The Proposal English class 10 in English Medium ncert book solutions NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers

Chapter 9. The Proposal

This section contains the NCERT textbook questions and answers based on The Proposal. The answers are written in simple, accurate, and exam-oriented language according to the latest CBSE syllabus.

NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers

The following questions are based on The Proposal. Read them carefully to understand the characters, the humorous situations, and the central idea of the play.

Thinking About the Play

Question 1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says, “And I've always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.

Answer:

At first, Chubukov suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money because he arrives unexpectedly wearing formal clothes. He even thinks to himself that he will not lend him anything. However, when Lomov reveals that he has come to ask for Natalya's hand in marriage, Chubukov becomes extremely happy and warmly welcomes the proposal. His affectionate words seem sincere because he immediately accepts the proposal and blesses the match. At the same time, his behaviour also shows that he is pleased because the marriage would unite two wealthy neighbouring families.

Question 2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “... as if she won't consent! She's in love; egad, she's like a lovesick cat...” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.

Answer:

Yes, Chubukov's statement proves to be true. Although Natalya quarrels bitterly with Lomov over Oxen Meadows and later over their dogs, she becomes anxious as soon as she learns that Lomov had actually come to propose marriage. She immediately asks her father to bring him back and agrees to marry him. This shows that she is willing to marry Lomov despite their constant arguments.

Question 3 (i). Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other.

Answer:

Words of praise:

• An excellent housekeeper
• Not bad-looking
• Well-educated
• Good neighbour
• Friend
• My darling
• My angel
• My precious

Accusations and insults:

• Landgrabber
• Grabber
• Intriguer
• Malicious, double-faced intriguer
• Fool
• Pup
• Old rat
• Jesuit
• Scarecrow
• Monster
• Villain
• Stuffed sausage
• Turnip-ghost
• Rascal

Question 3 (ii). Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.

Answer:

Ivan Lomov: Nervous, quarrelsome, wealthy, emotional, impatient.

Natalya Stepanovna: Intelligent, stubborn, argumentative, confident, energetic.

Stepan Chubukov: Hot-tempered, humorous, talkative, practical, short-sighted.

Question 3 (iii). Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?

Answer:

Yes. Since all three characters are stubborn and argumentative, they are likely to quarrel again over some trivial matter. They may argue about their hunting dogs, farming, household matters, neighbours, property, or any other small issue. Their habit of turning ordinary conversations into heated arguments creates the humour of the play.

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