The Proposal 9th Lesson
Thinking about the Text
Question 1.
What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says "And Ive always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son"? Find reasons for your answer from the play?
Answer:
Chubukov first suspected that Lomov had come to him to ask for some money. He had his own reasons for that. Lomov had rather unusually come in the formal evening dress before he made submissive appeals for help to Chubukov. Chubukov was NOT sincere in saying that he had always loved Lomov as if Lomov were his own son. Reasons to support this stand abound in the play
Question 2.
Chubukov says of Natalya: ". as if she wont consent! Shes in love; egad, shes like a lovesick cat." Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer?
Answer:
Chubukov said that his daughter Natalya was in deep love. He added that Natalya would definitely agree to the proposal. I do agree to the point that Natalya would welcome the proposal. But I have my own reservations in believing that Natalyas acceptance was rooted in her love. Hers was more of convenience and compulsion than of concern or love
Question 3.
- 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, welleducated.")
- Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play
- Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next
Answer:
- Expresions of accusations are many in the play. Some of them are : Milksop! Fool! rat! Jesuit! Intriguer! catch black beetles, not foes ! turnip - ghost; blind hen ; monster ; scarecrow; villain ; rascal ; malicious ; double faced ; gambler ; hump-backed ; had lunacy in your family and so on ...
- Lomov: nervous, pretentious, egoistical, stubborn, unreasonable Natalya : selfish, ambitious; well-educated ; skilful aggressive Chubukov : insincere ; irresponsible; bad-tempered; garrulous; suspecting
- These characters would quarrel about anything on this earth and everything under the sky
Thinking about Language
Question 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?
Answer:
| old usage |
contemporary usage |
| How may you be getting on |
How about you |
| Spit it out |
Tell me at once |
| egad |
wow! And many more |
Question 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?
Answer:
Question 3.
Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own?
- You may take it that
- He seems to be coming round
- My foots gone to sleep
Answer:
- You may take it that: the listener knows well the fact I am going to start a new firm. You may take it that no force on earth can stop me
- He seems to be coming round: He appears to change his opinion and take a different stand from his earlier one. He blindly argued that his team was the best in the district. After going through some records, he seemed to come round and was willing to agree with his friends
- My foots gone to sleep: My foot is without feeling (sensation) as I put it in an awkward position for too long. I squatted on the uneven floor for quite a long time and when I tried to stand up and walk I realised that my foots gone to sleep
II. Reported Speech
A sentence in reported speech consists of two parts: a reporting clause, which contains the reporting verb, and the reported clause. Look at the following sentences
- "I went to visit my grandma last week," said Mamta
- Mamta said that she had gone to visit her grandma the previous week
- In sentence (a), we have Mamtas exact words. This is an example of direct speech. In sentence (b), someone is reporting what Mamta said. This is called indirect speech or reported speech. A sentence in reported speech is made up of two parts - a reporting clause and a reported clause
- In sentence (b), Mamta said is the reporting clause containing the reporting verb said. The other clause - that she had gone to visit her grandma last week - is the reported clause.
Notice that in sentence (b) we put the reporting clause first. This is done to show that we are not speaking directly, but reporting someone elses words. The tense of the verb also changes; past tense (went) becomes past perfect (had gone). Here are some pairs of sentences in direct and reported speech. Read them carefully, and do the task that follows
- LOMOV: Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her consent? (Direct Speech)
- Lomov asked Stepan Stepanovitch respectfully if he thought he might count on her consent. (Reported Speech)
- LOMOV: Im getting a noise in my ears from excitement. (Direct Speech)
- Lomov said that he was getting a noise in his ears from excitement. (Reported Speech)
- NATALYA: Why havent you been here for such a long time? (Direct Speech)
- Natalya Stepanovna asked why he hadnt been there for such a long time. (Reported Speech)
- CHUBUKOV: Whats the matter? (Direct Speech)
- Chubukov asked him what the matter was. (Reported Speech)
- NATALYA: My mowers will be there this very day ! (Direct Speech)
- Natalya Stepanovna declared that her mowers would be there that very day. (Reported Speech)
You must have noticed that when we report someones 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
- To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked _____________ (as in Sentence Set 1)
- To report a statement, we use the reporting verb _____________
- The adverb of place here changes to _____________
- 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)_____________
- 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
- When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb _____________ in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1)
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
Question.
"Why do yoin want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I wont get work!" laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinemas most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. "Whats 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 dont 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 dont 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?
Answer:
- The 90 -year-old-A.K.Hangal asked them why they wanted to know his age. He laughingly added that If people knew that he was so old, he wouldnt get work
- We asked him what the secret was
- He answered that his intake of everything was in small quantities and he walked a lot.
- He added that he had joined the industry when people would retire
- He continued that he had been in his 40s (when he joined the industry)
- He further said that he wouldnt miss being called a star
- He claimed that he was still respected and given work, when actors of his age were living in poverty and without work
- He went on saying that he had no complaints
- He gave the additional information by saying that he had always been underpaid
- He said that he was, without any doubt, content then
- He regretfully added that money was important and that he had been a fool not to understand the value of money much before that time
Speaking
Question 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?
Answer:
Anger is the worst of all human emotions. Our own anger is our enemy. Anger could arise from disappointment, failure, missing something, not being respected, loved, etc. But one must remember that external reasons never cause anger. It is always ones reaction to outside factors that results in anger. Ill effects that result from anger are many. Some of them are
- We lose our mental peace
- We lose friends and relatives
- We lose opportunities and wealth along with reputation
- Counting, before responding to a situation, from one to fifty is the best way to avoid losing temper. Benefits from anger ? No, never. Even if there are, they are not desirable
Question 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
Answer:
(My office room. Going through some important files. The table is full of papers. Time : afternoon)
Messenger: Sir, Rani garu wants to see you.
Me: Who did you say want to see me?
Messenger : (a bit nervous) The Rani Mother.
Me : (still not clear) Is it Bara Rani ?
Messenger : (tensely) No, Sir, the Chota Rani Mother.
(It is long since she visited me.) (I get in and come back after a few minutes. Shocked to see Bimala sitting there.)
Bimala: It is not good to sell foreign goods here. (in a firm tone)
Me : (in a sarcastic tone) What, then, is good?
Bimala : (unyielding) Order all foreign goods out.
Me: The goods are not mine.
Bimala: But the market is yours!
Me: As long as they use the market, it is theirs.
Bimala: Ask them to sell only Indian goods, then, in the market.
Me : How can I be so authoritative ?
Bimala: You need to be, for the sake of the country
Question 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
Answer:
In the context of thinking of a marriage partner, looking for qualities that match ones is very useful. Appearance should get the least priority. Attitudes and beliefs and sense of humour count a lot. Compassion, tolerance, achievable ambition, care for, but not attachment to money and wealth are welcome features. Education in the same field and of the same level and professional compatibility are desirable
Question 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?
Answer:
Yes, there are quite a good number of scenes in the play remind us of scenes from romantic comedies. Scenes of proposals from unequal - in looks, education, social status - partners resulting in melodrama are innumerable. In some scenes we witness prospective grooms being shocked to speechlessness or even brides surprised and shocked. Such scenes appeal to audience and help the movies become popular
Activity
Question 1.
The word proposal has several meanings. Can you guess what sort of proposal the play is about?
- a suggestion, plan or scheme for doing something
- an offer for a possible plan or action
- the act of asking someones hand in marriage
Answer:
the act of asking someones hand in marriage
A Russian Wedding
Do you know anything about a Russian marriage ceremony? Read this article about a Russian wedding. Preparations for a Russian Wedding: A Russian wedding is very simple. The planning only includes arranging for rings, brides dress, cars, and a reception.
Earlier, the brides family paid for the reception, but nowadays brides and grooms families usually share expenses. A Russian wedding lasts for two days; some weddings last as long as a week, and the occasion becomes something to remember for years
The necessary part of the wedding ceremony is a wedding procession of several cars. The best friends of the groom/ bride meet before the wedding a few times, make posters, write speeches and organise contests. When the groom arrives to fetch the bride for the registration, he has to fight to get her! Russians usually live in apartments in tall buildings, and the groom has to climb several stairs to reach his bride.
But at each landing he must answer a question to be allowed to go up. The brides friends ask difficult questions (sometimes about the bride, sometimes just difficult riddles), and the groom must answer with the help of his friends. For example, he may be shown a few photos of baby girls and he must say which one his bride is
If he guesses wrong, he must pay cash to move ahead. After the marriage registration, the newly-married couple leaves the guests for a tour of the city sights. After two or three hours of the city tour the couple arrives at the reception. The couple sits at a specially arranged table with their family, friends and invited guests.
The reception starts with toasts to the couple. A wedding toast is a custom where a close friend or relative of the groom or the bride says a few words to wish the couple, then everyone raises their glass of wine, and drink it up at the same moment. The groom is then asked to kiss the bride
After a few toasts, people start eating and drinking, and generally have fun.
After some time, the bride gets stolen! She disappears, and when the groom starts looking for her, he is asked to pay a fee. Usually it is his friends who steal the bride. Then there are the brides friends - they steal the brides shoe. The groom must pay money for the shoe too. The guests enjoy watching these tussles, and continue partying
Question 2.
Do you think Indian and Russian weddings have any customs in common? With the help of a partner, fill in the table below.
Wedding Ceremonies in Russia and India?
| Customs similar to Indian ones |
Customs different from Indian ones |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Answer:
| Customs similar to Indian ones |
Customs different from Indian ones |
| wedding rings |
prolonged rituals absent in Russian wedding |
| friends of bride and groom making fun |
no priests; mantras |
| reception; food |
parents of groom/bride do not play major role |
| gatherings; procession |
Russian wedding quite simple |
Additional Questions
I. Read the following excerpt carefully
CHUBUKOV : My dear fellow, whom do I see! Ivan Vassilevitch! I am extremely glad! [Squeezes his hand] Now this is a surprise, my darling. How are you
LOMOV : Thank you. And how may you be getting on
CHUBUKOV : We just get along somehow, my angel, thanks to your prayers, and so on. Sit down, please do. Now, you know, you shouldnt forget all about your neighbours, my darling. My dear fellow, why are
you so formal in your get-up ! Evening dress, gloves, and so on.
Can you be going anywhere, my treasure
LOMOV : No. Ive come only to see you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch
CHUBUKOV : Then why are you in evening dress, my precious? As if youre paying a New Years Eve visit
LOMOV : Well, you see, its like this. [Takes his arm] Ive come to you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, to trouble you with a request. Not once or twice have I already had the privilege of applying to you for help, and you have always, so to speak. I must askyour pardon, I am getting excited. I shall drink some water, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch. [Drinks.]
CHUBUKOV : [aside] Hes come to borrow money. Shant give him any! [aloud]
What is it, my beauty
Question 1.
What is the relationship between Chubukov and Lomov?
Answer:
Chubukov is Lomovs neighbor
Question 2.
Why does Chubukov comment on Lomovs attire?
Answer:
Chubukov comments on Lomovs attire because Lomov is dressed formally for no apparent reason
Question 3.
Why does Lomov apologize and drink water?
- He is feeling unwell
- He is nervous and excited
- He wants to delay the conversation
Answer:
He is nervous and excited
Question 4.
What does Chubukov think Lomov has come for?
- To borrow money
- To discuss a business proposal
- To seek advice
Answer:
To borrow money
Question 5.
How does Chubukov address Lomov?
- Darling
- Precious and Angel
- All of the above
Answer:
All of the above
II. Read the following excerpt carefully
LOMOV : You see, Honoured Stepanitch. I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch. I mean, Im awfully excited, as you will please notice. In short, you alone can help me, though I dont deserve it, of course. and havent any right to count on your assistance.
CHUBUKOV : Oh, dont go round and round it, darling! Spit it out! Well?
LOMOV : One moment. this very minute. The fact is Ive come to ask the hand of your daughter, Natalya Stepanovna, in marriage.
CHUBUKOV : [joyfully] By Jove! Ivan Vassilevitch! Say it again - I didnt hear it all!
LOMOV : I have the honour to ask.
CHUBUKOV : [interrupting] My dear fellow. Im so glad, and so on. Yes, indeed, and all that sort of thing. [Embraces and kisses Lomov] Ive been hoping for it for a long time. Its been my continual desire. [Sheds a tear] And Ive always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son. May God give you both - His help and His love and so on, and so much hope. What am I behaving in this idiotic way for? Im off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance! Oh, with all my soul. Ill go and call Natasha, and all that.
LOMOV : [greatly moved] Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her consent?
CHUBUKOV : Why, of course, my darling, and. as if she wont consent! Shes in love; egad, shes like a lovesick cat, and so on. Shant be long! [Exit.]
Question 1.
What does Lomov want to ask Chubukov?
Answer:
Lomov wants to ask for Chubukovs daughters hand in marriage
Question 2.
How does Chubukov react when Lomov finally states his request?
Answer:
Chubukov reacts joyfully and embraces Lomov
Question 3.
Why does Chubukov interrupt Lomovs speech?
- He is impatient
- He is surprised
- He is emotional
Answer:
He is impatient
Question 4.
How does Chubukov express his joy?
- By embracing and kissing Lomov and by shedding tears
- By expressing his continual desire for the marriage
- All of the above
Answer:
All of the above
Question 5.
Why does Chubukov leave the room?
- To call Natalya
- To compose himself
- To avoid the conversation
Answer:
To call Natalya
III. Read the following excerpt carefully
LOMOV : Its cold. Im trembling all over, just as if Id got an examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal, or for real love, then Ill never get married
Brr. Its cold! Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But Im getting a noise in my ears from excitement. [Drinks] And its impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, Im already 35 - a critical age, so to speak.
In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, Im excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and theres a twitch in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep
I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something in my left side gives a pull, and I can feel it in my shoulder and head. I jump up like a lunatic, walk about a bit and lie down again, but as soon as I begin to get off to sleep theres another pull! And this may happen twenty times. [Natalya Stepanovna comes in.]
NATLYA : Well, there! Its you, and papa said, "Go; theres a merchant come for his goods." How do you do, Ivan Vassilevitch
Question 1.
How does Lomov feel as he prepares to propose?
Answer:
Lomov feels cold and nervous, comparing his feelings to having an examination
Question 2.
Why does Lomov feel its important to make up his mind quickly about marriage?
Answer:
Lomov feels its important to make up his mind quickly about marriage because he believes hesitation will prevent him from ever getting married
Question 3.
What is one reason Lomov gives for feeling compelled to marry?
- He is in love with Natalya
- He is experiencirig health issues
- He is pressured by societal expectations
Answer:
He is experiencirig health issues
Question 4.
What physical symptoms does Lomov experience?
- Trembling all over and palpitations
- Twitching in his right eyebrow and pull in his left side
- All of the above
Answer:
All of the above
Question 5.
How does Natalya initially mistake Lomovs presence?
- She thinks he is a visitor for her father
- She thinks he is a merchant
- She thinks he is there to propose
Answer:
She thinks he is a visitor for her father
IV Read the following excerpt carefully
LOMOV : How do you do, honoured Natalya Stepanovna?
NATALYA : You must excuse my apron and neglige. Were shelling peas for drying. Why havent you been here for such a long time? Sit down. [They seat themselves.] Wont you have some lunch?
LOMOV : No, thank you, Ive had some already.
NATALYA : Then smoke. Here are the matches. The weather is splendid now, but yesterday it was so wet that the workmen didnt do anything all day. How much hay have you stacked? Just think, I felt greedy and had a whole field cut, and now Im not at all pleased about it because Im afraid my hay may rot. I ought to have waited a bit. But whats this? Why, youre in evening dress! Well, I never! Are you going to a ball or what? Though I must say you look better. Tell me, why are you got up like that
LOMOV : [excited] You see, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. the fact is, Ive made up my mind to ask you to hear me out. Of course youll be surprised and perhaps even angry, but a. [aside] Its awfully cold
Question 1.
Why does Natalya apologize for her appearance?
Answer:
Natalya apologizes for her appearance because she is shelling peas for drying
Question 2.
How does Lomov respond to Natalyas offer of lunch?
Answer:
Lomov declines lunch as he has already eaten
Question 3.
What does Natalya offer Lomov after declining lunch?
- Tea
- Coffee
- Smoke
Answer:
Smoke
Question 4.
Why is Natalya concerned about her hay?
- She thinks it might rot and she feels she cut too much hay
- Shes worried about the weather
- All of the above
Answer:
All of the above
Question 5.
How does Natalya react to Lomovs attire?
- She finds it amusing
- She thinks he looks better than usual
- She is surprised and questions his reason for dressing up
Answer:
She is surprised and questions his reason for dressing up
V. Read the following excerpt carefully
NATALYA : Whats the matter? [pause] Well?
LOMOV : I shall try to be brief. You must know, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, that I have long, since my childhood, in fact, had the privilege of knowing your family. My late aunt and her husband, from whom, as you know, I inherited my land, always had the greatest respect for your father and your late mother. The Lomovs and the Chubukovs have always had the most friendly, and I might almost say the most affectionate, regard for each other. And, as you know, my land is a near neighbour of yours. You will remember that my Oxen Meadows touch your birchwoods
NATALYA : Excuse my interrupting you. You say, "my Oxen Meadows". But
LOMOV : Yes, mine.
NATALYA : What are you talking about? Oxen Meadows are ours, not yours !
LOMOV : No, mine, honoured Natalya Stepanovna.
NATALYA : Well, I never knew that before. How do you make that out?
LOMOV : How? Im speaking of those Oxen Meadows which are wedged in between your birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh.
NATALYA : Yes, yes. theyre ours
Question 1.
Why does Natalya interrupt Lomov?
Answer:
Natalya interrupts Lomov to question his statement about the Oxen Meadows
Question 2.
What is the connection between Lomovs family and Natalyas family?
Answer:
Lomovs late aunt and her husband, from whom he inherited his land, had a respectful relationship with Natalyas family
Question 3.
What is the cause of confusion regarding the Oxen Meadows?
- Ownership dispute
- Unclear boundaries
- Both A and B
Answer:
Both A and B
Question 4.
How does Lomov assert ownership of the Oxen Meadows?
- By inheritance and by purchase
- By historical connection
- All of the above
Answer:
All of the above
Question 5.
How does Natalya react when Lomov claims ownership of the Oxen Meadows?
- She is surprised and questions his claim
- She immediately accepts his claim
- She becomes angry and defensive
Answer:
She is surprised and questions his claim
VI. Read the following excerpt carefully.
LOMOV : No, youre mistaken, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, theyre mine.
NATALYA : Just think, Ivan Vassilevitch! How long have they been yours?
LOMOV : How long? As long as I can remember.
NATALYA : Really, you wont get me to believe that!
LOMOV : But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepa-novna. Oxen Meadows, its true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. Theres nothing to argue about
You see my aunts grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your fathers grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her.
The peasants belonging to your fathers grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that.
NATALYA : No, it isnt at all like that! Both grandfather and great-grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh - which means that Oxen Meadows were ours. I dont see what there is to argue about. Its simply silly!
LOMOV : Ill show you the documents, Natalya Stepanovna!
NATALYA : No, youre simply joking, or making fun of me. What a surprise! Weve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then were suddenly told that it isnt ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows arent worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I cant stand unfairness. Say what you will, I cant stand unfairness
Question 1.
How does Lomov justify his claim to the Oxen Meadows?
Answer:
Lomov justifies his claim to the Oxen Meadows by referring to historical documents and arrangements
Question 2.
What was the historical arrangement regarding the Oxen Meadows?
Answer:
Lomovs aunts grandmother gave the free use of the Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of Natalyas fathers grandfather
Question 3.
What is Natalyas reaction to Lomovs claim?
- She is amused
- She is surprised
- She is angry
Answer:
She is angry
Question 4.
How does Lomov propose to settle the dispute?
- By showing documents
- By calling a lawyer
- By dividing the land
Answer:
By showing documents
Question 5.
What bothers Natalya the most about the dispute?
- The financial value of the land
- The historical ownership
- The principle of fairness
Answer:
The principle of fairness
VII. Read the following excerpt carefully
LOMOV : Hear me out, I implore you! The peasants of your fathers grandfather, as I have already had the honour of explaining to you, used to bake bricks for my aunts grandmother. Now my aunts grandmother, wishing to make them a pleasant.
NATALYA : I cant make head or tail of all this about aunts and grandfathers and grandmothers. The Meadows are ours, thats all.
LOMOV : Mine.
NATALYA : Ours! You can go on proving it for two days on end, you can go and put on fifteen dress jackets, but I tell you theyre ours, ours, ours! I dont want anything of yours and I dont want to give anything of mine. So there
LOMOV : Natalya Stepanovna, I dont want the Meadows, but I am acting on principle. If you like, Ill make you a present of them.
NATALYA : I can make you a present of them myself, because theyre mine! Your behaviour, lvan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to this we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, but you behave to us as if we were gypsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, thats not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, its even impudent, if you want to know
Question 1.
How does Lomov propose to resolve the dispute?
Answer:
Lomov proposes to resolve the dispute by offering to make Natalya a present of the Meadows
Question 2.
What is Natalyas response to Lomovs attempts to prove ownership?
Answer:
Natalya rejects Lomovs attempts to prove ownership and insists that the Meadows are hers
Question 3.
How does Natalya describe Lomovs behaviour?
- Neighborly
- Friendly
- Impudent
Answer:
Impudent
Question 4.
Why did Natalyas family lend Lomov their threshing-machine?
- As a gesture of goodwill
- Because they were friends
- Both A and B
Answer:
Both A and B
Question 5.
How does Natalya feel about Lomovs offer to make her a present of the Meadows?
- Grateful
- Indifferent
- Insulted
Answer:
Insulted
VIII. Read the following excerpt carefully
LOMOV : Then you make out that Im a landgrabber? Madam, never in my life have I grabbed anybody elses land and I shant allow anybody to accuse me of having done so. [Quickly steps to the carafe and drinks more water] Oxen Meadows are mine!
NATALYA : Its not true, theyre ours!
LOMOV : Mine!
NATALYA : Its not true! Ill prove it! Ill send my mowers out to the Meadows this very day!
LOMOV : What?
NATALYA : My mowers will be there this very day!
LOMOV : Ill give it to them in the neck!
NATALYA : You dare!
LOMOV : [Clutches at his heart] Oxen Meadows are mine! You understand? Mine!
NATALYA : Please dont shout! You can shout yourself hoarse in your own house but here I must ask you to restrain yourself!
LOMOV : If it wasnt, madam, for this awful, excruciating palpitation, if my whole inside wasnt upset, Id talk to you in a different way! [Yells] Oxen Meadows are mine!
NATALYA : Ours!
LOMOV : Mine!
NATALYA : Ours!
LOMOV : Mine!
Question 1.
How does Lomov react to Natalyas accusation of being a landgrabber?
Answer:
Lomov vehemently denies being a landgrabber
Question 2.
What action does Natalya threaten to take to prove ownership of the Meadows?
Answer:
Natalya threatens to send her mowers to the Meadows to assert ownership
Question 3.
How does Lomov respond to Natalyas threat?
- He threatens legal action
- He becomes defensive
- He agrees to share the Meadows
Answer:
He becomes defensive
Question 4.
What physical ailment does Lomov experience during the argument?
- Palpitation
- Headache
- Nausea
Answer:
Palpitation
Question 5.
How does Natalya react to Lomovs shouting?
- She becomes angry
- She asks him to restrain himself
- She shouts back
Answer:
She asks him to restrain himself
The Proposal Summary in English
The Proposal" is a one-act play. It is a social farce. It exposes the hypocrisy of the characters - the landlords. In the process, it brings out various fallacies man suffers from. It also proves that human relations are money relations. The play entertains and instructs readers. The theme is simple - the marriage proposal.
The characters are just three: Lomov - the proposing young man, Natalya - the proposed, Chubukov - Natalyas father. The conversations are elaborate. The comic effect is ultimate. They are landlords. They are neighbours. Lomov is thirty five. He is not yet married. He believes that he cannot postpone his marriage any further. He thinks Natalya serves his needs. Natalya too is very much interested in marrying Lomov
But their interests have their roots not in themselves but in their properties. A pity indeed ! Lomov comes to Chubukov in an unusually formal dress. He pretends excessive obedience. He uses ceremonial language. He pleads for help. Then he goes on beating about the bush. At last he expresses his desire to marry Natalya.
Chubukov beats Lomov in affectation of love for him. He agrees to the proposal. But he wants Natalyas consent. For that he sends Natalya to Lomov. Chubukov tells Natalya that the merchant has come for his goods. Natalya fails to understand it. She meets Lomov. She is surprised to see his formal dress
By way of telling Natalya the purpose of his visit, Lomov chooses a round about path. In the process, he refers to a piece of land, Oxen Meadows. He claims that the land belongs to him. Natalya objects to it and says it is their property. An argument ensues. It gets heated. It prolongs. Allegations, accusations, charges, counter charges, abuses continue. Chubukov enters then. He adds to the intensity.
Tempers rise. Balance is lost. Lomov complains of heart pain. He leaves their home in a fit of anger. Then Chubukov tells Natalya in plain language that Lomov has come to propose to her. Natalya blames father for not informing her of this. She asks her father, rather, hysterically to bring Lomov back. He obeys his daughters order. Lomov comes back. Chubukov leaves the room. Even nQw they dont come to the topic of proposal
They begin an argument about the superiority of their dogs. The drama repeats. Lomov, in anger, drops into an arm chair and becomes speechless. Natalya calls for a doctor. Chubukov who has joined the argument, grows almost mad. He waits no more. He pushes both of them together. He asks them to kiss each other. He declares their marriage is over. The play ends so abruptily - and their marriage ceremony too