Class 10 English Notes Chapter 11 (The Proposal) – First Flight Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 11, 'The Proposal' by Anton Chekhov. This is a one-act play, specifically a farce, which means it uses exaggerated situations and characters for comedic effect, often bordering on the absurd. It's important for your exams as it explores themes of marriage, property, and human nature in a satirical way.

'The Proposal' by Anton Chekhov: Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation

1. Introduction:

• Author: Anton Chekhov (a famous Russian playwright and short-story writer).
• Genre: One-act play; Farce; Satire.
• Setting: A drawing-room in Chubukov's country house in Russia, late 19th century.
• Core Idea: The play satirizes the materialistic and superficial attitude towards marriage among the landowning class of that era. It highlights how arguments over petty issues like property can overshadow significant life events like a marriage proposal.

2. Characters:

• Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov:
  • An elderly landowner.
  • Father of Natalya.
  • Initially appears welcoming but is desperate to get his daughter married off.
  • Pragmatic, hypocritical (calls Lomov names behind his back but is polite to his face), excitable, and contributes eagerly to the arguments.
  • Sees Lomov's proposal primarily as a good financial and social match.
• Natalya Stepanovna:
  • Chubukov's daughter, 25 years old.
  • Portrayed as well-educated but short-tempered, argumentative, stubborn, and possessive, especially about property.
  • Described by her father as "a lovesick cat," suggesting she is eager to marry, although her behaviour contradicts this initially.
  • She is unaware of Lomov's purpose at first and quickly gets drawn into disputes.
  • Her desire for marriage becomes evident only when she learns Lomov came to propose.
• Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov:
  • A neighbour of Chubukov, 35 years old.
  • A landowner, wealthy but anxious and socially awkward.
  • Suffers from various ailments, real or imagined (hypochondria) – palpitations, numbness, spasms.
  • Comes with the specific intention to propose to Natalya.
  • He wants to marry for practical reasons: he's of critical age, needs a regular, settled life, and Natalya is an "excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated."
  • Despite his nervousness and desire to propose, he is easily provoked into arguments about property (Oxen Meadows) and prestige (superiority of his dog).

3. Plot Summary:

• Lomov's Arrival: Lomov, dressed formally, visits Chubukov. Chubukov initially assumes he has come to borrow money but is overjoyed when Lomov reveals his intention to propose to Natalya.
• The Proposal Attempt & First Argument: Chubukov fetches Natalya. Lomov, nervous and beating around the bush, tries to lead into the proposal but ends up mentioning Oxen Meadows, a piece of land situated between their properties. Natalya immediately claims the Meadows belong to her family, leading to a heated argument. Lomov insists they belong to him, citing historical claims. Chubukov enters and joins the argument, siding with his daughter and insulting Lomov. Lomov, feeling palpitations and insulted, leaves in a huff.
• Natalya's Reaction: After Lomov leaves, Chubukov inadvertently reveals that Lomov had come to propose. Natalya is shocked and becomes hysterical, blaming her father for driving him away and demanding he be brought back immediately.
• Lomov's Return & Second Argument: Chubukov fetches Lomov back. Natalya tries to be conciliatory, steering the conversation away from the Meadows. However, they soon start discussing their hunting dogs. This leads to another fierce argument about whose dog is superior – Lomov's 'Guess' or Natalya's 'Squeezer'. They argue about pedigree, price, and physical attributes (like Squeezer being 'overshot' and Guess being 'old and short in the muzzle').
• The Climax & 'Engagement': The argument escalates. Lomov feels his palpitations worsening and collapses into a chair, seemingly unconscious or dead. Natalya panics, thinking she has killed him. Chubukov, also in panic, first blames himself and threatens suicide, then tries to revive Lomov with water. Believing Lomov is dead, Chubukov laments his misfortune. As Lomov stirs, Chubukov quickly thrusts Natalya's hand into Lomov's, declares them engaged, and calls for champagne.
• Conclusion: Lomov, regaining consciousness but still dazed, doesn't fully grasp what happened but accepts the engagement. However, as soon as he is somewhat recovered, he and Natalya immediately resume their argument about the dogs. Chubukov tries to quieten them by shouting for champagne, highlighting that the marriage is beginning amidst conflict, suggesting a future filled with similar quarrels.

4. Themes:

• Marriage as an Economic Proposition: The play strongly suggests that marriage among this class was often based on practical considerations (land, social stability) rather than love or compatibility. Lomov's reasons are purely pragmatic, and Chubukov is mainly happy about the potential merging of estates and securing his daughter's future.
• The Quarrelsome Nature of People: The characters constantly argue over trivial matters, showing their pettiness, pride, and inability to communicate effectively. Their egos prevent any meaningful connection.
• Hypocrisy and Superficiality: Chubukov's behaviour is highly hypocritical. The characters maintain a veneer of social politeness that quickly breaks down under the slightest provocation.
• Satire on Romance: The traditional romantic notion of a marriage proposal is completely subverted. Instead of romance, there are arguments, insults, and near-fainting spells.
• Importance of Land/Property: The ownership of Oxen Meadows becomes a major point of contention, symbolizing the landowners' obsession with property and status.

5. Key Aspects for Exams:

• Remember the names of the characters and their key traits (Lomov's hypochondria, Natalya's argumentative nature, Chubukov's desperation and hypocrisy).
• Know the two main subjects of argument: Oxen Meadows and the dogs (Guess vs. Squeezer). Be aware of the specific points they argue about each.
• Understand Lomov's reasons for wanting to marry.
• Recognize the play as a farce and satire, understanding what Chekhov is criticizing.
• Note the ironic ending – the engagement happens amidst chaos and continued quarrelling, predicting the nature of the marriage.
• Pay attention to the dramatic elements: exaggeration, physical comedy (Lomov's collapse), rapid shifts in mood (Natalya's hysteria).

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What is the primary reason Ivan Lomov visits Stepan Chubukov's house?
   a) To borrow money for his farm.
   b) To complain about Chubukov's workers.
   c) To ask for Natalya Stepanovna's hand in marriage.
   d) To discuss the boundary of Oxen Meadows.

2. The first argument between Lomov and Natalya erupts over the ownership of:
   a) Birchwoods
   b) Burnt Marsh
   c) Their hunting dogs
   d) Oxen Meadows

3. Which physical ailment does Lomov frequently complain about during the play?
   a) Severe headaches
   b) Poor eyesight
   c) Palpitations and numbness
   d) A persistent cough

4. What is the name of Natalya Stepanovna's hunting dog?
   a) Guess
   b) Hunter
   c) Squeezer
   d) Ripper

5. How does Natalya react initially when her father tells her Lomov came to propose?
   a) She laughs dismissively.
   b) She becomes hysterical and demands Lomov be brought back.
   c) She calmly accepts the news.
   d) She gets angry at Lomov for arguing first.

6. Chubukov's immediate reaction upon learning Lomov's intention to propose is one of:
   a) Suspicion and distrust
   b) Anger and resentment
   c) Overwhelming joy and relief
   d) Calm indifference

7. According to Lomov, what is the main defect of Natalya's dog, Squeezer?
   a) He is too old and worn out.
   b) He is lame in one leg.
   c) He is pug-jawed (overshot).
   d) He cost far too much money.

8. Anton Chekhov's 'The Proposal' is best classified as which genre?
   a) Tragedy
   b) Historical Epic
   c) Melodrama
   d) Farce

9. Which statement best reflects Lomov's motivation for marriage?
   a) He is deeply in love with Natalya's beauty and charm.
   b) He seeks a partner to help manage his estate financially.
   c) He feels he is at a critical age and needs a stable, regular life.
   d) He wants to spite another rival suitor.

10. How is the 'engagement' between Lomov and Natalya finally sealed in the play?
    a) With a romantic exchange of vows.
    b) After a calm discussion and mutual agreement.
    c) By Chubukov forcing Natalya's hand into Lomov's amidst chaos and argument.
    d) Lomov presents a ring after apologising for the arguments.

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. (c)
2. (d)
3. (c)
4. (c)
5. (b)
6. (c)
7. (c)
8. (d)
9. (c)
10. (c)

Study these notes carefully, focusing on the characters' motivations, the points of conflict, and the satirical nature of the play. Understanding these aspects will help you tackle questions effectively in your exams. Good luck!