Class 10 English: The Proposal – Notes, Summary, Explanation & Important Questions (CBSE 2025)
Introduction
“The Proposal” is a one-act play written by Anton
Chekhov,
included in the Class 10 English First Flight textbook. It is known for
its humorous presentation of human behaviour, marriage traditions, and petty
conflicts.
Although the play is light in tone, CBSE often asks reasoning-based questions
from it because it deals with themes such as materialism, pride, family
prestige, and social tensions.
This article provides complete Notes, Summary,
Explanation, Character Sketches, Themes, and Important Board Questions,
aligned with the CBSE 2025–26 pattern to support students in exam
preparation.
Summary of “The Proposal” – Class 10 English
“The Proposal” revolves around three main characters: Stepan
Chubukov, his daughter Natalya Stepanovna, and their neighbour Ivan
Vassilevich Lomov. Lomov, a wealthy landowner, visits Chubukov to propose
marriage to Natalya. Chubukov is pleased because both families are equally
rich.
However, instead of proposing, Lomov gets into an argument
with Natalya about the ownership of a piece of land called Oxen Meadows.
Both claim it belongs to their family. The argument escalates, and Lomov
becomes nervous and short-tempered due to his chronic health issues.
When Chubukov reveals that Lomov came to propose marriage,
Natalya becomes anxious and demands his return. When he arrives again, they
fight once more—this time over whose dog is better: Guess or Squeezer.
Eventually, Chubukov forces them to accept the proposal, and they agree to get
married while still arguing.
Detailed Explanation (Scene-wise)
1. Lomov’s Nervous Arrival
Lomov arrives in formal dress to ask for Natalya’s hand. His
nervousness and medical conditions (palpitations, numbness, weak heart) create
humour. Chubukov behaves politely but secretly hopes for the proposal.
2. Argument Over Oxen Meadows
Before proposing, Lomov casually mentions Oxen Meadows,
claiming it belongs to him. Natalya immediately protests, and the discussion
turns into a heated quarrel.
This reveals both characters’ stubbornness, ego, and obsession with property.
3. The Mistaken Realisation
After Lomov leaves in anger, Chubukov tells Natalya that
Lomov had actually come to propose. Natalya becomes distressed and begs her
father to call him back. The same people who fought minutes ago suddenly want
reconciliation—highlighting the hypocrisy of social relationships.
4. Argument Over the Dogs
When Lomov returns, they quarrel again—this time over whose
dog is superior. The conflict is childish, but Chekhov uses this to mock the pettiness
of the Russian upper class.
5. Forced Proposal
Lomov nearly faints due to stress. Chubukov brings him back
to consciousness and hurriedly announces the engagement. Even during this
moment, the newly engaged couple continues arguing.
Themes of The Proposal (Class 10)
1. Materialism
The characters seek marriage not for love but for economic
security, land, and social status.
2. Family Pride and Ego
Arguments arise from pride rather than logic—showing how ego
destroys meaningful communication.
3. Hypocrisy of the Upper Class
Chekhov criticizes the wealthy class, showing their
obsession with trivial matters like land boundaries and dog breeds.
4. Marriage as a Social Arrangement
Marriage is portrayed as a deal rather than an
emotional bond.
5. Humour and Satire
Humour emerges from exaggerated behaviour, repeated
arguments, and Lomov’s medical complaints.
Character Sketches
1. Ivan Vassilevich Lomov
- 35-year-old
landowner
- Nervous,
insecure, and physically unfit
- Wealthy
yet lacks confidence
- Wants
to marry for stability, not love
- Gets
irritated easily
- Represents
the materialistic mindset
2. Natalya Stepanovna
- 25-year-old
daughter of Chubukov
- Strong-willed,
argumentative, and proud
- Practical
but arrogant
- Reacts
emotionally when she learns of the proposal
- Represents
the ego and stubbornness seen in society
3. Stepan Chubukov
- Natalya’s
father
- Manipulative
yet pretends to be polite
- Very
excited about the marriage
- Switches
from politeness to anger instantly
- Symbolizes
the hypocritical behaviour of wealthy families
Important Extracts and Explanations
“I’ve come to ask for the hand of your daughter.”
Lomov finally reveals his purpose. This line shows his
formality and nervousness.
“It is mine... No, it is ours!”
Reveals their childish and stubborn nature.
“Hurry up and get married!”
Chubukov prioritizes social gain over personal happiness of
the couple.
Important Questions and Answers (CBSE Board Pattern)
Q1. What makes “The Proposal” a humorous play?
Answer:
The play creates humour through exaggerated quarrels, inappropriate arguments
during a marriage proposal, Lomov’s nervous behaviour, and the trivial issues
that become major fights. Chekhov uses wit and satire to show how human
weakness leads to comedy.
Q2. Why does Lomov want to marry Natalya?
Answer:
Lomov wants marriage for economic stability and social convenience. He believes
Natalya is a suitable match because she is a good housekeeper and belongs to a
wealthy, respected family. His intention is practical, not romantic.
Q3. Why did Natalya get upset when she learned that Lomov
had come to propose?
Answer:
Instinctively, she regrets losing a good marriage match. Although she argued
with Lomov moments earlier, she instantly changes her behaviour when she
discovers his true purpose. Her reaction reveals her emotional nature and
social priorities.
Q4. What are the issues over which Lomov and Natalya
quarrel?
Answer:
They fight over:
- Ownership
of Oxen Meadows
- Superiority
of their dogs (Squeezer vs Guess)
These petty arguments reveal their egoistic and stubborn personalities.
Q5. What do Oxen Meadows symbolize in the play?
Answer:
Oxen Meadows represent materialism and pride. Instead of valuing
relationships, characters value land and use it to prove superiority.
Q6. Comment on Lomov’s physical condition.
Answer:
Lomov suffers from palpitations, numbness, weak heart, and anxiety. His health
problems are used to generate humour and also symbolize the fragile, unstable
character of the upper class.
Short Notes (For Quick Revision)
- Genre:
One-act comedy
- Author:
Anton Chekhov
- Main
Characters: Chubukov, Natalya, Lomov
- Setting:
Russian countryside
- Themes:
Marriage, ego, materialism, satire
- Message:
Social relationships become meaningless when influenced by pride and
wealth
Conclusion
“The Proposal” is a witty and entertaining play that skilfully exposes the flaws in human behaviour, especially the tendency to argue over insignificant issues. Through sharp satire, Chekhov encourages readers to reflect on materialism, social expectations, and ego-driven decisions. For Class 10 students, this chapter is important for both comprehension and value-based questions in the CBSE Board Examination.
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