First Flight (Prose): The Proposal

Topics in this chapter

• Proposal Plot And Ending
• Lomov, Natalya And Chubukov
• Property And Dog Disputes
• Marriage Motives And Social Class
• Satire, Comedy And Irony
• Dialogue And Dramatic Structure

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-5F0AF3

   What is the primary reason Lomov visits Chubukov at the beginning of the play 'The Proposal'?

   1. A.To borrow money to pay off his debts
   2. B.To propose marriage to Chubukov's daughter, Natalya
   3. C.To settle a long-standing land dispute regarding Oxen Meadows
   4. D.To invite Chubukov to a hunting party
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-1257D8

   Why does Lomov claim that Oxen Meadows belong to him and his aunt's grandmother?

   1. A.He bought them legally from Chubukov's father.
   2. B.They were given to Chubukov's peasants for free use in exchange for making bricks.
   3. C.They won them in a legal court battle decades ago.
   4. D.His family inherited them after winning a regional election.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-7B5C0A

   Which physical ailment and psychological trigger frequently plagues Lomov throughout the play?

   1. A.Severe asthma and a weak heart aggravated by excitement and palpitations
   2. B.Chronic insomnia and temporary blindness caused by bright lights
   3. C.Gout in his right foot and sudden loss of hearing
   4. D.Migraines and vertigo triggered by cold weather
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-30EA8A

   What is the name of Natalya's dog, and how does it compare to Lomov's dog according to the argument?

   1. A.Natalya's dog is Guess, which Lomov admits is superior to his own dog, Squeezer.
   2. B.Natalya's dog is Squeezer, which Lomov claims is overshot and a bad hunter compared to his dog, Guess.
   3. C.Natalya's dog is Guess, which Lomov claims has gone lame and lost its sense of smell.
   4. D.Natalya's dog is Ugor, which is older and faster than Lomov's dog, Leap.
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-943736

   How does Stepan Chubukov react when he discovers that Lomov has come to propose to his daughter?

   1. A.He refuses the proposal because Lomov is of lower social standing.
   2. B.He is overjoyed, embraces and kisses Lomov, and calls for champagne.
   3. C.He tells Lomov to ask Natalya directly without his interference.
   4. D.He gets angry and throws Lomov out of the house immediately.
   See the answer and solution