The Proposal
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.
Difficult Words from “The Proposal” and Their Meanings
1. Palpitations (n.): A sudden rapid beating or fluttering of the heart.
2. Pettifogger (n.): A petty, quibbling, unscrupulous lawyer.
3. Embezzlement (n.): Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer.
4. Malicious (adj.): Intending to do harm.
5. Egad (interj.): Exclamation of surprise or anger.
6. Hump-backed (adj.): Having a rounded, projecting back.
7. Wizen-faced (adj.): Having a shriveled or wrinkled face.
8. Jesuit (n.): A member of the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus; used to describe someone who uses subtle or devious methods.
9. Landed proprietor (n.): A person who owns a large estate or acreage.
10. Perpetuity (n.): The state or quality of lasting forever.
11. Farce (n.): A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay; a ludicrous or empty show.
12. Tussle (n.): A vigorous struggle or scuffle, usually in order to obtain or achieve something.
13. Impudence (n.): The quality of being offensively bold or disrespectful.
14. Implore (v.): To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
15. Politeness (n.): The act of being polite or courteous.
16. Misfortune (n.): An unfortunate condition or event.
17. Dignified (adj.): Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.
18. Heartache (n.): Emotional anguish or grief, typically caused by the loss or absence of someone loved.
19. Tremor (n.): An involuntary quivering or shaking movement in a person, animal or object.
20. Overshot (adj.): (of a dog) Having the lower jaw projecting beyond the upper jaw.