THE PROPOSAL (First Flight)

By Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov, in full Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, (born January 29 1860, Russia—died July 14, 1904, Germany) Russian playwright and master of the modern short story. He was a literary artist of laconic precision. Chekhov’s best plays and short stories lack complex plots and concrete solutions. Concentrating on apparent trivialities, they create a special kind of atmosphere, sometimes termed haunting or lyrical. Chekhov described the Russian life of his time using a deceptively simple technique devoid of obtrusive literary devices, and he is regarded as the outstanding representative of the late 19th-century Russian realistic school.


1. What is the theme of the play?

The major theme of Chekhov's “The Proposal” is the cold approach to marriage that had been common in nineteenth-century Russia, especially among the wealthy. The play, as a satire for this money-driven type of marriage, depicts the two main characters as excessively posh and wanting to wed each other for economic security, blind to the fact they would not get along well.

2. What is the message conveyed by Anton Chekhov in the play?

Chekhov, thus, conveys the idea that we cannot look to marriage to make us happy; we must find happiness ourselves. Further, we must marry for better reasons than for improving our financial status or class; we ought to marry because we are truly well-suited to our partner and they to us.

3. Why is Chubukov surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal evening dress when Lomov comes to meet him?

Chubukov is surprised at Lomov’s wearing of a formal evening dress as there was no formal occasion known to him. He asked Lomov if he was going somewhere in such a nice dress. Lomov told him that he had come to his house to propose Natalya.

4. 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.

Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for borrowing some money. Chubukov says to Lomov, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son.” No, he is not sincere in saying so. He didn’t have a good opinion about him. He thought that he had come there to ask for some money. He changed his stand only when he came to know that Lomov wanted to marry Natalya, his daughter. It was something that Chubukov always wanted.

5. What is the ailment that Lomov is suffering from?

Lomov is suffering from weakness or depression. His limbs become numb. Whenever he is excited his heart starts palpitating. His foot often becomes numb and he is unable to bear the shock in life.

6. 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.

Chubukov found Lomov to be a good match for his daughter. He had been waiting for this proposal. He was glad that Lomov came with the proposal. When Lomov became doubtful at Natalya’s consent to his proposal, Chubukov immediately assures him that she was in love with him. No, we cannot agree to it because Natalya did not seem to be in love with Lomov at all. Natalya's reaction on hearing about Lomov's marriage proposal makes it obvious that she was awaiting Lomov's proposal. To conclude, we can say that Natalya had no love for Lomov but being a young girl she wished to get married. Natalya took this as an opportunity to resolve the land dispute between the two families. If they get married the land will become theirs, both Natalaya and Lomov will become the owner of the disputed property Oxen Medows.



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