Discuss 'The Proposal as a farcical satire. | Comment on the theme of marriage in this play. How do Lomov and Natalya contribute to this theme?
Discuss 'The Proposal as a farcical satire.
'The Proposal' is undoubtedly a farce. A comedy provokes thoughtful laughter but in a farce, the laughter arises from the absurdity of a situation, which is both exaggerated and improbable. In 'The Proposal' Lomov comes with a marriage proposal but Natalya and Chubukov argue with him, insult him and almost drive him out of their house. But immediately after that Natalya is keen to marry him and Lomov comes back. But after some time, they again start arguing over their hunting dogs. Lomov faints and Natalya turns hysteric. Chubukov also talks of dying when Natalya blames him for missing the opportunity of getting married. The extreme emotions shown by the characters make the play a delightful farce that could have ended very darkly if the playwright had not maintained its energetic whimsy.
Comment on the theme of marriage in this play. How do Lomov and Natalya contribute to this theme?
In Chekhov's play, 'The Proposal' marriage is the dominant theme. Thus, Chekhov uses the characters of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna to satirise marriages made for personal gain and based on money instead of love. Lomov comes to Natalya's house to propose her for marriage. However, he shocks us by declaring that he will not think or look for real love. For Lomov, marriage is nothing but a profitable deal. On the other hand, in those days, marriage was the only means for a woman to gain financial stability and social status. So, Natalya becomes desperate for marriage. Though she has been quarrelling with Lomov all through, still when she learns that Lomov had come with a marriage proposal she hysterically implores her father to bring him back. The two of them seem quite happy to be finally engaged though they do not seem to agree on anything and continue to argue over different issues.
How did Chubukov welcome Lomov when he paid them a visit?
How does Chubukov react to Lomov proposal?
On what issues did Lomov and Natalya quarrel at first? How did their argument come to an end?
Why did Lomov think about taking a decision about getting married? Whom did he want to marry? Why?
What are Oxen Meadows? What is the measure of the land? What is the controversy?
Why did Natalya and Lomov quarrel over dogs?
When does Natalya come to know of the proposal? How does she react? Why does she react in this way?
How did the second argument come to an end?
Narrate in brief what happened at Marusinsky hunt.
Describe the reaction of Natalya and her father thinking that Lomov is dead.
Is Lomov really ill or is he hypochondriac? Give reasons for your answer.
Do you think Chubukov and Lomov are good neighbours? Give reasons with reference from the play.
What is ironic about Natalya's request to bring Lomov back?
What are Lomov and Natalya's actual feelings and opinions about each other?
Comment on the father-daughter relationship as depicted in the play.
Describe the physical problems that Lomov thinks he has.
