Important Questions for CBSE English Class 10 (First Flight) Chapter 9 - The Proposal
Chapter 9 from Class 10 English Syllabus, called "The Proposal," is a funny one-act play written by Anton Chekhov. The story is about Ivan Lomov, Stepan Chubukov, and his daughter Natalya. Lomov, who is Chubukov's neighbour, comes to ask Natalya to marry him, but instead of having a nice conversation, they end up arguing about silly things. The play shows how people can be foolish by fighting over small issues, even when they have something important to do, like getting married. Through funny dialogue and misunderstandings, Chekhov makes fun of how people often care too much about money and argue over unimportant things.
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FAQs on CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight) Important Questions Chapter 9 - The Proposal
1. What are the most important questions likely to be asked from 'The Proposal' in CBSE Class 10 English (2025–26)?
- Who are the main characters in 'The Proposal' and what is their relationship?
- What are the main causes of conflict between Lomov and Natalya?
- How does the play use humour to highlight serious social issues?
- What message does Chekhov convey about marriage and property?
2. Explain the significance of the arguments over Oxen Meadows and the dogs in 'The Proposal'.
The quarrels over Oxen Meadows and the superiority of the dogs in 'The Proposal' demonstrate how trivial matters can overshadow important life events. Both Lomov and Natalya are depicted as stubborn and prideful, which leads to comic disagreements even during a marriage proposal. These conflicts reveal key character traits and critique society’s fixation with property and status.
3. How does the play 'The Proposal' reflect the realities of arranged marriage in 19th-century Russia? (CBSE 3-mark)
- Marriage is shown more as a practical arrangement than a romantic one.
- Lomov's decision is driven by considerations of age, health, and convenience, not love.
- Families prioritize alliances, wealth, and social standing over emotions.
4. What is the irony in the proposal scene between Lomov and Natalya? (CBSE HOTS)
The irony lies in the expectation of a joyful marriage proposal, but instead, Lomov and Natalya get embroiled in petty arguments. What should be a harmonious moment turns into chaos, making the proposal more about winning disputes than expressing feelings – a clear example of dramatic irony.
5. According to CBSE Class 10 pattern, how should students structure their 5-mark answers for 'The Proposal'?
- Begin with a brief introduction of the play and its main theme.
- Address all parts of the question directly, using clear paragraphs.
- Support points with textual evidence or specific incidents.
- Conclude by linking back to the play’s message or the question’s focus.
6. How does Chubukov’s behaviour drive the action in 'The Proposal'? (Expected FUQ)
Chubukov acts as a mediator and opportunist. Initially, he is eager for the match due to its advantages. However, he quickly gets swept up in the arguments, often escalating them. Ultimately, he forces Lomov and Natalya back together to ensure the proposal succeeds. His actions add both humour and momentum to the narrative, making him crucial for plot development.
7. What common mistakes do students make in 'The Proposal' important questions? (Board trend FUQ)
- Ignoring character motivations and focusing only on events.
- Missing the play’s use of satire and irony.
- Writing generic answers without citing examples or dialogues.
8. Why is understanding the personalities of Lomov, Natalya, and Chubukov important for exam answers?
Detailed knowledge of each character’s traits, such as Lomov’s anxiety and stubbornness, Natalya’s pride, and Chubukov’s manipulative enthusiasm, allows students to write nuanced answers. CBSE frequently asks character-based questions to assess deeper literary analysis skills.
9. How does Anton Chekhov use humour as a tool for social criticism in 'The Proposal'?
Chekhov employs exaggeration, absurd arguments, and quick dialogue exchanges to reveal human follies and the superficial basis of marriage negotiations. Through laughter, he exposes the greed, pride, and lack of genuine emotion in the society of his time.
10. What is the role of setting in creating the mood for the events in 'The Proposal'? (Conceptual FUQ, 3-mark)
The formal and supposedly dignified setting of Chubukov's drawing room contrasts sharply with the childish disputes that occur, thereby heightening the absurdity and humour of the play. This setting adds to the comic tension whenever the serious topic of marriage devolves into trivial bickering.
11. Discuss the relevance of 'The Proposal' to today’s society. (Application FUQ)
Although set in the 19th century, the play’s focus on pride, superficiality, and the prioritization of wealth and status in personal relationships remains relevant. Many contemporary societies still witness similar issues, making Chekhov’s satire timeless.
12. What health problems does Lomov mention, and how do they influence the plot?
Lomov complains of heart palpitations, headaches, and nervousness. These anxieties make him more irritable and desperate to settle down, which, in turn, causes tension and awkward humour during his proposal. His health serves as both a motivator for marriage and as a device for comic relief.
13. How can students prepare for HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions on 'The Proposal'?
- Analyze characters’ intentions and underlying themes.
- Practice expressing opinions on the play’s message and relevance.
- Prepare examples of irony and social commentary in dialogues.
14. What message about human nature is conveyed in 'The Proposal'?
The play shows that people often value ego, property, and social status above genuine understanding or love. Chekhov humorously criticizes society’s tendency to let insignificant matters overpower important moments, as seen through the never-ending quarrels over trivial issues.
15. Outline a sample answer for a 3-mark expected question on the play’s humour. (Exam skills, CBSE 2025–26)
- Chekhov uses quick, witty exchanges and silly disputes to create humour.
- Characters act in exaggeratedly stubborn or dramatic ways over minor issues (Oxen Meadows, the dogs).
- This transforms a serious event into a comedic one, using laughter to deliver broader social messages.
