A Marriage Proposal
Short Questions with Answers
1. Who wrote the drama A Marriage Proposal?
Answers : The drama A Marriage Proposal was written by Anton Chekhov.
2. What is the main theme of the drama A Marriage Proposal?
Answers : The main theme of the drama is the humorous conflicts arising from human weaknesses like stubbornness and pride.
3. What is the profession of Anton Chekhov?
Answers : Anton Chekhov was a doctor by profession, besides being a writer.
4. What is the relationship between Lomov and Natalia?
Answers : Lomov and Natalia are neighbors, and Lomov wishes to marry Natalia.
5. Why does Lomov visit Choobookov’s house?
Answers : Lomov visits Choobookov’s house to ask for Natalia’s hand in marriage.
6. How does Choobookov initially react to Lomov’s proposal?
Answers : Choobookov is overjoyed and wholeheartedly supports the idea of Lomov marrying Natalia.
7. What is Lomov’s biggest personal problem?
Answers : Lomov suffers from nervousness, heart palpitations, and other health issues.
8. What causes the argument between Lomov and Natalia?
Answers : The argument begins over the ownership of Ox Meadows, a piece of land between their properties.
9. What does Natalia call Lomov’s dog, Guess?
Answers : Natalia calls Lomov’s dog, Guess, old and inferior to her dog, Leap.
10. What does Lomov think about Natalia’s dog, Leap?
Answers : Lomov believes Natalia’s dog, Leap, is pug-jawed and inferior to his dog, Guess.
11. Why does Natalia regret arguing with Lomov?
Answers : Natalia regrets arguing with Lomov when she learns he came to propose to her.
12. What does Choobookov call Lomov during their heated argument?
Answers : During the argument, Choobookov calls Lomov a “robber baron” and insults his family.
13. Why does Lomov faint during the argument?
Answers : Lomov faints because of his nervous temperament and health issues during the argument.
14. What happens when Lomov regains consciousness?
Answers : When Lomov regains consciousness, Choobookov finalizes the marriage between Lomov and Natalia.
15. Why does Lomov decide to marry Natalia despite their arguments?
Answers : Lomov believes Natalia is a good housekeeper and suitable for marriage.
16. What does Natalia demand after the argument over the dogs?
Answers : Natalia demands that Lomov admit her dog, Leap, is better than his dog, Guess.
17. What is the setting of the drama?
Answers : The drama is set in the drawing room of Choobookov’s country house.
18. How does the story end?
Answers : The story ends with Choobookov hurriedly arranging the marriage between Lomov and Natalia.
19. What is the significance of the title A Marriage Proposal?
Answers : The title highlights the central event of the story—Lomov’s attempt to propose marriage to Natalia.
20. Why is A Marriage Proposal considered a comedy?
Answers : The drama is a comedy because it humorously portrays trivial arguments and human weaknesses.
Medium Questions with Answers
1. What is Lomov’s main purpose for visiting Choobookov’s house?
Answers : Lomov visits Choobookov’s house to ask for Natalia’s hand in marriage. He is nervous but determined to propose. However, misunderstandings and arguments disrupt his plans.
2. How does Choobookov react when Lomov expresses his desire to marry Natalia?
Answers : Choobookov is initially overjoyed and treats Lomov like a dear friend. He is thrilled about the proposal and praises Lomov. However, his mood changes later due to conflicts.
3. Why does Lomov consider his age critical for marriage?
Answers : Lomov feels that at thirty-five, it is the right time for him to settle down. He is also worried about his health issues, like palpitations and sleeplessness. Marriage seems essential for a stable life.
4. What kind of person is Natalia according to Lomov?
Answers : Lomov describes Natalia as a good housekeeper, educated, and decent-looking. He finds her qualities suitable for marriage. Despite their arguments, he values her character.
5. Why do Lomov and Natalia argue about Ox Meadows?
Answers : Lomov claims that Ox Meadows belongs to his family, while Natalia insists it is hers. Their argument becomes heated as both refuse to back down. The fight disrupts Lomov’s proposal plans.
6. How does Natalia react when she learns about Lomov’s proposal?
Answers : Natalia is shocked and upset when she learns that Lomov came to propose. She immediately regrets arguing with him. She demands her father bring Lomov back.
7. What does Lomov say about his health issues?
Answers : Lomov often complains about palpitations, trembling, and difficulty sleeping. He believes marriage will help him lead a steady life. His hypochondria adds humor to the story.
8. Why does Natalia describe Leap as superior to Guess?
Answers : Natalia says Leap is a pedigreed dog from a good breed and is better at hunting. She criticizes Guess as old and inferior. This argument adds to their ongoing quarrels.
9. What does Choobookov say about the disputed Ox Meadows?
Answers : Choobookov supports Natalia, saying Ox Meadows belong to their family. He mocks Lomov’s claim and adds to the conflict. His intervention worsens the situation.
10. How does the argument about their dogs start?
Answers : Lomov mentions that his dog Guess is an excellent hunting dog, but Natalia insists her dog Leap is better. This leads to another heated argument. Their stubbornness highlights their flaws.
11. How does Choobookov describe Lomov during their argument?
Answers : Choobookov calls Lomov names like “land grabber” and “schemer.” He insults Lomov’s family during the fight. Despite this, he later agrees to the marriage.
12. Why does Natalia cry when Lomov leaves?
Answers : Natalia cries because she realizes she has lost a marriage proposal. She regrets arguing with Lomov instead of accepting his proposal. Her emotional reaction reveals her true feelings.
13. What is the significance of Choobookov in resolving the conflict?
Answers : Choobookov acts as a mediator by bringing Lomov back to Natalia. Despite their arguments, he finalizes the marriage. His actions show his interest in Natalia’s future.
14. What role does humor play in A Marriage Proposal?
Answers : Humor arises from the characters’ stubbornness, petty arguments, and exaggerated reactions. The conflicts over trivial matters like land and dogs add comedic value. Chekhov uses humor to highlight human flaws.
15. What does Choobookov say after the marriage is agreed upon?
Answers : Choobookov expresses relief, saying the “load” is off his back. He finalizes the marriage despite the quarrels. His humorous reaction adds to the play’s light-hearted ending.
Long Questions with Answers
1. What do you learn about Lomov’s character from the play?
Answers : Lomov is nervous, overcautious, and easily upset, often complaining about his health. He overthinks everything, including his decision to propose to Natalia. He is stubborn and argumentative, as seen in the disputes over Ox Meadows and the dogs. His hypochondria adds humor to his personality.
2. How does Natalia react when she realizes Lomov came to propose?
Answers : Natalia feels shocked and regretful when she learns about Lomov’s proposal. She immediately asks her father to bring Lomov back. Her reaction shows she likes Lomov despite their arguments. This moment highlights her emotional and impulsive nature.
3. Why do Lomov and Natalia argue about Ox Meadows?
Answers : Lomov believes Ox Meadows belong to his family, while Natalia insists they are hers. The argument becomes personal, with neither willing to compromise. Choobookov’s involvement escalates the fight further. The dispute disrupts Lomov’s proposal, showcasing their stubbornness.
4. How does the argument about Guess and Leap reflect Natalia and Lomov’s personalities?
Answers : The argument about their dogs shows both Natalia and Lomov’s pride and stubborn nature. Natalia praises Leap as superior, while Lomov insists Guess is better. They refuse to listen to each other, turning a minor issue into a heated fight. This reflects their inability to communicate calmly.
5. How does Choobookov try to handle the conflicts between Lomov and Natalia?
Answers : Choobookov initially supports Natalia during her arguments with Lomov. However, when Natalia regrets her actions, he convinces Lomov to return. Despite his frustration, Choobookov finalizes the marriage to settle the matter. His actions show his practical and humorous side.
6. What is the role of humor in the play?
Answers : Humor in the play comes from the characters’ exaggerated reactions and petty arguments. Lomov’s hypochondria and Natalia’s impulsiveness create amusing situations. Their fights over land and dogs add to the comedy. Chekhov uses humor to highlight the trivialities in human behavior.
7. Why does Choobookov finalize the marriage despite the arguments?
Answers : Choobookov finalizes the marriage to end the constant fighting and ensure Natalia’s future. He sees the proposal as an opportunity for Natalia to marry a decent man like Lomov. Despite being frustrated, he acts quickly to resolve the situation. His actions show his practical mindset.
8. Do Natalia and Lomov truly care about Ox Meadows? Why do they argue over it?
Answers : Natalia and Lomov argue over Ox Meadows out of pride rather than genuine interest in the land. Both want to prove their claim to assert dominance. Their stubbornness leads to an unnecessary conflict. This reflects how trivial matters can overshadow important ones.
9. What does the ending of the play teach us about human nature?
Answers : The ending shows how people often focus on petty arguments instead of resolving meaningful issues. Natalia and Lomov get engaged but continue to argue about trivial matters. Chekhov humorously highlights human flaws like pride and stubbornness. It reflects how emotions often control human actions.
10. How is A Marriage Proposal a satire on human behavior?
Answers : The play satirizes human tendencies like stubbornness, pride, and the obsession with trivial matters. Lomov and Natalia’s arguments over land and dogs overshadow the marriage proposal. Even Choobookov’s reactions are exaggerated, adding to the satire. Chekhov uses humor to mock these flaws in a lighthearted way.
Leave a Reply