The Proposal
MESSAGE
The chapter “The Proposal” indirectly presents the
author’s reflection on how not to commence one’s
married life. Marriage is a solemn bond between two persons which
must be based on mutual respect and love. Thus, we should not spoil the
sacred relationship of marriage by quarrelling and by being mean and
selfish. Marriage is pious and there must be a perfect accord between
the partners who should be free from all prejudice and selfishness.
Short-temper, rage, intolerance, vain pride and unnecessary arguments
ruin relationships. So, these should be controlled and kept under check.
SHORT ANSWER
1.Why does Natalya quarrel with Lomov? What is the
result?
Ans :
Natalya quarrels with Lomov because Lomov fights with her on the
issue of ownership of Oxen Meadows and superiority of their dogs
Squeezer and Guess. Lomov says that his dog Guess is better than her
Squeezer.At last, When Natalya came to know about Lomov’s marriage
proposal, they forgot quarrel, and she was desperate to marry him.
2. What makes you laugh when Lomov and Chubukov
first meet together?
Ans :
When Lomov and Chubukov first met, it created a funny scene. Lomov
entered Chubukov’s house, wearing a jacket and white gloves, a formal
evening dress. Chubukov suspected him and was surprised because
Lomov had come without an invitation. But later on, Chubukov was glad
to hear that he had come to propose to his daughter. So, this makes us
laugh.
3. What do you think would have been Chubukov’s
reaction on hearing the reason for which Lomov had come to his house?
Ans :
When Chubukov came to know that the reason of
Lomov’s coming to their house is to marry Natalya,
he was overwhelmed with joy. He embraced and kissed Lomov and told
him that he was hoping for it for a long time. He told Lomov that he
had always loved him as if he were his own son.
4. What justification did Lomov give to Natalya and
Chubukov to prove that he is the rightful owner of
Meadows?
Ans :
Lomov told Natalya and Chubukov that his aunt’s
grandmother gave the Meadows for the temporary
and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. So he is the
rightful owner of the open meadows.
LONG ANSWER
1.The proposal was forgotten amidst argumentation. Which right
approach should have been followed by both parties?
Ans :
Lomov came to Chubukovs to propose Natalya. Both
were neighbours and lomov was at the right age to marry. But instead
of forwarding the proposal both Lomov and Natalya started fighting
over trifles.
Firstly, they fought over a small piece of land called Oxen meadows.
Both of them claimed that the land belonged to them and not to the
other one. Somehow, the argument came to an end and they started
fighting over dogs and claimed each of their dog to be better than the
other one. The proposal was forgotten amidst all these arguments. The
situation might have been different if both the parties had followed
the right approach. Oxen meadows would belong to both of them if
they got married. Similarly, dogs were too petty a thing to argue about
while a marriage is going to take place. There should not have been any
ego in between them. They should have been polite and ‘patient to each
other. They should not have been rigid and stubborn. Their priority
should have been their marriage and not meadows or dogs. Only then
the proposal could have been carried on.
2.Delineate the character sketch of Lomov.
Ans :
Lomov is a man who is of marriageable age. He also
suffers from a weak heart and sleeplessness. So, he is desperate to
settle down in life and lead a quiet and regular life. Despite his
ailments, Lomov was a rich and prosperous farmer. This makes
Chubukov secretly wish him to marry his daughter Natalya. As for
Lomov, he did not love her, though he was desperate to have a life
partner, and so
wanted to marry Natalya. Lomov was however hesitant to ask for her
hand from Chubukov. That made him beat around the bush, argue with
Natalya and leave without proposing. Thus we can find that Lomov’s
conditions overpower the other traits he has. He is an eligible,
assertive, rich, bachelor, who could be liked by any girl. However, we
also know that he is nervous, lacks confidence and is prone to talk in a
long-winded manner.
