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Question
Farce is a kind of comedy that includes situations and dialogues that are ridiculous, exaggerated and even absurd. Evaluate the play, The Proposal, as a farce.
Solution
‘The Proposal’ by Chekhov has been intended to be presented as a farce basically to satire the materialistic temperament of the Russians who think of making money from every aspect imaginable. This one-act play tells the story of two wealthy families who seek a matrimonial alliance. The main idea is to seek a rise in profits in their property. The play is highly humorous. The setting has three characters all meet each other with a motive but all that ends up in the three planning to increase their share of the property.
Humour is not possible without exaggeration. Hence Lomov’s soliloquy thinking of his old self at thirty-five being full of ailments and nervousness would make every reader giggle. But as soon as Natalya appears in a negligee, they begin fighting over the ownership of a piece of land. When that ends, they begin over a new issue which is each other’s pet dogs. Their agreement to tie the nuptial knot and its effects thereafter can well be imagined.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Answer the following question in 80 − 100 words :
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.
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.
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 Nayalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”)
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"Please don't shout! You can shout yourself hoarse in your own house but here I must ask you to restrain yourself!"
(a) Who is speaking and to whom?
(b) What is the dispute over?
(c) What does the word, 'restrain' mean?
Which two issues about himself convinced Lomov of his decision to get married?
How can we say that Natalya was continuously successful in maintaining an upper hand during her arguments with Lomov? (Any one example)
(The Proposal)
Natalya and her father Chubukov 'turn around' when Lomov puts his proposal in the open. As a reader briefly describe what you think of Natalaya and Chubukov from the play "the Proposal".
What was the objective of Lomov's visit to Chubukov's house?
Why did Chubukov misunderstand the purpose of Lomov's visit?
Why does Natalaya quarrel with Lomov?
How did Chubukov react when Lomov asked for the hand of his daughter in marriage?
Chubukov suspicious one accused when Lomov comes to his house. Explain.
Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow:
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Lomov: But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s 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 isn't at all like that! Both grandfather and great grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh- Which means Oxen Meadows were ours. I don't see what there is to argue about, its simply silly. |
- The subject of dispute was regarding ______. (1)
- free use of Meadows.
- making of bricks.
- peasants using Meadows.
- ownership of Meadows.
- Find the word from the extract which means 'continuance': (1)
- dispute
- perpetuity
- belonging
- reckoned
- Lomov's aunt's grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalya's father's grandfather in lieu of ______. (1)
- According to Natalya why did Oxen Meadows belong to them? (1)
- Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only: (1)
The peasants had free use of Meadows for ______ years.
Answer the following question in 40 – 50 words.
What argument do Lomov and Natalya give over the superiority of their dogs, Guess and Squeezer? (The Proposal)
