The Proposal by Anton Chekhov - appropriateness of the title

The Proposal

Anton Chekhov

(Appropriateness of the Title)

👉 ‘The Proposal’ by Anton Chekhov - appropriateness of the title

Answer: Anton Chekhov’s one act play, ‘The Proposal’ centers around Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov's marriage proposal to his neighbour, Chubukov's daughter, Natalya Stepanovna.

It is this proposal, and its consequences that build up the theme of the play. Lomov, at the beginning of the play, appeared as a proper romantic hero in his formal clothes. Though he wanted express his desire to marry Natalya to her father, he did not get an opportunity to offer marriage proposal to Natalya.

He further revealed his views about marriage in a soliloquy where he said that his aim was “to lead a quiet and regular life” and not to look for ideal or real love. This equated the marriage proposal almost to a business deal.

Finally, Natalya and Lomov ended up fighting, first over the disputed land ‘Oxen Meadows’ and then over their dogs, Guess and Squeezer. Natalya’s father accepted the untold proposal on behalf of his daughter and when Natalya came to know about her prospective groom, she also readily gave her consent.

Thus, we witness a whole lot of confusion and funny situations revolved around the proposal that transforms into a successful comedy. There for the title is appropriate in all respect.

👉 'The Proposal’ - discuss the theme of the play

Answer: 'The Proposal' is a one-act play written by Anton Chekhov.

The playwright showcases the artificiality of human nature. When Lomov visits Chubukov’s house, he behaves very politely with Chubukov. Chubukov also uses very pleasant words to impress his neighbor. But in reality he does not have any fellow feelings for Lomov. When he learns that Lomov has come to ask his daughter’s hand in marriage he becomes extremely happy as that will relieve him of his father’s duty of finding a suitable groom for his grown-up daughter. This highlights the greedy and selfish nature of mankind.

Physical weakness is another important theme of the play. The dramatist throws light on this aspect through the character of Lomov who is obsessed with his imaginary illness and cannot handle even a bit of anxiety. This symbolizes the decay in the aristocratic society.

But the most important theme is marriage. It is of utmost importance to all three characters because marriage which is portrayed as more of a social deal will solve the problems of Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov.

👉 Discuss Anton Chekhov’s play, ‘The Proposal’ as a supreme example of one act play.

Answer: A one-act play narrates the happenings of a single day or revolves around a definite incident which takes place at a particular place and deals with a limited number of characters.

Anton Chekhov’s play, ‘The Proposal’ describes the occasions of the day when Lomov appears to Chubukov’s house to propose his daughter for marriage. The play deals with a specific issue which is the ‘marriage proposal’. Therefore, Chekhov chose only three characters to highlight the theme of a traditional wedding.

The play progresses rapidly and ends suddenly. The three characters, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, Natalya Stepanovna and and her father, Stepanovitch Chubukov, with their witty and humorous dialogues, make the play alive.

The entire play takes place at Chubukov’s drawing room and through this play Chekhov criticises the lifestyle and mannerism of the landed gentry of Russia. Thus, ‘The Proposal’ fulfils all the criteria of a one-act play.

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