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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate15 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The Proposal is a comic drama by Anton Chekhov, centered around three main characters: Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov, his daughter Natalya Stepanovna, and their neighbor Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov. The play unfolds as Lomov visits the Chubukovs to propose marriage to Natalya; however, the situation quickly devolves into comical arguments over trivial matters such as land ownership and the superiority of their hunting dogs. Despite the bickering, the play concludes with a resolution to the marriage proposal, highlighting themes of social status, wealth, and the petty quarrels that arise within such contexts.
Key Topics
- •Marriage and social stratification
- •Wealth and property disputes
- •Human folly and absurdity
- •Interpersonal conflicts
- •The nature of proposals and courtship
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the role of farce in satirical comedy.
- ✓Analyze character motivations and interactions.
- ✓Discuss themes of social status and property ownership.
- ✓Identify literary devices used for comedic effect.
- ✓Reflect on societal norms and individual behaviors depicted in the play.
Questions in Chapter
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.
Page 135
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.
Page 135
(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.
Page 136
Can you imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Page 136
Additional Practice Questions
Why do you think Chekhov wrote 'The Proposal' as a farce?
mediumAnswer: Chekhov likely employed farce to amplify the absurdity and humor of trivial disputes that overshadow important decisions like marriage. By exaggerating the characters' quarrels, Chekhov highlights the pettiness inherent in their arguments and offers social commentary on human folly.
How does the setting of a drawing-room enhance the comedic elements of the play?
mediumAnswer: The intimate and decorous setting of a drawing-room juxtaposes the chaotic quarrels of the characters, magnifying the humor through contrast. It also emphasizes the theme of social pretenses, as the characters struggle to maintain decorum while engaging in petty disputes.
Discuss the role of social status and land ownership in 'The Proposal.'
hardAnswer: Social status and land ownership are pivotal in 'The Proposal,' driving both the plot and the characters' conflicts. The perceived importance of these elements reflects societal values of Chekhov's time, and the characters’ disputes over land underline how such concerns can overshadow personal relationships.
What role does humor play in conveying the themes of the play?
mediumAnswer: Humor in 'The Proposal' is central to conveying its themes, as it exposes the ridiculousness of human behavior and societal norms. By turning serious matters into subjects of laughter, Chekhov encourages the audience to reflect on the true significance of the characters' priorities.
Analyze the character dynamics between Natalya, Lomov, and Chubukov.
mediumAnswer: Natalya, Lomov, and Chubukov exhibit a dynamic characterized by misunderstandings and exaggerated reactions. While Lomov’s nervousness leads to comedy, Chubukov’s pride and Natalya’s stubbornness exacerbate conflicts. Their interactions reveal the absurdity of human vanity and the complexity of familial and romantic relationships.