The Proposal Summary Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9

Key Points of the Story

• The play is set in Stepan Chubukov's drawing-room.
• Main characters are Stepan Chubukov, his daughter Natalya Stepanovna, and their neighbor Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.
• Ivan Lomov visits Chubukov to propose marriage to Natalya.
• Chubukov is pleased and agrees immediately.
• Natalya, unaware of the proposal, discusses property with Lomov.

• They argue over the ownership of Oxen Meadows, each insisting it belongs to their family.
• They continue to argue over whose dog is better, Squeezer or Guess.
• The argument gets heated, causing Lomov to experience palpitations.
• Chubukov reveals Lomov's proposal to Natalya, who then agrees to marry him.
• Despite accepting the proposal, the quarrels continue, highlighting their petty nature.

Detailed Summary

"The Proposal" is a one-act play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. It revolves around the comedic and farcical events that transpire when Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, a wealthy neighbor, comes to propose marriage to Natalya Stepanovna, the daughter of Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov.

Characters and Setting

• Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov: A landowner.
• Natalya Stepanovna: Chubukov’s 25-year-old daughter.
• Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov: A neighbor of Chubukov, a large and hearty but very suspicious landowner.

The play is set in the drawing-room of Chubukov’s house. The action starts with Lomov entering, dressed formally in a jacket and white gloves, indicating his serious intentions.

Lomov’s Visit and the Proposal

Lomov arrives at Chubukov’s house, and Chubukov warmly greets him. Initially, Chubukov thinks Lomov is there to borrow money, but Lomov quickly clarifies his intentions. He nervously explains that he has come to ask for Natalya's hand in marriage. Chubukov is overjoyed and expresses his long-standing hope for this union. He immediately goes to call Natalya.

First Quarrel: Oxen Meadows

While waiting, Lomov becomes anxious and starts talking to himself about the importance of marriage for his health and social standing. When Natalya enters, she is unaware of Lomov’s proposal. They begin to discuss various topics, and Lomov mentions the Oxen Meadows, a piece of land. This sparks a heated argument over the ownership of the land. Both claim the meadows belong to their respective families. Despite Lomov's attempt to explain the historical ownership through documents, Natalya insists that the land is hers. The argument escalates with both becoming increasingly agitated.

Chubukov's Intervention

Chubukov returns and finds them arguing. He sides with Natalya, insisting that the meadows belong to them. Lomov becomes even more distressed, and the quarrel intensifies. The argument becomes so heated that Lomov, who suffers from palpitations and other health issues, starts feeling unwell.

Realization and Second Quarrel: Dogs

Chubukov mentions to Natalya that Lomov came to propose to her. Shocked, Natalya immediately regrets the argument and insists that Lomov be brought back. Chubukov rushes out to fetch him. When Lomov returns, Natalya apologizes and acknowledges that the Oxen Meadows belong to Lomov. They try to change the subject and talk about their dogs, Guess and Squeezer.

This leads to another argument, with each claiming their dog is superior. Lomov insists that Guess is a better hunting dog, while Natalya argues that Squeezer is better. This quarrel is as intense as the first, with both refusing to concede.

Conclusion

The situation reaches a climax when Lomov collapses from the stress of the argument. Chubukov, thinking Lomov is dead, becomes frantic. When Lomov regains consciousness, Chubukov hurriedly gives his blessing for the marriage to prevent further commotion. Lomov and Natalya kiss, sealing their engagement, but almost immediately, they resume their argument about whose dog is better. Chubukov, exasperated, calls for champagne to celebrate the engagement.

Theme/ Message

Theme

• Economic Marriages: The play highlights the tendency of wealthy families to marry for economic gain rather than love.

• Petty Quarrels: The characters engage in trivial arguments, showing their quarrelsome nature.

Message

• Importance of Practicality: The proposal goes through despite the arguments, showing that economic sense often prevails over personal disputes.

• Human Folly: The continuous quarrels even after the proposal suggest that human nature is prone to foolishness and petty conflicts.

Difficult Words

1. Farce: A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay.
2. Quarrelsome: Inclined to argue or disagree.
3. Perpetuity: The state of lasting forever.
4. Haberdashery: A store selling men’s clothing and accessories.
5. Salutation: A gesture or utterance made as a greeting.
6. Palpitations: Rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat.
7. Neglige: Casual or informal clothing.
8. Dessiatins: An old Russian unit of land measurement.
9. Impudent: Not showing due respect for another person.
10. Pettifogger: A lawyer who deals with petty cases or employs dubious practices.
11. Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds.
12. Lunacy: Insanity or madness.
13. Guzzling: Eating or drinking greedily.
14. Intriguer: A person who schemes or plots.
15. Malicious: Intending to do harm.