36. Summary of the lesson, "The Proposal"

The play "The Proposal," by Anton Chekhov, is a Russian one-act comedy that revolves around three central figures: Chubukov, Natalya, and Lomov. The play opens with Lomov visiting Chubukov to ask his permission to marry his daughter Natalya. Chubukov, overjoyed and excited, agrees to offer his daughter's hands to Lomov. The scenario was initially pleasant until Natalya entered, and both she and Lomov began bickering about the rightful owner of the Oxen Meadows land.

 

After a lengthy argument between Natalya, Chubukov, and Lomov, who has been experiencing palpitations, Lomov departs Chubukov's home. And not long after Lomov left, Chubukov unintentionally disclosed the purpose of Lomov's arrival. As a result, Natalya is astonished and surprised to learn about Lomov's proposal and requests that her father give him a call.

 

Natalya approaches Lomov while he is still away in the hopes that he will propose, but their conversation quickly devolves into a debate over which of their dogs is superior. As Chubukov becomes involved, Lomov becomes unconscious and becomes unwell. Lomov and Natalya kiss each other with Natalya's hands in his, and the play concludes happily.