The one-act play "The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov satirizes the conventions of 19th century Russian society through the absurd interactions of the characters. It follows the impending marriage proposal between the neighbors Ivan Lomov and Natalia Chubukova. Through their petty arguments over trivial matters like property lines, Chekhov highlights the shallowness of prioritizing social norms over genuine human connection. The play also subtly critiques the expectations for women like Natalia to conform to traditional gender roles and marry according to her father's wishes. With its realistic portrayal of daily life and understated comedy, "The Proposal" questions social conventions while entertaining the audience.

1. THE PRAPOSAL
- Anton Chekhov
TAMSA PANDYA
RESEARCH SCHOLAR
MKBU

2. ABOUT THE PLAY
 "The Proposal" is a one-act comedic play written by Anton Chekhov written in 1888 - 89, the play
originally written in Russian language and later translated into English. The play was first
performed in 1890.
 It explores the themes of love, marriage, and the absurdity of human behavior. Setting of the play
is a drawing - room in Chubukov's house.
 Major two fights thought the play 1) For oxen meadows 2) For Dogs
 "The Proposal" revolves around a seemingly trivial matter—an imminent proposal of marriage
between two neighboring landowners, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov and Natalya Stepnovna.
 The characters in "The Proposal" are archetypal representations of Russian society at the time.
 Through the play's humor, Chekhov criticizes the shallowness of societal norms, highlighting how
people often prioritize petty disagreements over genuine human connections
 Chekhov's skillful use of dramatic irony is another prominent feature in "The Proposal."

3. Few Basic Points To
Cover Storyline
♥ Human Actions- Reactions
♥ Satire & Irony upon ordinary life or
people
♥ Representation of Real personalities
♥ Criticism upon Time ( Victorian Era)
♥ High voltage Dramatic skills in
characters
♥ Realistic presentations of class and
culture

4. About Anton Chekhov
 Anton Chekhov, was born on January 29,
1860, in Taganrog, Russia.
 He is renowned for the fields of short
stories and plays.
 Chekhov's unique style of writing realism,
psychological depth, and keen
observation of human nature.
 Chekhov remained dedicated to his craft,
tirelessly creating literary masterpieces until
his death on July 15, 1904, at the age of
44.

5. Characters In The Play
Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov - A land owner,
Father of Natalya.
Natalya Stepanovna - Daughter of
Chubukov, 25 Year old.
Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov - a neighbour of
Chubukov, 35 year old.

6. Natalya Stepanovna - Daughter of Chubukov,
25 Year old
1. STRONG
2. AGE-25
3. HOUSE KEEPER
4. GOOD LOOKING
5. EDUCATED
6. GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
7. STUBBORN
8. EROGANT
9. SHORT-TEMPER
10. AGGRESSIVE

7. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov - a neighbour of Chubukov,
35 year old.
1. AGE 35
2. LAND OWNER
3. RICH AND WEALTHY
4. LACKING CONFIDENCE
5. WEAK, HEALTH ISSUES
6. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WEAKNESS
7. BREAKING NORMS ( STEREOTYPES) OF SOCIETY
8. FEAR OF REJECTION
9. EASY MANIPULATION
10. GOOD AND GENTLEMEN BY NATURE

8. Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov - A land owner,
Father of Natalya.
1. MIDDLE AGES MAN ( 55 APPROX)
2. LANDOWNER – RICH
3. MAN WITH PRACTICKLE THINKING
4. POWER OF MONEY AND SOCIAL STATUS
5. TRUE VALUE OF SOCIAL CUSTOMS, NORMS AND CULTURE
6. RESPONSIBLE FATHER
7. SHORT TEMPERED
8. SUPPURTIVE FATHER
9. NON-ARROGANCE
10. LOVE FOR HER DAUGHTER

9. Social Class
and Marriage
Themes in the
play
Love and
Romance
Communication &
Misunderstandings
The Absurdity of
Human Existence
Gender Roles
Expectations
Satire and
Irony
Theme of
responsibility

10. Symbolism in The Proposal
Oxen
Meadows
Lomov's
Hypochondria
Guesser and
Messer
Symbol of love
Otkatai &
Ugadi(dogs)

11. Critical Analysis Of The Play
1. This one act play through witty dialogue, exaggerated characters, and absurd
situations, Chekhov challenges conventional ideas about marriage, social class, and
communication, ultimately offering a critical perspective on the human condition.
2. One of the central themes explored in the play is the role of social class in marriage.
Chekhov exposes the superficiality and materialistic nature of this practice by
portraying characters who prioritize wealth and status over genuine connection and
compatibility.
3. Chekhov uses "The Proposal" to satirize the inefficiency and futility of human
communication. The characters continuously misunderstand each other, engaging in
petty arguments and misinterpreting intentions.
4. This lack of effective communication results in exaggerated conflicts and absurdity.

12. Count…..
1. Gender roles and societal expectations are subtly critiqued in the play. Natalya, the
female protagonist, is expected to conform to traditional gender roles and marry
according to her father's wishes.
2. The play reflects Chekhov's exploration of the absurdity and meaninglessness of
human existence. The characters in "The Proposal" are consumed by insignificant
concerns and engage in petty arguments over trivial matters
3. In terms of structure, "The Proposal" adheres to Chekhov's signature style of
understated realism, emphasizing the mundane aspects of daily life. The simplicity
of the setting and the brevity of the play contribute to its effectiveness in delivering its
critical message.
4. Chekhov's use of comedic elements and ironic twists serves to engage the audience
while subtly questioning the conventions and norms of society.

13. Questions might be asked
in exams
1. Discuss in detailed one act play “ THE PRAPOSAL”
2. Write in details about the themes of the play “ THE PRAPOSAL”
3. Critically evaluate the play “ THE PRAPOSAL”
4. Draw the character sketch of ‘ NATALIA’
5. Draw the character sketch of ‘Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov ’
6. Draw the character sketch of ‘Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov ’

14. THANK YOU