This page helps you revise quickly with the proposal class 10 summary, followed by clear explanations of the story and characters. You will also find class 10 the proposal question answer in NCERT format, along with extra questions for exam practice. The content includes important points, themes, and character sketches as part of the proposal class 10 notes, written in simple language. For complete exam preparation, cbse class 10 english the proposal solutions and grammar-based questions are also covered, so you can understand concepts and practice answers in one place.

the proposal class 10 summary

English Summary

You are about to watch a simple visit turn into chaos. A man comes dressed in his best clothes, his heart racing, his head full of plans. One small proposal is all it takes to start a storm of shouting, insults, and near-death scenes.

This chapter shows how IVAN VASSILEVITCH LOMOV comes to propose marriage to NATALYA STEPANOVNA, but his nervous nature and the family’s habit of arguing turn a simple idea into a series of wild quarrels. In the end, the proposal happens not because peace is made, but because everyone is too stubborn to stop fighting.

IVAN VASSILEVITCH LOMOV, a wealthy but extremely nervous landowner, arrives at STEPAN STEPANOVITCH CHUBUKOV’s house wearing formal evening clothes and white gloves. Chubukov warmly welcomes him, though he secretly thinks Lomov has come to borrow money. Lomov is clearly anxious. His heart pounds, his lips tremble, and he keeps drinking water. After much hesitation, he finally blurts out that he has come to ask for the hand of NATALYA STEPANOVNA in marriage. Chubukov is overjoyed. He hugs Lomov, calls him “my angel,” and rushes off to call his daughter, confident she will agree.

While waiting, Lomov speaks aloud about why he must marry. He is thirty-five, suffers from palpitations, sleeplessness, and sudden pains, and wants a quiet, orderly life. Natalya enters, talking casually about household matters. Lomov tries to explain his purpose, but before he can propose properly, he mentions his land and says that OXEN MEADOWS touch her family’s property. Natalya immediately interrupts and insists the meadows belong to her family. Lomov argues they are his, showing great pride in documents and family history. The disagreement grows fierce. Voices rise. Natalya shouts about fairness, Lomov shouts about principle, and both repeat “Mine!” and “Ours!” again and again.

Chubukov rushes in and joins the fight, strongly supporting his daughter. The argument turns ugly. All three exchange insults, bring up ancestors, and accuse each other of dishonesty and madness. Lomov’s health collapses under the stress. He clutches his chest, cries, “My heart! Water!” and staggers out, half-dead. Father and daughter continue complaining about him until Chubukov suddenly realizes the truth—Lomov had come to propose. Natalya is shocked. She screams, cries, and demands that Lomov be brought back at once.

Lomov returns, exhausted and trembling. Natalya quickly apologizes and agrees that Oxen Meadows belong to him. She tries to change the topic, but soon another argument starts—this time over whose hunting dog is better: Lomov’s GUESS or their SQUEEZER. Once again, shouting begins. Chubukov joins in, listing faults and defending his dog. The argument becomes so intense that Lomov collapses again. Everyone believes he is dead. Natalya wails. Chubukov panics. Suddenly, Lomov revives.

Without wasting a moment, Chubukov forces Lomov and Natalya together, declares that she is willing, and orders them to kiss. Confused and weak, Lomov agrees. The engagement is settled. Yet even at this happy moment, the arguing continues. Natalya insists Squeezer is better. Lomov insists Guess is better. Chubukov shouts for champagne as the curtain falls.

Characters

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov – nervous – a wealthy neighbour who comes to propose

Natalya Stepanovna – argumentative – Chubukov’s strong-willed daughter

Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov – loud and emotional – Natalya’s father and landowner

Theme / Moral

You learn that pride, anger, and stubbornness can turn simple matters into big conflicts. You also see that people may agree to important decisions not out of love or calm thought, but because they fear loss and change more than noise and quarrels.

the proposal Hindi Summary

तुम एक साधारण-सी मुलाक़ात को अचानक हंगामे में बदलते देखने वाले हो। एक आदमी अपने सबसे अच्छे कपड़े पहनकर आता है, उसका दिल तेज़ धड़क रहा है और दिमाग़ योजनाओं से भरा है। बस एक छोटा-सा प्रस्ताव, और चीख़-पुकार, गालियों और लगभग मौत तक पहुँचने वाले हालातों की आँधी उठ खड़ी होती है।

यह अध्याय दिखाता है कि कैसे IVAN VASSILEVITCH LOMOV शादी का प्रस्ताव लेकर NATALYA STEPANOVNA के पास आता है, लेकिन उसकी घबराई हुई आदत और परिवार की लड़ाकू सोच एक सीधी बात को भयानक झगड़ों की कड़ी बना देती है। अंत में प्रस्ताव शांति से नहीं, बल्कि इसलिए पूरा होता है क्योंकि कोई भी लड़ाई रोकने को तैयार नहीं होता।

IVAN VASSILEVITCH LOMOV, एक अमीर लेकिन बेहद घबराया हुआ ज़मींदार, औपचारिक शाम के कपड़े और सफ़ेद दस्ताने पहनकर STEPAN STEPANOVITCH CHUBUKOV के घर पहुँचता है। Chubukov उसे गर्मजोशी से स्वागत करता है, हालाँकि मन ही मन वह सोचता है कि Lomov पैसे उधार लेने आया होगा। Lomov साफ़ तौर पर परेशान है। उसका दिल तेज़ धड़कता है, होंठ काँपते हैं और वह बार-बार पानी पीता है। बहुत झिझक के बाद वह अचानक कह देता है कि वह NATALYA STEPANOVNA से विवाह का प्रस्ताव रखने आया है। Chubukov खुशी से भर जाता है। वह Lomov को गले लगाता है, उसे “मेरे फ़रिश्ते” कहता है और पूरे विश्वास के साथ अपनी बेटी को बुलाने दौड़ पड़ता है।

इंतज़ार करते हुए Lomov ज़ोर से बताने लगता है कि उसे शादी क्यों करनी है। वह पैंतीस साल का है, दिल की धड़कन, नींद न आने और अचानक होने वाले दर्द से परेशान है, और एक शांत, व्यवस्थित जीवन चाहता है। Natalya आती है और घर के कामों की हल्की-फुल्की बातें करती है। Lomov अपने मक़सद को समझाने की कोशिश करता है, लेकिन सही तरह से प्रस्ताव रखने से पहले ही वह अपनी ज़मीन का ज़िक्र कर देता है और कहता है कि OXEN MEADOWS उसकी ज़मीन से लगते हैं। Natalya तुरंत टोक देती है और ज़ोर देकर कहती है कि ये मैदान उसके परिवार के हैं। Lomov काग़ज़ों और परिवार के इतिहास पर गर्व दिखाते हुए कहता है कि वे उसके हैं। बहस तेज़ हो जाती है। आवाज़ें ऊँची होने लगती हैं। Natalya न्याय की बात पर चिल्लाती है, Lomov सिद्धांत की बात पर, और दोनों बार-बार “मेरे!” और “हमारे!” दोहराते हैं।

Chubukov दौड़ता हुआ आता है और बेटी का पूरा साथ देते हुए लड़ाई में कूद पड़ता है। झगड़ा बदसूरत हो जाता है। तीनों एक-दूसरे को अपशब्द कहते हैं, पूर्वजों का ज़िक्र करते हैं और पागलपन व बेईमानी के आरोप लगाते हैं। तनाव से Lomov की तबीयत बिगड़ जाती है। वह सीना पकड़कर चिल्लाता है, “मेरा दिल! पानी!” और लगभग मरा हुआ बाहर लड़खड़ाता हुआ चला जाता है। पिता और बेटी उसकी शिकायत करते रहते हैं, तभी Chubukov को अचानक सच्चाई समझ आती है—Lomov तो प्रस्ताव लेकर आया था। Natalya हैरान रह जाती है। वह चीख़ती है, रोती है और ज़ोर देकर कहती है कि Lomov को तुरंत वापस बुलाया जाए।

Lomov थका हुआ और काँपता हुआ लौटता है। Natalya जल्दी से माफ़ी माँगती है और मान लेती है कि Oxen Meadows उसके हैं। वह बात बदलने की कोशिश करती है, लेकिन जल्दी ही एक और झगड़ा शुरू हो जाता है—इस बार इस बात पर कि किसका शिकार करने वाला कुत्ता बेहतर है: Lomov का GUESS या उनका SQUEEZER। फिर से चीख़-पुकार शुरू हो जाती है। Chubukov भी कूद पड़ता है, कमियाँ गिनाता है और अपने कुत्ते का बचाव करता है। बहस इतनी बढ़ जाती है कि Lomov फिर गिर पड़ता है। सब उसे मरा हुआ समझ लेते हैं। Natalya विलाप करती है। Chubukov घबरा जाता है। तभी अचानक Lomov होश में आ जाता है।

एक पल भी गँवाए बिना Chubukov, Lomov और Natalya को साथ खड़ा करता है, घोषणा करता है कि Natalya तैयार है और उन्हें चूमने का आदेश देता है। उलझा और कमज़ोर Lomov मान जाता है। सगाई तय हो जाती है। फिर भी इस खुशी के पल में भी बहस नहीं रुकती। Natalya ज़ोर देती है कि Squeezer बेहतर है। Lomov कहता है Guess बेहतर है। परदा गिरते समय Chubukov शैंपेन के लिए चिल्लाता है।

Characters

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov – घबराया हुआ – एक अमीर पड़ोसी जो प्रस्ताव लेकर आता है

Natalya Stepanovna – झगड़ालू – Chubukov की मज़बूत इरादों वाली बेटी

Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov – ऊँची आवाज़ वाला और भावुक – Natalya का पिता और ज़मींदार

Theme / Moral

तुम सीखते हो कि घमंड, ग़ुस्सा और ज़िद छोटी बातों को बड़े झगड़ों में बदल सकती है। तुम यह भी देखते हो कि लोग कई बार प्यार या शांति से नहीं, बल्कि नुकसान और बदलाव के डर से, अहम फैसलों पर सहमत हो जाते हैं।

the proposal Keywords with meanings:

Lomov – nervous neighbor who wants to marry Natalya​

Natalya – Chubukov’s argumentative 25-year-old daughter​

Chubukov – excited landowner father who joins quarrels​

Proposal – asking for marriage​

Oxen Meadows – disputed land between neighbors​

Guess – Lomov’s lame hunting dog​

Squeezer – Natalya’s overshot hunting dog​

Palpitations – heart beating fast from excitement​

Drawing-room – Chubukov’s living room setting​

Farce – funny play about silly arguments​

the proposal Important Phrases:

“ask the hand of your daughter”​

“like a lovesick cat”​

“Oxen Meadows are mine!”​

“Oxen Meadows are ours!”​

“My heart’s palpitating awfully”​

“Squeezer better than Guess?”​

“My foot’s gone to sleep”​

“She’s willing! Kiss!”​

“family bliss”​

“I see stars”​

the proposal class 10 questions and answers

Q1. Can you guess what sort of proposal the play is about?

Answer:The proposal is a marriage proposal.

Lomov comes to ask for Natalya’s hand in marriage from Chubukov.

(“I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter, Natalya Stepanovna, in marriage.”)

This sets up the funny conflicts over land and dogs.​

Q2. Do you know anything about a Russian marriage ceremony?

Answer:Russian weddings last two days with car processions, toasts, and fun games.

The groom fights friends to reach the bride, answers riddles, and pays fees when the bride or shoe is “stolen.”

This shows lively customs like Indian celebrations.

It helps understand the play’s marriage context.​

Q3. Do you think Indian and Russian weddings have any customs in common?

Answer:Yes, both have family feasts, toasts/blessings, and processions.

Russian bride-stealing and shoe games are like Indian fun rituals.

But Russians share costs now, unlike traditional Indian bride-family payments.

Shared joy makes weddings universal.​

Q4. 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 Lomov wants to borrow money (“He’s come to borrow money. Shant give him any!”).

No, he is not sincere; his joy explodes only after hearing the marriage proposal for land gain.

He quickly calls Natalya but joins arguments later, showing fake affection.

True feelings show in quarrels, not words.​

Q5. Chubukov says of Natalya … as if she wont consent! Shes in love egad, shes like a lovesick cat… Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.

Answer:No, I disagree. Natalya argues fiercely over Oxen Meadows and Squeezer without knowing the proposal.

She only wants Lomov back after learning it’s marriage, wailing hysterically.

Her reaction shows practicality, not love.

Chubukov exaggerates to push the match.​

each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other.

Q6(i). Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about

Answer:Insults include: landgrabber, gypsies, pettifogger, lunacy in family, drunkard grandfather, hump-backed mother, guzzling gambler father, backbiters, intriguer, boy, pup, old rat, Jesuit, milksop, fool.

Positive start: excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.

These petty attacks over land/dogs highlight quarrelsome nature.

Words reveal hidden family tensions.​

Q6(ii). Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.

Answer:Lomov: nervous hypochondriac, argumentative neighbor, principled landowner, excitable hunter, marriage-seeker.

Natalya: feisty daughter, sharp-tongued defender, passionate arguer, hysterical proposer, dog-lover.

Chubukov: dramatic father, fake-affectionate host, quick-tempered ally, blessing-giver, exasperated matchmaker.

These traits drive the comedy.

Personal views match their actions.​

Q6(iii). Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?

Answer:They will quarrel over Guess vs Squeezer again, as the play ends with “Better!” “Worse!” during champagne.

Even in marriage bliss, petty dog rivalry continues.

Chubukov calls it “a way to start your family bliss.”

Small issues never end for them.​

Q7(I.1). 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?

Answer:Yes, overly affectionate terms like “my darling,” “my angel,” “my treasure,” “my precious” from older to younger men feel Russian.

English uses casual “mate” or “friend.”

Idiomatic English: “Spit it out!” “By Jove!” blend in.

These show cultural warmth in Russian dialogue.​

Q7(I.2). Look up the following words… palpitations interfere implore thoroughbred pedigree principle evidence misfortune malicious embezzlement architect neighbours accustomed temporary behaviour documents

Answer:(This is a dictionary/pronunciation task; students note: e.g., palpitations /pælpɪˈteɪʃənz/ (4 syllables, stress on 3rd), meaning fast heartbeat.)

 Q7(I.3). Look up… i You may take it that ii He seems to be coming round iii My foots gone to sleep

Answer:i. You may take it that: Assume it’s true. (E.g., You may take it that Lomov will argue again.)

ii. He seems to be coming round: Regaining consciousness. (E.g., Lomov seems to be coming round after fainting.)

iii. My foot’s gone to sleep: Numb from poor circulation. (E.g., My foot’s gone to sleep after sitting long.)

Use in play context for recall.​

Q8. Fill in the blanks for reported speech changes…

Answer:

2. said

3. there

4. past

5. past continuous

6. respectfully

7. he/she/they

These rules shift direct to indirect speech smoothly.

Mastery helps exam writing.​

Q9(III). Rewrite the Times of India excerpt in reported speech.

Answer:90-year-old A.K. Hangal laughed and asked why they wanted to know his age. He said if people knew he was so old, he wouldn’t get work. … He replied that his intake of everything was in small quantities and he walked a lot. He said he had joined the industry in his 40s… He said he didn’t have any complaints but he had always been underpaid… He regretted that he had been a fool not to understand the value of money earlier.

 Q10. Anger Management… Can you think of three ill effects… Are there any benefits?

Answer:Ill effects: hurts relationships, causes health issues like high BP, leads to regrets.

Avoid: deep breaths, count to 10, walk away.

Benefits: motivates change if controlled.

Managing anger builds stronger character.​

Q11-14. (Speaking/Writing tasks: script, discussion, film scenes, homophones)

Answer:These are group activities. For homophones: “close” (near/shut), “present” (gift/now).

Practice in class for confidence.

Real-life skills beyond exams.​

Grammar – The Proposal

(Do as directed)

Questions

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb given in brackets.
   Lomov ________ (come) to Chubukov’s house to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
   Do as directed.
2. Rewrite the following sentence in the past perfect tense.
   Lomov suffers from palpitations and gets excited easily.
   Do as directed.
3. Change the voice of the following sentence.
   Chubukov embraced and kissed Lomov warmly.
   Do as directed.
4. Change the voice of the following sentence.
   Oxen Meadows were given to the peasants for free use.
   Do as directed.
5. Change the following sentence into Indirect Speech.
   Lomov said, “I have come to ask the hand of your daughter in marriage.”
   Do as directed.
6. Change the following sentence into Direct Speech.
   Natalya said that the Oxen Meadows belonged to her family.
   Do as directed.
7. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles.
   Lomov wore ________ evening dress and ________ pair of white gloves.
   Do as directed.
8. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.
   Lomov was trembling ________ excitement and fear.
   Do as directed.
9. Fill in the blank using a suitable modal.
   Lomov believes that he ________ marry to lead a quiet and regular life.
   Do as directed.
10. Rewrite the sentence using a comparative degree.
    Squeezer is the best dog in the district, according to Natalya.
    Do as directed.
11. Rewrite the following sentence into an interrogative form.
    Lomov gets extremely nervous during arguments.
    Do as directed.
12. Rewrite the following sentence into a negative form without changing the meaning.
    Lomov always gets upset during quarrels.
    Do as directed.
13. Identify and correct the error in the sentence.
    Lomov don’t want to argue about the Meadows.
    Do as directed.
14. In the following passage, one word has been omitted. Identify the missing word and rewrite the sentence correctly.
    Lomov came Chubukov’s house in evening dress.
    Do as directed.
15. Fill in the blanks with suitable words from the chapter.
    Lomov and Natalya quarrel bitterly over the ownership of ________ Meadows, which almost ruins the marriage proposal.
    Do as directed.

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Answers for grammar

1. came
2. Lomov had suffered from palpitations and had got excited easily.
3. Lomov was embraced and kissed warmly by Chubukov.
4. The peasants were given Oxen Meadows for free use.
5. Lomov said that he had come to ask the hand of his daughter in marriage.
6. Natalya said, “The Oxen Meadows belong to my family.”
7. an, a
8. with
9. must
10. Squeezer is better than any other dog in the district, according to Natalya.
11. Does Lomov get extremely nervous during arguments?
12. Lomov never remains calm during quarrels.
13. Error: don’t
    Correction: Lomov doesn’t want to argue about the Meadows.
14. Missing word: to
    Correct sentence: Lomov came to Chubukov’s house in evening dress.
15. Oxen

Extra  Questions & Answers: “The Proposal”

Short Answer Questions

(30–40 words each)

1. Why does Lomov come to Chubukov’s house?

Answer:

• Lomov comes to Chubukov’s house to ask for Natalya Stepanovna’s hand in marriage.
• He believes marriage is necessary to lead a quiet and regular life.
• His decision is based on practical and economic reasons.

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2. How does Chubukov react when Lomov proposes?

Answer:

• Chubukov is overjoyed and emotional on hearing the proposal.
• He embraces and kisses Lomov warmly.
• He immediately agrees and goes to call his daughter Natalya.

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3. What physical problems does Lomov suffer from?

Answer:

• Lomov suffers from palpitations, trembling, and nervous excitement.
• His lips twitch and his heart races during arguments.
• He often feels weak, dizzy, and fears he may die.

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4. Why do Lomov and Natalya quarrel over Oxen Meadows?

Answer:

• Both Lomov and Natalya claim ownership of Oxen Meadows.
• Each believes legal documents support their claim.
• Their argument becomes bitter and aggressive, forgetting the proposal completely.

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5. What shows Natalya’s quarrelsome nature?

Answer:

• Natalya strongly argues over Oxen Meadows and refuses to accept Lomov’s claim.
• She becomes aggressive and emotional during disputes.
• She later quarrels again over the superiority of the dogs, Squeezer and Guess.

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Long Answer Questions

(100–120 words each)

6. Give a character sketch of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.

Answer:

• Lomov is a wealthy landowner who values property and social position.
• He is extremely nervous, weak, and suffers from several physical ailments.
• He believes marriage is a practical necessity, not an emotional bond.
• Lomov is rigid about principles and insists on legal ownership of land.
• He loses self-control easily and panics during arguments.
• His behavior creates comic situations in the play.
• He represents people who allow petty issues to dominate important life decisions.

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7. How does Chekhov use quarrels to create comedy in The Proposal?

Answer:

• Chekhov builds comedy through constant and exaggerated quarrels.
• Serious matters like marriage are forgotten due to petty disputes.
• Arguments over land and dogs replace emotional bonding.
• Physical reactions like fainting and palpitations increase humour.
• The repetition of shouting and contradictions adds to farce.
• The sudden agreement at the end makes the quarrels appear meaningless.

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8. What is the central theme of The Proposal?

Answer:

• The play highlights marriage as a business arrangement among wealthy families.
• Property and wealth matter more than love or understanding.
• Human beings are shown as quarrelsome and selfish.
• Petty issues destroy peace and logic.
• Chekhov exposes the foolishness of social pride and material obsession through humour.

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Extract-Based Questions

Extract:

“The fact is, I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter, Natalya Stepanovna, in marriage.”

9. Who says this line and to whom?

Answer:

• This line is spoken by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.
• He says it to Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov.

10. What is the speaker’s purpose behind saying this?

• Lomov wants to propose marriage to Natalya.
• His intention is practical and economic rather than emotional.

11. What happens immediately after this proposal?

Answer:

• Chubukov reacts with great happiness and excitement.
• He agrees instantly and rushes to call Natalya.
• The proposal later gets interrupted by quarrels.

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Extract:

“Oxen Meadows are mine!”

12. Why does the speaker say this?

Answer:

• Lomov says this to defend his ownership of Oxen Meadows.
• He believes legal documents prove his claim.

13. How does this statement affect the proposal?

Answer:

• The argument over land leads to a heated quarrel.
• The marriage proposal is completely forgotten.
• Lomov’s health worsens due to stress.

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