The Proposal by Anton Chekhov

Plot Summary

• The Proposal is a one-act play written by Anton Chekhov in 1890
• The story revolves around a young man named Ivan Vassiliyevich Lomov, who comes to propose to his neighbor, Natalya Stepanovna Chubukova
• Lomov is a wealthy landowner who is looking for a wife to manage his estate

Characters

• Ivan Vassiliyevich Lomov: The protagonist, a wealthy landowner who comes to propose to Natalya
• Natalya Stepanovna Chubukova: The object of Lomov's affections, a strong-willed woman who is not impressed by Lomov's attempts to woo her
• Chubukov: Natalya's father, who is eager to see his daughter married off to Lomov

Themes

• The play explores the theme of social class and marriage in 19th-century Russia
• It satirizes the social conventions of the time, particularly the practice of arranged marriages for financial gain
• The play also touches on the theme of love vs. convenience, as Lomov's motivations for proposing to Natalya are more practical than romantic

Symbolism

• Lomov's frequent illness and hypochondria can be seen as a symbol of his own emotional and psychological fragility
• The argument over the Oxen Meadows serves as a symbol for the petty squabbles and disagreements that can arise in relationships

Style and Structure

• The play is characterized by its witty dialogue and comedic tone
• Chekhov's use of satire and irony adds to the play's humor and social commentary
• The one-act structure of the play allows for a concise and focused exploration of the themes and characters

Test your knowledge of Anton Chekhov's one-act play, The Proposal. Learn about the characters, themes, and symbolism in this satirical play about marriage and social class in 19th-century Russia.