The Proposal (Play)
Textual Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 9 The Proposal
"The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov is a one-act Russian comedy about Chubukov, his daughter Natalya, and Lomov. Lomov visits Chubukov to ask for Natalya’s hand in marriage. Chubukov happily agrees. However, when Natalya comes in, she and Lomov argue over who owns Oxen Meadows. Lomov, who has heart palpitations, leaves after the argument. Chubukov then tells Natalya why Lomov came, surprising her. She asks her father to call Lomov back. When Lomov returns, Natalya tries to get him to propose, but they soon argue about whose dog is better. Lomov faints, but when he revives, Natalya takes his hand, and they kiss. The play ends on a happy note.
1. 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.
At first, Chubukov thought Lomov came to ask for money because he was dressed fancy. Chubukov didn't really mean it when he said he loved Lomov and treated him like a son. He decided he wouldn't give Lomov any money if he asked. During their argument, Chubukov insulted Lomov by calling him names like 'pettifogger', 'old rat', and 'Jesuit'. But when Lomov asked to marry his daughter, Chubukov changed his attitude right away. He got excited and called for his daughter, Natalya Stepanovna.
2. 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 thinks Lomov is a great match for his daughter, Natalya, and has been hoping for this proposal. When Lomov doubts if Natalya will agree to marry him, Chubukov assures him that she loves him. However, in the play, Natalya often argues and disagrees with Lomov. After an argument, Lomov leaves, and Chubukov tells Natalya that Lomov actually came to propose. Hearing this, Natalya starts crying and begs her father to bring Lomov back immediately. Her love for Lomov is clear when she says, "Bring him back! Bring him here. Quick, quick! Fetch him!"
3. (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. (For example, Lomov, in the end, calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”)
The words and expressions that have been used in the play by various characters to describe each other are listed below:
Chubukov: intriguer, grabber, old rat, Jesuit
Natalya: a lovesick cat, an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.
Lomov: a good neighbour, impudent, pettifogger, malicious, double-faced intriguer, rascal, blind hen, turnip-ghost, a villain, a scarecrow, the stuffed sausage, a monster, the wizen-faced frump, pup, fool, milksop, etc.
(ii) Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
Lomov:
1. Nervous
2. Hypochondriac
3. Argumentative
4. Insecure
5. Determined
Natalya:
1. Stubborn
2. Argumentative
3. Emotional
4. Passionate
5. Proud
Chubukov:
1. Opportunistic
2. Hypocritical
3. Irritable
4. Manipulative
5. Affectionate (towards his daughter)
(iii) Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Lomov and Natalya:
1. Property Boundaries: They might continue to argue about the boundary between their lands, as this was a significant source of tension in their initial interactions.
2. Household Management: Lomov and Natalya could quarrel over how to manage their household, with each having strong opinions on how things should be done.
3. Finances: They might disagree on financial matters, such as spending and saving money, given Lomov's insecurity and Natalya's pride.
Chubukov and Lomov:
1. Wedding Expenses: Chubukov and Lomov could argue over who should pay for the wedding and how much should be spent, reflecting Chubukov's opportunistic nature.
2. Family Involvement: They might clash over the involvement of each family in the couple’s life, with Chubukov trying to maintain control and influence.
Chubukov and Natalya:
1. Marital Advice: Chubukov might offer unsolicited advice to Natalya about her marriage, leading to disagreements due to her stubbornness and independence.
2. Future Grandchildren: They could argue about how to raise future children, with Chubukov's affectionate yet irritable nature clashing with Natalya’s passionate and proud personality.
Thinking about Language (Page 157-159)
I. 1. This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English? For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play?
Read through the play carefully, and find expressions that you think are not used in contemporary English, and contrast these with idiomatic modern English expressions that also occur in the play.
The expressions that are not used in contemporary English include:
(i) “my darling”, “my angel”, “my beloved”, “my beauty”, “my treasure” – All these expressions were used for an adult man by an older man.
(ii) “…and all that sort of thing” – This expression does not explain anything and is used for a comic effect.
(iii) “…and all that” – This expression is also used for comic effect and has no meaning.
(iv) “how may you be getting on?” – In this expression, Lomov is asking Chubukov about his well-being.
(v) “the scarecrow”, “the stuffed sausage”, “the wizen-faced frump” – These expressions were used by Chubukov to hurl abuses to Lomov.
Some of the modern English expressions used in the play were:
Lomov addressing Natalya: “Madam”, “my heart”, “honoured Natalya Stepanovna”.
Lomov addressing Chubukov: “Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch”, “I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch”.
Chubukov addressing Lomov: “My dear fellow”.
Chubukov insulting Lomov: “malicious, double-faced intriguer”, “fool”, “guzzling gambler”.
Natalya to Lomov: “shout yourself hoarse”
2. Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully.
3. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.
(i) You may take it that
(ii) He seems to be coming round
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep
(i) You may take it that I’m lying, but I’m actually not feeling well.
(ii) He seems to be coming round after he fell down, hit his head and fainted.
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep after exercising in the gym for two hours.
II. Reported Speech
You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences, fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked (as in Sentence Set 1).
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb ______________.
3. The adverb of place here changes to _____________.
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the ___________ tense (as in Sentence Set 3).
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to ____________ tense. For example, _________ changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb ___________ in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1).
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as , ________, _________, ________ or ______ in reported speech.
Answer:
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb said/declared.
3. The adverb of place here changes to there.
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the past tense.
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to past continuous tense. For example, am getting changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb respectfully in the reporting clause.
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as he/she, him/her, their or his/her’s in reported speech.
III. Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006. Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech. Leave the other sentences unchanged.
“Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!” laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. “My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content today, but money is important. I was a fool not to understand the value of money earlier,” he regrets.
90-year-old A.K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors, asked, laughing, why we wanted to know his age. He said that if people knew he was that old, he would not get work. For his age, he is rather energetic. We asked him about the secret. He replied that his intake of everything in small quantities was the secret and added that he walked a lot. He said that he had joined the industry when people usually retired. He was in his 40s, so he did not miss being called a star. He was still respected and given work, when actors of his age were living in poverty and without work. He said he had no complaints and added that he had always been underpaid. Being the recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. He said that there was no doubt that he was content at present, but money was an important aspect. He said regretfully that he was a fool not to understand the value of money before.
Speaking and Writing (Page 159)
1. Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm.
Can you think of three ill effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
Anger can have several bad effects. It can cause headaches and health problems, lead to anxiety and high blood pressure, and damage relationships with others. To avoid getting angry, try to stay calm in tough situations, think before you speak, and don't take things too personally.
It's best to stay calm and not get angry too often, but anger can have some benefits too. It makes us aware of unfairness and helps us speak out against it. It can also motivate us to stay focused and help solve disputes and negotiate better.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their understanding and personal experiences.)
2. In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.
One afternoon, when I happened to be specially busy, word came to my office room that Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
“Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the messenger.
“The Rani Mother”.
“The Bara Rani?”
“No, sir, the Chota Rani Mother.”
The Chota Rani! It seemed a century since I had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting there, and went off into the inner apartments. When I stepped into our room I had another shock of surprise to find
Bimala there with a distinct suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an air of having grown absent-minded, had regained something of its old order this afternoon. I stood there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.
She flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence.
“Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?”
“What, then, would be the right thing to do?” I asked.
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.”
“Is not the market yours?”
“It is much more theirs who use it for trade.”
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.”
“Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?”
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not…”
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannise.”
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.”
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand.” With this I came away.
Script based on an excerpt from "The Home and the World" by Rabindranath Tagore
Characters:
Nikhil (the narrator)
Bimala (Chota Rani)
Setting:
Nikhil’s office and the inner apartments of their home. The room is neatly arranged, indicating a special occasion.
----------‐‐--------------------------------
[Nikhil’s office]
Messenger: (enters, respectfully) Sir, the Rani Mother has sent for you.
Nikhil: (startled, looking up from his work) Who did you say has sent for me?
Messenger: (with a slight bow) The Chota Rani Mother, sir.
Nikhil: (surprised) The Chota Rani! Very well, I will go. [Nikhil stands up, straightens his attire, and exits.]
[Inner apartments]
[Nikhil enters the room and pauses at the doorway, taking in the unexpected sight of Bimala, who is dressed up and looking anxious. The room is tidy and orderly, a stark contrast to its usual neglected state.]
Nikhil: (standing silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala)
Bimala: (flushing slightly, nervously toying with her bangles, then abruptly) Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?
Nikhil: (calmly, with curiosity) What, then, would be the right thing to do?
Bimala: (with conviction) Order them to be cleared out!
Nikhil: (reasonably) But the goods are not mine.
Bimala: (insistently) Is not the market yours?
Nikhil: (patiently) It is much more theirs who use it for trade.
Bimala: (passionately) Let them trade in Indian goods, then.
Nikhil: (smiling gently) Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?
Bimala: (angrily) Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not...
Nikhil: (interrupting, firmly) I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannize.
Bimala: (pleadingly) It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.
Nikhil: (softly, with a hint of sadness) To tyrannize for the country is to tyrannize over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand. [Nikhil turns and exits, leaving Bimala standing there, a mix of frustration and determination on her face.]
------------------------------------------ [End of scene]
3. In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner.
You might consider the following points.
• Personal qualities
– Appearance or looks
– Attitudes and beliefs
– Sense of humour
• Value system
– Compassion and kindness
– Tolerance, ambition
– Attitude to money and wealth
• Education and professional background
Qualities to Look for in a Marriage Partner
Personal Qualities
1. Appearance or Looks:
While physical attraction can be important, it should not be the sole basis for choosing a partner. It's essential to look beyond appearances and appreciate the person's inner qualities.
2. Attitudes and Beliefs:
Shared values and beliefs are crucial for a harmonious relationship. Partners should discuss their views on important topics like religion, politics, family, and life goals to ensure compatibility.
3. Sense of Humour:
A good sense of humor can strengthen a relationship. It helps partners handle stress and challenges with a lighter perspective and fosters joy and connection.
Value System
1. Compassion and Kindness:
A compassionate and kind partner is empathetic, caring, and supportive. These qualities contribute to a nurturing and loving relationship.
2. Tolerance and Ambition:
Tolerance is important for managing differences and conflicts. Ambition can drive a person to achieve goals and support the family. However, it's crucial to balance ambition with the time and energy invested in the relationship.
3. Attitude to Money and Wealth:
Financial compatibility is vital. Partners should have similar attitudes towards saving, spending, and financial planning. Differences in this area can lead to significant conflicts.
Education and Professional Background
Education:
Similar educational backgrounds can lead to better understanding and communication. However, the willingness to learn from each other is more important than the level of formal education.
Professional Background:
A partner's profession can influence their lifestyle, values, and availability. Understanding and respecting each other's career choices and commitments is essential for mutual support and satisfaction.
4. Are there parts of the play that remind you of film scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.
Discussion Guide
1. The Misunderstanding:
In "The Proposal," Lomov and Natalya argue over trivial matters like property boundaries and the quality of their dogs, showcasing their stubbornness and misunderstandings. This is similar to many scenes in Indian romantic comedies where the lead characters bicker before realizing their love for each other.
Example from Indian Movies:
Jab We Met" (2007):
Geet and Aditya initially clash over their differing personalities and circumstances, leading to humorous misunderstandings. For instance, their arguments on the train and later in the hotel create comedic yet romantic tension.
2. The Dramatic Proposal:
Lomov's nervousness and the eventual proposal to Natalya, despite the frequent arguments, mirror the dramatic and often humorous proposals seen in many Indian romantic comedies.
Example from Indian Movies:
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995):
Raj’s attempts to propose to Simran amidst various challenges and misunderstandings are filled with humor and drama. Scenes like Raj’s nervousness around Simran’s strict father add a comedic element to the romantic proposal.
3. Parental Involvement:
Chubukov’s reaction to Lomov’s proposal and his eagerness to marry off his daughter, despite their earlier argument, is reminiscent of the involvement of parents in romantic comedies, where they often have strong opinions about their children's love lives.
Example from Indian Movies:
2 States (2014):
The parents of Krish and Ananya have their own conflicts and reservations, which lead to humorous situations. The scene where Krish’s mother finally accepts Ananya, despite her earlier opposition, mirrors Chubukov's quick change of heart regarding Lomov’s proposal.
4. The Realization of Love:
Natalya’s realization of her love for Lomov after he leaves, and her desperate plea to bring him back, echoes the moment of realization in many romantic comedies, where the protagonists recognize their feelings after a separation.
Example from Indian Movies:
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998):
Anjali realizes her love for Rahul after he has left, and her desperate attempts to reconnect with him are filled with emotional and comedic moments, much like Natalya’s reaction.
Activity Instructions to Teachers
1. Group Discussion:
- Divide the class into small groups.
- Each group discusses scenes from "The Proposal" and identifies similar scenes from Indian romantic comedies.
2. Recount to the Class:
- Each group presents their findings, recounting specific episodes from the play and the movies.
- Encourage the use of quotes and specific movie scenes to illustrate the similarities.
3. Class Discussion:
- Engage in a class-wide discussion on how the themes of love, misunderstandings, and parental involvement are universal in romantic comedies.
- Explore how cultural contexts influence the portrayal of these themes.
By drawing parallels between "The Proposal" and popular Indian romantic comedies, students can better understand the universal nature of romantic humour and the timelessness of certain narrative elements.
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