About the Author
Anton Chekhov
Anton Chekhov was a famous Russian writer and doctor. He was born on 29 January 1860 in a small town in Russia. He wrote many short plays and stories that are funny but also show real life. His plays are short, quick, and full of silly fights over small things. People laugh at the characters, but they also see themselves in them.
He became a doctor to help poor people, but he loved writing more. He died young in 1904 because of sickness.
"The Proposal" is a funny one-act play. It shows how people fight over nothing when they should be happy!
What’s the Story About?
This is a short, funny play (like a drama on stage). It has only three characters and happens in one room. The story is about a man who wants to get married, but everything goes wrong because of silly arguments!
The Simple Story (Step by Step)
- Lomov comes to propose
Lomov is a 35-year-old man. He wears a nice suit and is very nervous. He goes to his neighbor Chubukov’s house. He wants to ask for Natalya’s hand in marriage (means: he wants to marry her). He is shaking because he is scared to talk about love! - Chubukov is happy
Chubukov (Natalya’s father) is surprised but super happy! He says, “Yes! Yes! She will marry you!” He hugs Lomov and calls Natalya. - Natalya comes in
Natalya is 25 years old. She is pretty and smart. She does not know why Lomov came. She thinks he just came to say hello. They start talking like friends. - Fight about land!
Lomov says, “I have some land called Oxen Meadows. It is mine.” Natalya says, “No! It is our land!” They shout and argue. Lomov says his family owned it for 300 years. Natalya says her grandmother used it. Big fight over a small piece of land! - Chubukov joins the fight
Chubukov comes in. He says, “Oxen Meadows is ours!” Now all three are shouting. Lomov’s face turns red. He feels sick. He says his heart is jumping! - Lomov leaves in anger
Lomov says, “You are all mad!” and walks out. Chubukov says, “Good! We don’t want him!” - Natalya learns the truth
Chubukov tells Natalya, “He came to propose to you!” Natalya cries, “Bring him back! I want to marry him!” - Lomov comes back
Chubukov brings Lomov back. Natalya says sorry. Lomov says sorry. They smile. - New fight – about dogs!
Lomov says, “My dog Guess is the best hunter.” Natalya says, “No! My dog Squeezer is better!” They fight again. Lomov says Guess cost 125 rupees. Squeezer cost only 85. Chubukov joins again. They shout about dogs’ legs, teeth, and price! - Lomov falls down
Lomov feels very sick. His hands shake. He falls on the chair. Everyone thinks he is dead! - Happy ending (sort of)
The doctor is called. Lomov opens his eyes. Chubukov is scared. He says, “Quick! Get married now!” He gives Natalya’s hand to Lomov. They say “yes”. But… they still argue about the dogs even after saying yes! The play ends with shouting and laughter.
Funny Point: They want to get married, but they fight over land and dogs instead of talking about love!
Who’s Who in the Story
- Ivan Lomov – A 35-year-old man who is very nervous and wants to marry Natalya.
- Natalya – A 25-year-old girl who is smart, loud, and loves her dog.
- Stepan Chubukov – Natalya’s father, a rich farmer who is first happy but later gets angry.
(Only 3 people in the whole play!)
Themes and Moral
Main Themes
- Silly Arguments: People fight over small things (land, dogs) and forget big things (love, marriage).
- Pride and Ego: Everyone wants to be right. They shout to win, not to understand.
- Marriage in Old Times: In the past, people married for land, money, or family – not always for love.
- Comedy in Real Life: We laugh because we see our own fights in the play.
Moral Lessons
- Don’t fight over small things – Talk calmly. Land and dogs are not more important than family.
- Say sorry fast – Natalya and Lomov said sorry and came back together.
- Laugh at yourself – Life is funny. Don’t take every fight seriously.
- Love needs patience – Marriage is good, but you need to control anger.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Easy words with simple meanings (from the play)
Words
- Propose – Ask someone to marry you. Example: Lomov came to propose to Natalya.
- Neighbor – Person living near your house. Example: Lomov is Chubukov’s neighbor.
- Meadows – Open grassy land. Example: Oxen Meadows is the land they fight for.
- Quarrel – Angry fight with words. Example: They quarrel about land and dogs.
- Hunter – Person or dog that catches animals. Example: Guess is a good hunter dog.
- Faint – Fall down because of weakness or shock. Example: Lomov faints during the fight.
- Bless – Give good wishes (like in marriage). Example: Chubukov says, “God bless you!”
Phrases
- Get worked up – Become very angry or excited. Example: Lomov got worked up about the land.
- Make a proposal – Ask for marriage. Example: He came to make a proposal.
- Hold one’s ground – Not change your opinion. Example: Natalya held her ground about the dog.
- At loggerheads – Always fighting. Example: They are at loggerheads over small things.
- Pull someone’s leg – Joke or tease (but they fight seriously!). Example: (Not in the play, but funny to know!)
Tip: Practice these words by making 5 sentences each. Use them in your answers to score high! 😊
Remember: This play is funny on purpose. Chekhov wants us to laugh at the characters – and then think, “Do I also fight over silly things?” Read it like a funny TV show. Enjoy the shouting! 😂