speech
2. You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
Questions.
To report a question, we use the reporting verb
asked
(as in sentence set 1).
To report a declaration, we use the reporting verb
The adverb of place here changes to _____
When the verb in the direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the tense (as in sentence set 3).
If the Verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to ____ tense. For example, ____ changes to was getting.
When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb ____ in the reporting clause (as in sentence set 1)
The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change to third person pronouns to such as _____ or ____ in reported speech.
Answer:
2. declared
3. there
4. past
5. past continuous, is getting
6. respectfully
7. he, him, their or his
The Proposal – Comprehensive Web Content
This is an expanded study resource for The Proposal by Anton Chekhov (First Flight). Use this alongside the chapter notes for complete board exam preparation.
Detailed Summary
Lomov arrives to propose to Natalya but argues about Oxen Meadows ownership. Expelled, he returns when Natalya learns he came to propose. They argue again — about whose dog is better. Lomov collapses from nerves. Chubukov hastily pronounces them engaged. They immediately resume arguing. The play satirises property-obsessed, petty people incapable of prioritising.
Theme Analysis
Satire on Marriage
Marriage here is about property and status, not love. Lomov proposes because he needs a wife for his estate.
Pride and Pettiness
Trivial disputes (a meadow, a dog) are fought with life-or-death intensity.
Farce
All three characters work against their own interests — all want the proposal to succeed yet all sabotage it.
Character Study
Nervous, hypochondriac, argumentative, weak-willed
Stubborn, proud, emotional, pragmatic
Opportunistic, dramatic, interfering
Literary Devices & Techniques
- Farce: Exaggerated conflicts, physical comedy
- Dramatic Irony: Natalya doesn’t know Lomov came to propose
- Hyperbole: Lomov’s dramatic symptoms, Natalya’s hysterics
- Stage Directions: Add physical comedy: "(clutching his heart)"
- Repetition: Arguments restart after each resolution
Board Exam Questions with Model Answers
Q: Why did Lomov come to Chubukov’s house? (2 marks)
Model Answer: Lomov came to propose marriage to Chubukov’s daughter Natalya. He was dressed formally and was very nervous, as he needed a wife to help manage his estate and was getting older.
Q: How does Chekhov use humour to convey a serious message? (5 marks)
Model Answer: Chekhov uses farce — exaggerated arguments, physical comedy, and absurd situations — to satirise a society obsessed with property and social status. Lomov proposes for practical reasons, not love. The couple cannot stop arguing even during their engagement. The humour masks a serious critique: when property matters more than people, relationships become absurd contests. The laughter provokes reflection on our own pettiness.
Key Vocabulary
Refer to the chapter notes and teacher aid for a complete vocabulary list. Focus on understanding words in context rather than memorising definitions in isolation.
Revision Checklist
- Can you summarise the text in 80 words?
- Can you name all major characters and their traits?
- Can you identify at least 3 literary devices with examples?
- Can you write a 5-mark answer on the main theme?
- Have you practised all textbook exercise questions?