The Proposal Class 10 Worksheet English Chapter 1

Q1. How does Lomov speak warmly of Chubukov’s family in the beginning? Why does he change his stand?
Ans: Lomov speaks warmly about Chubukov's family at the start, recalling that he has known them since childhood. He mentions that his late aunt and uncle held great respect for them, highlighting the long-standing friendship between their families. However, his attitude shifts dramatically when he gets into a heated argument with Natalya and Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows, leading him to change his view.

Q2. Justify the title of the play. ‘The Proposal’ Or What is the theme or the message of ‘The Proposal’?
Ans: Anton Chekhov has aptly titled the play, The Proposal. The title reflects the central theme of the play, which is the marriage between Natalya and Lomov. Both characters wish to become life partners; however, their plans are disrupted by pointless arguments over Oxen Meadows and their dogs, Squeezer and Guess. The play conveys a clear message: the main issue of marriage should not be overshadowed by trivial disputes that can easily be avoided.

Q3. Why is Lomov anxious to marry Natalya?
Ans: Lomov is eager to marry Natalya because he feels it is time to settle down. He believes he should not delay any longer. He considers her to be an excellent choice: she is a skilled housekeeper, well-educated, and attractive. At his age of 35, he thinks he cannot find a better partner. Additionally, he is suffering from various health issues, which adds to his urgency. These factors contribute to his anxiety about marrying Natalya.

Q4. Describe Lomov’s first meeting with Natalya.
Ans: Lomov visits his neighbour Chubukov to ask for the hand of his daughter, Natalya. He feels nervous and struggles to make the proposal, speaking in a roundabout way. During the conversation, he mentions his meadows that border their birchwoods, which leads to a heated argument between them over the ownership of the meadows. This quarrel distracts from the marriage proposal, highlighting the tension between the characters.

Q5. Describe the incidents of humour in the play, ‘The Proposal’?
Ans: The Proposal is a humorous play filled with amusing incidents. The entrance of Lomov, dressed formally, and the way Chubukov greets him with affectionate terms like "darling" and "my beauty" is comical. The marriage proposal, which should be romantic, turns into a farce as Natalya and Lomov argue over trivial matters such as the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their dogs. Their use of ridiculous insults, including terms like "scarecrow" and "stuffed sausage," adds to the humour. Furthermore, Natalya's hysterical reaction upon learning about the proposal, along with the dramatic wailing of both father and daughter when they believe Lomov is dead, creates a comedic atmosphere. The climax occurs when Natalya, amidst their ongoing arguments, places her hand in Lomov's, indicating her acceptance of the proposal, which is both funny and unexpected. Overall, the play is rich in humour, making it an entertaining experience.

Q6. Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian landlord. Instead of solving the problems, he only adds fuel into the fire in their quarrel over Oxen Meadows and the dogs. Justify the statement.
Ans: Chubukov embodies the characteristics of a typical wealthy landlord from 19th century Russia. He is quite affluent and resourceful, as evidenced by his neighbour Lomov, who acknowledges the frequent assistance Chubukov provides. For instance, he lends his threshing machine to Lomov, which delays his own threshing until November. Chubukov is practical and sees Lomov as a suitable match for his daughter, Natalya. He eagerly agrees to Lomov's marriage proposal, having anticipated it for some time. However, his desire for land drives him to oppose Lomov's claim over Oxen Meadows, even threatening to send his mowers there. Chubukov's quarrelsome nature is evident as he resorts to insults, calling Lomov a "land grabber" and a "villain." Despite his contentious behaviour, Chubukov seizes the opportunity when Lomov regains his composure. He encourages Natalya to embrace Lomov, ultimately facilitating their marriage.

Q7. What does Chubukov say to Lomov about his being a hunter?
Ans: Chubukov tells Lomov that he is not a hunter. He suggests that Lomov should stay at home with his palpitations instead of trying to track animals. Chubukov believes Lomov only goes hunting to argue with others and meddle with their dogs, rather than for the sport itself.

Q8. What do you learn about Natalya from the play, 'The Proposal'?
Ans: Natalya is the only daughter of the landowner Chubukov. Although she is well-educated, she does not apply her knowledge wisely. Natalya is known for her short temper and frequently engages in arguments with those around her. She often emphasises the help she provides to her neighbours and is very possessive about her land, showing a strong determination to keep it.

Q9. What other controversial argument arose between Lomov and Natalya? Discuss.
Ans: Another controversial argument between Lomov and Natalya revolved around their dogs, Guess and Squeezer. Lomov claimed that his dog Guess had become lame after being bitten by another dog. He had bought Guess for 125 roubles, considering him a top-quality dog. However, Natalya insisted that her dog Squeezer was superior, having been purchased for 85 roubles. In response, Lomov argued that Squeezer was overshot, meaning it was a poor hunter, and that its lower jaw was shorter than the upper. Natalya countered by calling Guess old, ugly, and akin to a worn-out cab-horse. This led to a heated argument over which dog was truly better, showcasing their competitive nature.

Q10. Give a character sketch of Lomov.
Ans: Lomov is portrayed as a comical character. Although he is financially secure, he is physically weak and suffers from palpitations. His behaviour suggests he is somewhat eccentric, displaying traits such as being pretentious, proud, and argumentative. Lomov is also socially awkward and frequently experiences anxiety attacks. His proposal to Natalya is not driven by love but rather by the economic benefits of merging their families' properties. He views her as beautiful and a good housekeeper, which reflects his regressive thinking about marriage. When he attempts to propose, a quarrel erupts between them, as Natalya mistakenly believes he is claiming Oxen Meadows as his own. This argument highlights his short temper. During the proposal, Lomov becomes so flustered that he faints, showcasing his confusion and lack of confidence. Despite these challenges, he ultimately succeeds in gaining her acceptance.