CBSE Class 10 English HOTs The Proposal

The Proposal

Summary 

The Proposal’ is a one-act play, a farce, by the Russian short story writer and dramatist Anton Chekhov. It was written in 1888–89. The play is about the tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families, to increase their estates by encouraging marriages that make good economic sense. Ivan Lomov, a long time wealthy neighbour of Stepan Chubukov, also wealthy, comes to seek the hand of Chubukov’s twenty-fiveyear- old daughter, Natalya. All three are quarrelsome people and they quarrel over petty issues. To begin with, Lomov starts to quarrel with Natalya about a piece of land called Oxen meadows which both claim is theirs. When Lomov has left because of ill health, Chubukov mentions that Lomov had come with a marriage proposal for Natalya. On hearing this, she quickly calls Lomov back so as to accept the proposal. But instead of proposing to her, Lomov starts quarreling with her over their dogs. The proposal is in danger of being forgotten amidst all this quarreling. Chubukov intervenes and gives his daughter’s hand for marriage to Lomov, who despite palpitations, accepts and then continues his quarrel with Natalya. So economic good sense ensures that the proposal is made after all—although the quarreling perhaps continues!

Extract Based Questions

Read the given extract to attempt the questions that follow:

I. 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 shouldn’t 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. I’ve come only to see you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch.
CHUBUKOV: Then why are you in evening dress, my precious? As if you’re paying a New Year’s Eve visit!
LOMOV: Well, you see, it’s like this. [Takes his arm] I’ve 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 ask your pardon, I am getting excited. I shall drink some water, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch.(The Proposal

Question. How does Mr Chubukov feel on seeing Lomov?
1. Happy
2. Excited
3. Angry
4. Surprised
5. Annoying
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (3), and (5)
(d) (2) and (5)

Answer : A

Question. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) How may you be getting on?
(2) How are you?
(a) (1) is true and (2) false
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) further relates to (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

Answer : C

Question. From the options given below, identify the nature of Chubukov by his conversation with Lomov.
(a) Loving
(b) Inquisitive
(c) Jovial
(d) Stubborn

Answer : B

Question. Select the option to indicate why Lomov was not able to answer Chubukov properly:
(a) confused
(b) frightened
(c) excited
(d) nervous

Answer : C

Question. Which word in the extract means ‘liberty’?
(a) Excited
(b) Request
(c) Privilege
(d) Formal

Answer : C

II. CHUBUKOV: [aside] He’s come to borrow money. Shan’t give him any! [aloud] What is it, my beauty?
LOMOV: You see, Honoured Stepanitch... I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch... I mean, I’m awfully excited, as you will please notice... In short, you alone can help me, though I don’t deserve it, of course... and haven’t any right to count on your assistance... (The Proposal)

Question. What is the first thought of Chubukov when he sees Lomov?
1. Lomov had come with an excuse.
2. Lomov had come to meet him.
3. Lomov had come to borrow money.
4. Lomov had come to fight.
5. Lomov had come to argue.
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (2), and (3)
(c) (1), (3), and (5)
(d) (2) and (5)

Answer : B

Question. Select the option which displays ‘awfully’ as in the extract.
(a) I am awfully glad you are my sister.
(b) The team played awfully and lost the football match.
(c) She looked awfully sad in the patched dress.
(d) I did awfully miserable in the exam.

Answer : A

Question. From the options given below, Lomov reaches out to
Chubukov saying___________
(a) he is a beauty.
(b) he is a responsible man.
(c) he is a good father.
(d) he alone can help him.

Answer : D

Question. Choose the appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) Though I don’t deserve it.
(2) Though I deserve it.
(a) (1) is true and (2) false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) further relates to (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

Answer : B

Question. Which word in the extract means ‘depend’ ?
(a) Deserve
(b) Assistance
(c) Count on
(d) Notice

Answer : B

III. CHUBUKOV: What’s that? What did you say?
NATALYA: Papa, send the mowers out to the Meadows at once!
CHUBUKOV: What did you say, sir?
NATALYA: Oxen Meadows are ours, and I shan’t give them up, shan’t give them up, shan’t give them up!
LOMOV: We’ll see! I’ll have the matter taken to court, and then I’ll show you!
CHUBUKOV: To court? You can take it to court, and all that! You can! I know you; you’re just on the look-out for a chance to go to court, and all that. You pettifogger! All your people were like that! All of them!
LOMOV: Never mind about my people! The Lomovs have all been honourable people, and not one has ever been tried for embezzlement, like your grandfather! (The Proposal)

Question. What was the tone Chubukov spoke in when he said “What’s that? What did you say”?
1. Questioning
2. Joking
3. Confused
4. Surprised
5. Playful.
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) (1), (3), and (4)
(d) (2) and (5)

Answer : C

Question. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) Shan’t give them up
(2) Then I’ll show you!
(a) (1) is true and (2) false.
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) further relates to (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

Answer : C

Question. Which word below best matches ‘pettifogger’?
(a) An honest, underhanded lawyer.
(b) A sneaky, underhanded lawyer.
(c) A stealthy lawyer.
(d) A good straight forward lawyer.

Answer : B

Question. sSelect the option to indicate meaning of Embezzlement.
(a) Compensation
(b) Reimbursement
(c) Returns
(d) Misappropriation of funds

Answer : D

Question. From the options given below, identify the person Lomov is accusing of for ‘Misappropriation of funds.
(a) His Grandfather
(b) Chubukov
(c) Natalya
(d) Chubukov’s grandfather

Answer : D

IV. He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him. Why, how can you? Guess is a dog; as for Squeezer, well, it’s too funny to argue. Anybody you like has a dog as good as Squeezer... you may find them under every bush almost. Twenty-five roubles would be a handsome price to pay for him. (The Proposal)

Question. ‘He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him’ who said these words to whom and whom were they referring to?
1. Lomov to Chubukov referring the dog.
2. Chubukov to Natalya referring the dog.
3. Natalya to Chubukov referring the dog.
4. Chubukov to Lomov referring the dog.
5. Lomov to Natalya referring the dog.
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (2), (3) and (4)
(c) Only (5)
(d) (2) and (5)

Answer : C

Question. Select the most appropriate option for (1) and (2).
(1) I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him.
(2) As for Squeezer, well, it’s too funny to agree.
(a) (1) is true and (2) false .
(b) (2) is the opposite of (1).
(c) (2) further relates to (1).
(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

Answer : A

Question. Select the option which displays an example of ‘- Old’ in the context of this extract.
(a) The actress looked gorgeous dressed in a latest outfit.
(b) The elderly man was sitting in the park.
(c) The little boy dressed in jazzy clothes danced on stage.
(d) The young gymnast did a stunning act.

Answer : B

Question. What are roubles?
(a) Monetary unit of China.
(b) Monetary unit of Japan.
(c) Monetary unit of Russia.
(d) Monetary unit of Germany.

Answer : C

Question. From the options given below, what would you understand by the term ‘handsome’ in the context of this extract?
(a) Stunning
(b) Striking
(c) Moderately large
(d) Meagre

Answer : C

Multiple Choice Questions

Question. The introduction to the text talks about the simplicity of Russian weddings. But as we continue with our reading, we find the wedding traditions in Russia includes ‘fights’. How will you explain the article in the prelude to the text?
(a) Sarcastic
(b) Hyperbolic
(c) Antithesis
(d) Ironical

Answer : D

Question. After reading the passage, the impression you get about Russian weddings, is that their duration from the time of their conjuring to finish is usually_________than a week.
(a) shorter
(b) longer
(c) more
(d) less

Answer : C

Question. What do you think the real reason is for Russian couples to have a procession of cars for the marriage?
(a) Their love for each other.
(b) Draw attention to their stature.
(c) Have fun.
(d) Entertain their friends.

Answer : B

Question. What can be another way of explaining ‘toasts’?
(a) In honour of
(b) Baked
(c) Heated
(d) Flatter

Answer : A

Question. A very important universally followed marriage custom is found missing in the passage. Which one is it?
(a) Tying of knot.
(b) A visit to a church or any other religious place.
(c) Swearing oath.
(d) Exchange of rings.

Answer : B

Question. What is not possible in a Russian wedding?
(a) Non use of alcohol
(b) Liberal use of cash
(c) Cars
(d) Partying

Answer : A

Question. Marriage is an occasion in Russia. Which word is closest to the word ‘occasion’ in the passage?
(a) Gathering
(b) Get -together
(c) Ceremony
(d) Moment

Answer : C

Question. Who is Lomov?
(a) A farmer
(b) A landowner
(c) A factory worker
(d) None of these

Answer : B

Question. The word ‘proposal’ in the text of the play suggests ……… .
(a) an offer on a project
(b) an offer for a possible plan or action
(c) an offer of marriage
(d) an offer of redevelopment

Answer : C

Question. The play is more about wealthy families seeking ties with other wealthy families indicates that:
(a) estates expansion
(b) wealth expansion
(c) economic expansion
(d) marriage alliance

Answer : D

Question. Chubukov seems______at the visit of his neighbour Lomov.
(a) glad
(b) surprised
(c) worried
(d) confused

Answer : B

Question. How are the Lomovs and Chubukovs related?
(a) Friends
(b) Cousins
(c) Neighbours
(d) Business associates

Answer : C

Question. Choose the correct option that shows the behaviour of Chubukov when he says ‘My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get-up! Evening dress, gloves, and so on.
(a) Cautious
(b) Conscientious
(c) Curious
(d) Composed

Answer : C

Question. When Chubukov said ‘Now, you know, you shouldn’t forget all about your neighbours. This meant that____.
(a) they had never met
(b) they met after a long time
(c) they often met
(d) None of the above

Answer : B

Question. Then why are you in evening dress? says Chubukov. What does the underlined words refer to?
(a) A night suit
(b) A formal dress
(c) An informal dress
(d) A gardeners dress

Answer : B

Question. When Lomov says ‘I’ve come to you, to trouble you with a request. Not once or twice have I already had the privilege of applying to you for help. It means that Chubukov was______ in nature.
(a) a money lender
(b) obliging
(c) stingy
(d) sympathetic

Answer : B

Question. What request did Chubukov think Lomov would make?
(a) Ask for her daughter’s hand in marriage.
(b) Borrow money.
(c) Borrow land.
(d) All of these.

Answer : B

Question. What purpose has Lomov come for?
(a) To run away with Natalya.
(b) To propose Natalya.
(c) To kill Natalya.
(d) To hide with Natalya.

Answer : B

Question. By Jove! Ivan Vassilevitch! Say it again — I didn’t hear it all! Meant that Chubukov was_________.
(a) an expression of awe
(b) an expression of surprise
(c) an expression of relief
(d) an expression of irritation

Answer : B

Question. What was Chubukov not expecting from Lomov?
(a) Money
(b) Wealth
(c) Proposal of marriage
(d) Estate

Answer : C

Question. I’ve been hoping for it for a long time indicates that Chubukov.
(a) Waiting in doubt.
(b) Waiting expectantly.
(c) Waiting for some one.
(d) Waiting without hope.

Answer : B

Question. Who does Chubukov call a “lovesick cat”?
(a) Lomov
(b) Himself
(c) His maid
(d) Natalya

Answer : D

Question. She’s in love; egad. What does the term egad mean hear.
(a) A curse
(b) An abuse
(c) A mild oath
(d) A disapproval

Answer : C

Question. Why was Lomov feeling cold before meeting Natalya?
(a) It was winter.
(b) It was breezy.
(c) He was nervous.
(d) He was confident.

Answer : C

Question. The phrase ‘mind made up’ implies _____.
(a) not certain
(b) decided
(c) possible
(d) hesitant

Answer : B

Question. Lomov was all the time_________from the time Chubukov left him till the time Natlya entered.
(a) thinking of what to say
(b) introspecting himself
(c) contemplating himself
(d) optimistic

Answer : C

Question. What are the options playing in Lomov’s head that will favour him to get married?
(a) Quick Decisions
(b) Hesitation
(c) Too much talking
(d) Looking for real love

Answer : A

Question. What explanation did Lomov give for his shouting?
(a) His frustration
(b) His short temper
(c) His palpitations
(d) He can’t stand unfairness

Answer : C

Question. In his anxiety waiting for Natalya, Lomov considers one of his reason to marry is during sleep he finds himself jumping like a__________.
(a) Monkey
(b) Clown
(c) Kangaroo
(d) Lunatic

Answer : D

Question. What was the age of Lomov?
(a) 32
(b) 34
(c) 35
(d) 36

Answer : C

Question. What did Natalya offer Lomov?
(a) Tea
(b) Breakfast
(c) Coffee
(d) Lunch

Answer : D

Question. What does Natlya mean by asking Lomov ‘Why are you got up like that’? It was since Lomov____.
(a) rose from his seat
(b) was informally dressed
(c) was formally dressed
(d) looked nervous

Answer : C

Question. Identify the pronoun that starts the conflict between Lomov and Natlya.
(a) His
(b) Her
(c) Our
(d) My

Answer : D

Question. Where do Lomov and Natalya get on the wrong foot?
(a) While talking about the weather.
(b) While talking about their land.
(c) While talking about their family relations.
(d) While the proposal.

Answer : B

Question. Natalya is surprised by the way Lomov claims__________.
(a) the ownership of Squeezer
(b) the ownership of Oxen Meadows
(c) the ownership of Birchwood
(d) the ownership of Burnt marsh

Answer : B

Question. The purpose of the argument, was ________.
(a) to put the other down
(b) argue about ownership
(c) to just confront each other
(d) None of the above

Answer : B

Question.Lomov tells Natalya ‘I have long, since my childhood, in fact, had the privilege of knowing your family’. The term privilege used here in this text is ___________.
(a) show authority
(b) show appreciation
(c) show benefit
(d) show advantage

Answer : B

Question. ’I’m speaking of those Oxen Meadows which are wedged in between your birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh’. What does wedged mean that the speaker is talking about______.
(a) Wood
(b) Squeezer
(c) Crammed
(d) Marsh

Answer : C

Question. Lomov’s remark ‘There’s nothing to argue about’ clearly indicates that______.
(a) it is all settled
(b) waste of time
(c) don’t bother
(d) it is useless

Answer : A

Question. The Idiom ‘I can hardly believe my own ears’ used here by Natalya indicates.
(a) Surprise
(b) Shock
(c) Awe
(d) Sadness

Answer : B

Question. Lomov’s aunts grandmother wanted in return from Natalya’s father’s grandfather for use of the meadows.
(a) Fodder
(b) Bricks
(c) Milk
(d) 300 Roubles

Answer : A

Question. Why does Lomov stop short of this sentence, now my aunt’s grandmother, wishing to make them a pleasant____.
(a) Lomov was tired
(b) Natalya was intercepting him
(c) Natalya had covered her ears
(d) Lomov was frightened

Answer : B

Question. Hear me out, I implore you! Why does Lomov have to implore Natalya?
(a) To listen to him.
(b) To understand him.
(c) She was doing all the talking.
(d) None of the above

Answer : D

Question.Can’t make head or tail of is an_________.
(a) Phrase
(b) Idiom
(c) Proverb
(d) Quote

Answer : A

Question. Identify the appropriate phrase where Lomov tries to prove his decency.
(a) I’ll make you a present of them.
(b) But I am acting on principle.
(c) Hear me out, I implore you!
(d) I’ll show you the documents.

Answer : B

Question. Identify the correct word in the lesson ‘The Proposal’ that means disrespectful.
(a) Squeezer
(b) Abuse
(c) Malicious
(d) Impudent

Answer : D

Question. Who is squeezed between Lomov and Natalya emotionally?
(a) Natalya’s father
(b) Natalya’s mother
(c) Natalya’s brother
(d) Natalya’s aunt

Answer : A

Question. What did Chubukov had to say about the land?
(a) They were his
(b) They were Lomov’s
(c) They were still disputed
(d) They belong to none of them

Answer : A

Question. Lomov has come to ask Chubukov for the hand of his daughter Natalya in marriage. The three of them ______.
(a) resolve the issue of the property amicably
(b) sit to discuss the marriage proposal
(c) lose their temper on silly and trivial issues
(d) decide on the wedding and reception.

Answer : C

Question. What is Lomov’s side of justification about the land?
(a) Their land extended till Burnt Marsh.
(b) His grandmother always talked about it.
(c) His grandmother gave it to her great grandfather’s peasants.
(d) Both (a) and (b)

Answer : C

Question. Who gave the meadows to Natalya’s father?
(a) Aunt’s grandmother of Lomov.
(b) Aunt’s grandfather of Lomov.
(c) Aunt’s sister of Lomov.
(d) Aunt’s brother of Lomov

Answer : A

Question. Who threatened to take the matter to court?
(a) Natalya
(b) Lomov
(c) Chubukov
(d) None

Answer : B

Question. Which option correctly replaces the underlined phrase ‘my foot’s gone to sleep’.
(a) My foot aches.
(b) My foot has blisters.
(c) My foot has turned numb.
(d) My foot is swollen.

Answer : C

Question. Why did Chubukov think it was a curse to be a father of a grown up daughter?
(a) He had to go to call the man they had just shun out.
(b) He had to go to call the man who insulted them.
(c) He had to go call tthe man who shouted at them.
(d) All of the above

Answer : D

Question. What is the name of Lomov’s dog?
(a) Guess
(b) Guard
(c) Squeezer
(d) Sweater

Answer : A

Question. According to Lomov, what defect does Squeezer have?
(a) Lame
(b) Old age
(c) Overshot
(d) Fat

Answer : C

Question. Lomov calls Chubukov an intriguer. Choose the appropriate meaning of the word intriguer.
(a) A person who meddles in others affairs.
(b) A person who devises plots and schemes.
(c) An absentminded person.
(d) A wearied person.

Answer : B

Question. What do you understand by ‘Under the slipper of your house-keeper’? It indicates that Lomov was________.
(a) dominance
(b) control over
(c) reign over
(d) helpless

Answer : D

Question. When Natalya screams that Lomov is dead Chubukov reacts _________.
(a) joyfully
(b) fearfully
(c) anxiously
(d) scornfully

Answer : C

Question. When does Natalya accept the proposal?
(a) When Lomov went unconscious.
(b) When they finished arguing.
(c) When he proposed her.
(d) WhenLomov came back in.

Answer : A

Question. Chubukov exclaimed ’What a weight off my shoulders’ this meant that he ______.
(a) was anxious
(b) was stressed
(c) was relieved
(d) was heavy burdened

Answer : C

Question. What is the climax of the play ‘The Proposal’?
(a) Lomov wants to fight for his property.
(b) Lomov is timid and yet wants to argue.
(c) Lomov is timid and still cannot bring himself to propose.
(d) Lomov is timid and yet too proud to propose.

Answer : C

Question.Lomov experiences twitching and trembling which also fmeans________.
(a) an upset tummy
(b) a type of tremor
(c) a type of headache
(d) a type of excitement

Answer : B

Question. What type of play would you rate ‘The Proposal’?
(a) One-act comedy
(b) One-act farce
(c) One-act musical drama
(d) One-act drama

Answer : B

Text Book Questions

Activity
Do you think India and Russian wedding have any customs in common ? Fill in the table below.
Wedding Ceremonies in Russia and India
Customs similar to Indian ones                    
• 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 couple sits at a specially arranged table with their family, friends and invited guests.
• The bride’s friends—they steal the bridegroom’s shoes. The groom must pay money for the shoes.
Customs different from Indian ones
• Necessary part of the wedding ceremony is a wedding procession of several cars.
• When the groom arrives to fetch the bride for the registration, he has to fight to get her.
• At each landing he must answer a question to be allowed to go up.
• After some time, the bride gets ‘stolen’!

Thinking about the Play

Question. 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.
Answer: Chubukov first suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He is not at all sincere when he says that he has always loved Lomov. Many times Chubukov has called Lomov with disgraceful names. He wouldn’t have done so if he truly loved him as he claimed. He called him  ‘angel’ only because he had come with the proposal to marry his daughter.

Question. 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.
Answer: No I wouldn’t agree that Natalya was in love. The way she quarrels with Lomov and even kicks him out of the house suggests that what her father says is not true.

Question. (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, double-faced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”) 
(ii)Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
(iii)Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
Answer: (i) Landgrabber, grabber, pettifogger, guzzling gambler, backbiters, intriguer, malicious, double-faced intriguer, rascal, monster, The villain! The scarecrow!, stuffed sausage! The wizen-faced frump!, Intriguer! Boy! Pup! Old rat! Jesuit! Boy! Milksop! Fool! blind hen, turnip-ghost
(ii) Lomov—unhealthy, quarrelsome, ambitious, headstrong, nervous
Natalya—young, flighty, ambitious, quarrelsome, headstrong
Chubukov--- quarrelsome, headstrong, hypocrite, pompous, ambitious
(iii) Maybe about who has better horses.

Thinking about Language

Question. 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: Modern English expressions: weight off my shoulders, seems to be coming round, to lose my temper, make head or tail of. Older English expressions: to the devil with you, to get in with, intriguer, go and lie on the kitchen oven and catch black Beetles, Be hanged to, some demon of contradiction in you, give it to them in the neck, why are you got up like that, how may you be getting on

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:

1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb ‘may take’ (as in Sentence Set 1).

2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb said

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 (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 past continuous tense. For example, ‘gets’ 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 (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 he, his, she, her, their in reported speech.

Question. 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.
Answer. 90-year-old A. K. Hangal asked why we wanted to know his age. He said that if people knew he was so old, he wouldn’t get any work. For his age, he is rather energetic. We asked what the secret was. He replied that it was his intake of everything in small quantities. And that he walked a lot. He also said that he joined the industry when people retire. He was in his 40s, so he didn’t 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 didn’t have any complaints and added that he had always been underpaid. Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. He regretted that though he was content today, money was important. He was a fool not have understood the value of money earlier.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. Who is Lomov and why does he go to Chubukov’s house?
Answer: Lomov is a wealthy land owner. He is thirty five years old and is Chubukov’s neighbour. Lomov goes to Chubukov’s house to ask for his daughter Natalya’s hand in marriage. 

Question. How is the quarrel over Oxen meadows settled at last? 
Answer: When Natalya realises that Lomov had come to propose to her, she agrees that the Oxen Meadows were indeed Lomov’s property and that is how the Oxen Meadow’s matter is settled.

Question. Why does Chubukov go and call Lomov back?
Answer: Natalya quarrels with Lomov and throws him out of the house. But when she learns that he had come to propose her, she sends her father to go and call Lomov back.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Describe the first quarrel between Lomov and Natalya.
Answer: Lomov has come to Natalya’s house to propose to her. When she comes out to speak with him, he starts talking of irrelevant things and then mentions Oxen meadows, a piece of land near Natalya’s land. He claims it to be his and Natalya on hearing it, starts asserting that the land was hers. He keeps saying that he has the papers to prove but Natalya is not prepared to hear any argument and they start quarreling on this issue. Natalya was not aware that Lomov had come to her with a proposal for marriage and not for quarrelling about a patch of land, hence she behaved foolishly and argued though Lomov had evidence of his ownership.

Question. Write a character sketch of Natalya.
Answer: Natalya is a young girl of twenty five years. She lives in the neighbourhood of Lomov. She is very smart for her age. She has a cunning mind and uses her presence of mind to go with the flow of situations and turn things in her benefits. She is a good house keeper and is not bad looking. She is still unmarried and is thirsting for love. Her father calls her a lovesick cat. She is educated but doesn’t seem so. She is very quarrelsome and abusive. She is also very ambitious. When she learns Lomov had come to propose her she back tracks on her stand and agrees to Lomov’s argument.

Question. Chekov has used humour and exaggeration in the play to comment on courtship in his times. Illustrate with examples from
the lesson, ‘The Proposal.’ Also mention the values, you think, any healthy relationship requires.
Answer: The Proposal is one of Anton Chekov’s famous plays where he uses humour and exaggeration in the play to provide a commentary on courtship in his times. Chekov has used several stereotypes that help play the character’s part beautifully in the play. Lomov, Natalya ‘the shrew’, Chubukov ‘the hypocrite father’ all help in adding humor to the play. Lomov uses exaggerated actions that, sometimes exceeds the limits of common sense like, Lomov gulping down water, putting his hand to the heart or running to the door and staggering out.
Another interesting aspect of this storytelling is how the story progresses from cordiality to the hurling of insults which is seen when Lomov called Chubukov ‘a swindle’ and Chubukov promptly called Lomov an ‘intriguer’. The elements of exaggeration and absurdity set the tone of ridicule, which mars the elements of love and romance that is intended in the play. The playwright, through this play, ironically emphasizes that courtesy, sincerity, love and mutual understanding are the keys to a healthy relationship.

Reference to Contrxt Questions

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :

Question. I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It’s been my continual desire (shed a tear) And I’ve 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.
(a) Who is the speaker here ? Who is he talking to ?
(b) Why does the speaker shed a tear ?
Answer: (a) The above lines are spoken by Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov in response to the proposal for his daugher, Natalya Stepanovana by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.
(b) The tear shed here has no significance. Chubukov is merely feigning emotions because to him, the marriage proposal is simply an opportunity to extend their estates.

Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me. Your Guess certainly has his good points. He’s purebred, firm on his feet, has well-sprung ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects: he’s old and he’s short in the muzzle.

Question. The extract uses the phrase, ‘Don’t excite yourself, my precious one.’ Which of the following expressions is incorrect with respect to the word ‘excite’?

(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

Answer : A

Question. Squeezer was different from other dogs because_________
(a) he kept sleeping
(b) he kept barking
(c) he ran after a sheep
(d) he kept eating

Answer : C

Question. What happened to Squeezer on the Marusinsky hunt?
(a) He was afraid
(b) He was attacked
(c) He was ahead
(d) He was left far behind

Answer : D

Question. Choose the answer that lists the CORRECT option about the recording of the situation between the couple Ivan and Natalya.

(a) Option 1
(b) Option 2
(c) Option 3
(d) Option 4

Answer : A

Question. The ‘truth’ about Lomov’s dog is that he is?
(a) Old and short
(b) Stupid
(c) Lethargic
(d) Slow in running

Answer : A