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Worksheet
The Proposal is a comedic play by Anton Chekhov that explores the absurdities of marriage proposals and family disputes.
The Proposal - Practice Worksheet
Strengthen your foundation with key concepts and basic applications.
This worksheet covers essential long-answer questions to help you build confidence in The Proposal from First Flight for Class X (English).
Questions
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.
Look at Chubukov's initial reaction to Lomov's visit and how it changes after the proposal is mentioned.
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.
Consider Natalya's behavior before and after she learns about the proposal.
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. Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
Look for instances where characters directly address or describe each other, especially during arguments.
This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English? For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as 'my darling' or 'my treasure' in an English play?
Pay attention to the terms of endearment and formalities in the characters' speech.
Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully: palpitations, interfere, implore, thoroughbred, pedigree, principle, evidence, misfortune, malicious, embezzlement, architect, neighbors, accustomed, temporary, behavior, documents.
Use a reliable dictionary that provides phonetic transcriptions and stress markers.
Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own: 'You may take it that', 'He seems to be coming round', 'My foot’s gone to sleep'.
Consider the context in which these phrases might be used in everyday conversation.
Reported Speech: Convert the following direct speech sentences from the play into reported speech: 'Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her consent?' and 'I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement.'
Remember to adjust tenses, pronouns, and question forms when converting to reported speech.
Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm. Can you think of three ill effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
Think about personal experiences or observations where anger had negative or positive outcomes.
In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner. You might consider the following points: Personal qualities (appearance, attitudes, sense of humor), Value system (compassion, tolerance, attitude to money), Education and professional background.
Reflect on how the characters in 'The Proposal' might exemplify or lack these qualities.
Are there parts of the play that remind you of film scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.
Think about romantic comedies where the main characters start off arguing or disliking each other.
The Proposal - Mastery Worksheet
Advance your understanding through integrative and tricky questions.
This worksheet challenges you with deeper, multi-concept long-answer questions from 'The Proposal' to prepare for higher-weightage questions in 'Class X' English exams.
Questions
Analyze the character of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov in 'The Proposal'. How does his personality contribute to the comedic elements of the play?
Focus on Lomov's physical and emotional traits and how they lead to comic situations.
Compare and contrast the attitudes of Natalya Stepanovna and her father, Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov, towards Lomov's marriage proposal.
Consider their reactions before, during, and after the arguments.
Discuss the significance of the disputes over Oxen Meadows and the dogs in 'The Proposal'. How do these disputes reflect the characters' personalities?
Think about how these disputes delay the proposal and what they reveal about each character.
Explain how 'The Proposal' uses exaggeration to create humor. Provide examples from the play.
Look for over-the-top behaviors and reactions in the characters.
What role does misunderstanding play in 'The Proposal'? How does it drive the plot forward?
Consider how the initial proposal is overshadowed by other issues.
Analyze the ending of 'The Proposal'. Is the resolution satisfactory? Why or why not?
Think about the tone of the play and how the ending fits with it.
How does Anton Chekhov use language and dialogue to develop characters in 'The Proposal'?
Pay attention to how each character speaks and what it reveals about them.
Discuss the theme of marriage as a social contract in 'The Proposal'. How do the characters view marriage?
Consider the characters' motivations for marriage.
Compare 'The Proposal' to another comedic play you have read. What similarities and differences do you notice?
Think about other plays with comedic elements and how they handle humor and themes.
What lessons can be learned from 'The Proposal' about communication and conflict resolution?
Reflect on how the characters' inability to communicate effectively affects the plot.
The Proposal - Challenge Worksheet
Push your limits with complex, exam-level long-form questions.
The final worksheet presents challenging long-answer questions that test your depth of understanding and exam-readiness for 'The Proposal' in 'Class X'.
Questions
Analyze the role of economic considerations in the marriage proposal between Lomov and Natalya. How does this reflect the societal norms of the time?
Consider the characters' motivations and the outcomes of their actions. How does the play use humor to critique societal norms?
Evaluate the significance of the quarrel over Oxen Meadows in the play. What does it reveal about the characters' personalities and priorities?
Think about how the quarrel escalates and what it says about the characters' ability to communicate and compromise.
Discuss the use of farce in 'The Proposal'. How does Chekhov employ humor to critique societal norms?
Consider specific scenes where the characters' actions are overly dramatic or irrational. How does this contribute to the play's comedic effect?
Compare and contrast the characters of Lomov and Natalya. How do their similarities and differences drive the plot?
Look at how each character reacts to the other's provocations. What does this reveal about their personalities?
Examine the role of Chubukov in the play. How does he contribute to the conflict and its resolution?
Consider Chubukov's actions and words throughout the play. How does he influence the other characters?
Analyze the ending of the play. Is the resolution satisfactory? Why or why not?
Think about the tone of the ending and what it implies about the characters' future.
Discuss the theme of communication breakdown in 'The Proposal'. How does it affect the characters' relationships?
Consider specific instances where miscommunication escalates the conflict. What could the characters have done differently?
Evaluate the portrayal of gender roles in 'The Proposal'. How do Natalya and Lomov conform to or defy traditional expectations?
Look at how the characters interact and what this says about their respective roles in society.
Consider the significance of the play's title, 'The Proposal'. How does it reflect the central conflict and themes?
Think about how the proposal is treated in the play. Is it given the importance one would expect?
Reflect on the relevance of 'The Proposal' in today's society. What lessons can modern audiences draw from the play?
Consider contemporary issues related to marriage and relationships. How do they compare to the themes in the play?
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