CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 Summary: Here we have provided the summary of Chapter 9, The Proposal from the CBSE Class 10 English First Flight textbook. This one-act play by Anton Chekhov is a humorous portrayal of two wealthy families in rural Russia trying to unite through marriage.
The story revolves around Ivan Lomov, who comes to propose to his neighbor, Natalya Stepanovna. However, instead of a calm proposal, they end up arguing over petty issues like land and pet dogs. Despite the frequent quarrels, the proposal is eventually accepted. The play highlights human nature, ego, and the absurdity of material concerns in relationships.
CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English First Flight The Proposal
The Proposal is a humorous play that shows how two wealthy families try to grow their property and status through marriage. The story begins with Ivan Lomov visiting his neighbor, Stepan Chubukov, to propose to his 25-year-old daughter, Natalya Stepanovna. Lomov, a 35-year-old landowner, is nervous and has health issues like a weak heart. At first, Chubukov thinks Lomov has come to borrow money, but when he learns about the proposal, he is delighted and quickly calls Natalya.
When Lomov begins talking to Natalya, he brings up a piece of land called Oxen Meadows. This leads to a heated argument, as both claim ownership of it. Lomov becomes overly stressed and suffers a health episode. Chubukov enters, and both he and Natalya insult Lomov, who then storms out. Soon after, Chubukov accidentally mentions that Lomov had come to propose. Shocked and regretful, Natalya begs her father to bring Lomov back.
Chubukov finds Lomov and brings him back, and Natalya quickly changes the topic to dogs. But soon, another argument starts—this time about whose dog is better: Natalya’s Squeezer or Lomov’s Guess. Chubukov joins in, and once again, the fight escalates until Lomov faints from all the stress.
Natalya then admits she wants to marry Lomov, and when he regains consciousness, their engagement is finalized. However, the bickering doesn’t stop, as they continue arguing about the dogs even after agreeing to marry. The play ends on a funny note, showing how petty arguments can exist even in serious situations like marriage.
The Proposal ends on a humorous note, highlighting how people often quarrel over silly issues even in important matters like marriage. Despite frequent arguments between Lomov and Natalya—first over land, then over dogs—their families still push for the marriage to unite their wealth. The play cleverly shows the foolishness of materialism and the comic nature of human behavior. In the end, though they agree to marry, their constant bickering continues, emphasizing the irony and humor in relationships.
Below we have provided the PDF summary of Chapter 9 The Proposal, from the CBSE Class 10 English First Flight textbook. This chapter is a one-act play written by Anton Chekhov that presents a light-hearted comedy revolving around marriage, wealth, and petty arguments.
It showcases how two wealthy families argue over trivial matters yet still pursue a marriage alliance for financial gain. The play ends humorously, reflecting the absurdity of human nature and the irony often found in relationships and social expectations.
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