The Proposal Question Answer

1. “Why are you so formal in your get-up?”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Chubukov said this to Lomov.
• What led the speaker to make this comment?
  Lomov had come dressed formally to propose to Natalya. However, Chubukov initially assumed that Lomov was there for a business-related matter.
• How does this line set the mood for the conversation?
  The line introduces a tone of slight humor and curiosity, reflecting the miscommunication and setting the stage for the subsequent comedic misunderstandings.

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

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Lomov said this to Chubukov.
• How did the listener initially react to this statement?
  Chubukov was surprised and overjoyed, immediately blessing Lomov and expressing his approval of the proposal.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s character and intentions?
  It reveals that Lomov is nervous but determined to fulfill his societal duty of marriage. His approach shows his lack of romantic confidence.

3. “She’s like a love-sick cat.”

• Who said this, and about whom?
  Chubukov said this about Natalya.
• Why is this comparison made?
  Chubukov made this comment after he realized that Natalya had feelings for Lomov and was upset when she learned about his departure.
• What does this reveal about the relationship between the speaker and the person referred to?
  The line humorously highlights Chubukov’s exasperation with his daughter’s emotional response, while also showing his affection for her.

4. “Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine.”

• Who is the speaker, and who is spoken to?
  Lomov said this to Natalya.
• What is the significance of Oxen Meadows in the story?
  Oxen Meadows represents a trivial property dispute that escalates into a major argument between Lomov and Natalya, highlighting their pettiness.
• How does this line reflect the theme of conflict?
  It exemplifies the ridiculousness of human pride and the unnecessary conflicts that arise from trivial matters.

5. “Forgive us, Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Chubukov said this to Lomov after their heated argument over Oxen Meadows.
• What caused the argument to heat up?
  The argument escalated because both parties were stubborn and refused to concede ownership of the land.
• How does this line reflect the tone of reconciliation?
  The line shows a momentary truce and an attempt to mend relationships, although it is brief and comically insincere.

6. “Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here!”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Natalya said this to her father, Chubukov.
• What triggered this emotional reaction?
  Natalya became upset and begged her father to bring Lomov back after learning that he had come to propose to her.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s personality?
  It reveals Natalya’s impulsive and emotional nature, as well as her concern for securing her relationship with Lomov.

7. “I’m the most unhappy of men.”

• Who said this, and why?
  Lomov said this because of the constant arguments and misunderstandings he faced while trying to propose to Natalya.
• What led the speaker to feel this way?
  Lomov’s nervous disposition, combined with the escalating disputes over trivial matters, caused him to feel defeated.
• How does the speaker eventually overcome this unhappiness?
  Despite the arguments, the proposal is accepted, bringing a resolution to his misery.

8. “Hurry up and get married and—well, to the devil with you!”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Chubukov said this during the chaotic and heated conclusion of the play, when Lomov and Natalya finally decided to marry.
• How does this reflect the speaker’s exasperation?
  Chubukov is fed up with the constant bickering and wants the marriage to happen quickly to resolve the ongoing tension.
• What does this line indicate about societal expectations?
  The line highlights the societal pressure to prioritize marriage, even amid conflicts and absurdities.

9. “The most necessary thing is to bring Guess back!”

• Who said this, and why?
  Natalya said this while arguing with Lomov about whose dog, Guess or Squeezer, was better.
• How does this reveal the speaker’s priorities?
  This line shows Natalya’s attachment to trivial matters, as she shifts focus from the marriage proposal to the superiority of her dog.
• What role do the dogs play in the story?
  The dogs symbolize the characters’ competitiveness and the absurdity of their arguments.

10. “Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter!”

• Who said this, and in what situation?
  Chubukov said this during a moment of frustration while dealing with Natalya’s emotional outbursts and the escalating conflicts.
• How does this reflect the challenges of the speaker?
  The line humorously conveys Chubukov’s exasperation with the responsibilities of parenting a marriageable daughter.
• What does this reveal about the social context of marriage?
  It reflects the societal expectation that parents must ensure their children’s marriages, often amid chaotic circumstances.

11. “I suffer from palpitations, I’m excitable and always getting awfully upset.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Lomov said this while explaining his nervous condition during the arguments.
• How does this reflect the speaker’s personality?
  It reveals Lomov’s hypersensitive and anxious nature, which contributes to the humor of the play.
• How does this contribute to the humor in the play?
  Lomov’s exaggerated health complaints during trivial disputes add a layer of absurdity and comic relief.

12. “We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years.”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Lomov said this to Natalya while claiming ownership of Oxen Meadows.
• What argument does the speaker provide for claiming the land?
  Lomov argues that the land has been in his family’s possession for generations, dismissing Natalya’s claim.
• How does this line exemplify the theme of petty conflicts?
  The line highlights the absurdity of clinging to such disputes, reflecting the triviality of human pride and stubbornness.

13. “He’s come to borrow money! Shan’t give him any!”

• Who said this, and about whom?
  Chubukov said this about Lomov when he first arrived.
• What assumption does the speaker make?
  Chubukov initially assumes that Lomov has come to ask for a loan rather than propose to Natalya.
• How does this reflect the social dynamics of the characters?
  It reveals Chubukov’s distrustful and reactive nature, adding to the play’s comedic misunderstandings.

14. “What sort of a hunter are you? You can’t even sit on a horse!”

• Who said this, and to whom?
  Natalya said this to Lomov during their argument about their dogs.
• Why does the speaker criticize the listener?
  Natalya uses this insult to undermine Lomov’s claim of being a superior hunter, adding fuel to their petty argument.
• How does this contribute to the comedic tension in the play?
  The argument over trivial matters like hunting and dogs escalates to ridiculous levels, creating humor.

15. “Guess is better than Squeezer.”

• Who made this claim, and in what context?
  Lomov made this claim during his argument with Natalya about their dogs.
• What does this argument reveal about the speaker’s attitude?
  It reveals Lomov’s competitive nature and his tendency to get caught up in trivial disputes.
• How does this conversation escalate the tension in the play?
  The argument shifts from marriage to a battle of egos over whose dog is better, adding to the farcical tension.

16. “Marriage is a duty, and one must fulfill it.”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  This is said by Lomov while he is trying to justify his decision to propose to Natalya. He sees marriage not as a romantic union but as a practical duty that must be fulfilled.
• How does this reflect the societal attitudes towards marriage in the play?
  The line reflects the societal expectations of marriage as a social obligation, particularly for individuals of marriageable age. It shows how people often prioritize financial and social stability over love or personal connection in relationships.
• What does this reveal about the speaker’s character?
  It reveals that Lomov is pragmatic, nervous, and focused on fulfilling societal norms. He lacks romanticism, approaching marriage more as a transaction than a bond of affection.

17. “If we thought about it logically, why would we argue over such trifles?”

• Who said this, and in what situation?
  This is said by Chubukov during one of the heated arguments between Lomov and Natalya over petty issues such as the ownership of Oxen Meadows or the superiority of their dogs.
• How does this line reflect the theme of petty conflicts in the play?
  The line highlights the absurdity of the characters’ quarrels, which are rooted in pride and stubbornness rather than logical reasoning. It emphasizes how minor disputes can escalate into major arguments.
• How does this contribute to the humor of the story?
  The irony lies in the fact that despite acknowledging the triviality of the disputes, the characters continue to bicker relentlessly. This adds to the farcical nature of the play.

18. “I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before me!”

• Who said this, and what does it reveal about their emotional state?
  Lomov says this at the beginning of the play when he is preparing to propose to Natalya. It reveals his nervousness and lack of confidence in expressing his feelings.
• How does this line reflect the speaker’s personality?
  This line shows that Lomov is highly anxious, overthinks situations, and lacks self-assurance. His nervousness adds a comedic element to his character.
• How does this contribute to the tension at the beginning of the play?
  Lomov’s nervousness creates anticipation and sets the stage for the awkwardness and humor that ensue during his proposal attempt.

19. “She is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”

• Who said this, and about whom?
  Lomov says this about Natalya while explaining his reasons for proposing to her. He lists these qualities as practical reasons to marry her.
• How does this reflect the transactional nature of marriage in the play?
  The statement reduces Natalya to a list of attributes that make her suitable for marriage, reflecting the lack of emotional depth or romantic sentiment in the arrangement. It underscores how marriage is viewed as a practical transaction.
• What does this reveal about the social context of the time?
  The line highlights the social norms of the 19th century, where marriage was often more about property, social standing, and practicality than love or compatibility.

20. “You’re not a neighbor, you’re a grabber!”

• Who said this, and in what context?
  Natalya says this to Lomov during their argument over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Her frustration leads her to accuse Lomov of trying to take what she believes is her rightful property.
• How does this line escalate the argument between the characters?
  The insult escalates the tension between Lomov and Natalya, transforming a minor dispute into a heated quarrel fueled by pride and stubbornness.
• How does this reflect the theme of ownership and pride in the play?
  The line showcases how personal pride and a sense of ownership over material possessions drive conflicts in the play. It also highlights the absurdity of human behavior when ego and social status are involved.