ENGLISH CLASS- 10
CHAPTER-9
(The Proposal))
The Proposal
1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says “And I've always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
At first, Chubukov suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. When Lomov arrives dressed formally and appears nervous, Chubukov assumes that he wants financial help.
No, Chubukov is not entirely sincere when he later says, “I've always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son.” His behaviour throughout the play shows that his feelings change according to the situation. When he learns that Lomov wishes to marry Natalya, he warmly welcomes him and praises him. However, during their arguments, Chubukov insults Lomov, calling him names such as “malicious,” “double-faced intriguer,” and “villain.” This inconsistency suggests that his affectionate words are largely influenced by the marriage proposal rather than genuine affection.
2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “... as if she won't consent! She's in love; egad, she's like a lovesick cat...” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
Yes, to some extent, I agree with Chubukov. Although Natalya spends much of the play arguing with Lomov, her reaction after learning about the marriage proposal reveals her true feelings.
When she discovers that Lomov had come to propose marriage, she becomes extremely upset that he has left. She urgently asks her father to bring him back and becomes anxious and emotional. This behaviour indicates that she is interested in marrying Lomov. Therefore, Chubukov's statement that she is “like a lovesick cat” is partly justified, though it is expressed in a humorous and exaggerated way.
3. (i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other.
Words of praise and admiration
Lomov about Natalya:
• “An excellent housekeeper”
• “Not bad-looking”
• “Well-educated”
Chubukov about Lomov:
• “My dear fellow”
• “My darling”
• “My angel”
• “As if you were my own son”
Accusations and insults
Lomov about Natalya and Chubukov:
• “Grabber”
• “Land-grabber”
• “Intriguer”
• “Old rat”
• “Villain”
Natalya about Lomov:
• “Monster”
• “Guesser”
• “Blind hen”
• “Lunatic”
• “Pettifogger”
Chubukov about Lomov:
• “Malicious”
• “Double-faced intriguer”
• “Villain”
• “Scarecrow”
• “Blind chicken”
These expressions highlight the comic nature of the play and the characters' tendency to quarrel over trivial matters.
3. (ii) Think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
Lomov
• Nervous
• Argumentative
• Sensitive
• Emotional
• Well-meaning
Natalya
• Intelligent
• Strong-willed
• Stubborn
• Energetic
• Quarrelsome
Chubukov
• Hot-tempered
• Practical
• Loud
• Humorous
• Opportunistic
3. (iii) Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Considering their personalities, the characters are likely to continue quarrelling even after the engagement. They may argue about property boundaries, ownership of land, family matters, hunting dogs, household decisions, or even small everyday issues.
The play humorously suggests that quarrelling has become a habit for them. Therefore, it is easy to imagine Lomov and Natalya continuing their arguments after marriage, while Chubukov joins in whenever he gets the opportunity. Their frequent disagreements create much of the comedy in the play.