NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 The Proposal

“The Proposal” is a one-act farce written by the famous Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. The play humorously explores themes of marriage, property, and human folly through quarrelsome characters.

Ivan Lomov visits Stepan Chubukov’s house with the intention of proposing marriage to Chubukov’s daughter, Natalya. His nervousness and the subsequent quarrels complicate his plan.

Lomov declares he is already 35 years old, which he considers a critical age for marriage. He feels pressured to settle down due to his age and health concerns.

Lomov and Natalya quickly fall into an argument over the rightful ownership of Oxen Meadows, each insisting that the land belongs to their family, which leads to a heated quarrel.

Lomov insists that Oxen Meadows belonged to his family and that his aunt’s grandmother gave its use to the Chubukovs’ peasants, a point contested by Natalya.

Chubukov initially suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He is surprised and pleased when Lomov reveals he wants to propose to Natalya.

Lomov constantly complains about his palpitations, trembling and excitement, especially when arguments with Natalya and Chubukov intensify.

The play humorously reveals that the marriage proposal is motivated more by property, social status and economic sense than love.

When Chubukov reveals Lomov’s real purpose, Natalya becomes hysterical, regrets the quarrel and insists that her father bring Lomov back.

After the first argument is resolved, Natalya and Lomov start quarreling again about whose dog is better, Guess or Squeezer, reigniting their rivalry.

The play is full of humorous and sharp insults, with Chubukov at one point calling Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer” during the heated arguments.

Lomov gets so agitated during the argument that he clutches his heart and appears to faint, causing panic in the Chubukov household.

Chubukov pours water into Lomov’s mouth, and upon his revival, hurriedly arranges the proposal with Natalya to resolve the situation.

The moment Lomov and Natalya are engaged, they resume their argument about whose dog is better, showing the farcical nature of the play.

Chubukov uses a variety of dramatic phrases like “By Jove”, “My angel” and calls for “Champagne” adding humor and exaggeration to his character.

The entire play takes place in the drawing-room of Stepan Chubukov’s house, where all the action, misunderstandings and quarrels unfold.

Chekhov’s play satirizes the practice of marrying for property and economic gain, poking fun at the materialism of landowning families.

Squeezer is Chubukov’s pet dog, who becomes the center of a heated debate between the families over his superiority to Lomov’s dog, Guess.

After much quarrelling and confusion, Chubukov places Lomov’s hand into Natalya’s and gives his blessing, eager to see the marriage take place.

Even after the proposal and acceptance, the play ends humorously with Lomov and Natalya bickering about whose dog is better, while Chubukov calls for champagne to celebrate.