The Proposal Summary

The Proposal Summary

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, a hypochondriac landowner, visits the home of his neighbor Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov with the intention of proposing marriage to Chubukov’s 25-year-old daughter, Natalya. Chubukov is delighted about the prospect of the marriage, as he believes it will be a good financial match for his daughter.

The First Argument: Oxen Meadows

However, before Lomov can actually propose, he and Natalya get into a heated argument over the ownership of the Oxen Meadows, a piece of land that adjoins both of their properties. The argument quickly escalates, with both parties hurling personal insults at each other. The stress of the situation causes Lomov to have a flare-up of his palpitations, and he collapses.

Reconciliation and Second Argument: Hunting Dogs

After Lomov recovers, Chubukov manages to get him and Natalya to reconcile. But just as it seems that the proposal will finally happen, the two start another argument, this time about whose hunting dog is superior – Lomov’s dog Guess or Natalya’s dog Squeezer. Once again, the argument spirals out of control, causing Lomov to collapse a second time.

Engagement and Continued Bickering

Thinking that Lomov has died, Natalya laments and declares that she wants to marry him. When Lomov regains consciousness, Chubukov hastily gets the couple engaged. Overjoyed, Chubukov goes off to get champagne to celebrate.

However, left alone, Lomov and Natalya immediately resume their argument about the dogs, even as their engagement is finalized.

Chekhov’s Satire on the Landed Gentry

Through this comical scenario, Chekhov satirizes the superficiality and foolishness of the landed gentry. The petty arguments between the characters over trivial matters like land and hunting dogs undermine the possibility of a happy and fulfilling marriage. Chekhov exposes the absurdity of the characters’ behavior and priorities in contrast to the serious life decision of marriage. Despite the economic sense the marriage makes for both families, the couple’s incessant bickering suggests an unhappy and tumultuous future together. “The Proposal” is a farcical exploration of the foibles and follies of the upper classes, delivered with Chekhov’s signature wit and irony.