The Proposal

Critical Analysis of The Proposal by Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov’s one-act play The Proposal (also known as A Marriage Proposal) is a delightful farce that presents a humorous yet thought-provoking commentary on the absurdities of human nature, particularly concerning matters of pride, ego, and materialism. The play, while lighthearted, is an insightful social satire that highlights the trivialities that can cloud relationships and decision-making, even in the context of something as significant as a marriage proposal. Through the use of situational irony, witty dialogue, and exaggerated characters, Chekhov captures the pettiness of human concerns, exposing the often ridiculous nature of disputes that arise from matters of ownership and pride.

Themes

1. Marriage as a Social Contract Marriage in The Proposal is presented not as an act of love, but as a practical, even transactional arrangement. Lomov’s proposal to Natalya is motivated by his sense of social obligation and self-preservation. He feels that it is time for him to settle down because, at 35 years old, he is at a "critical age" and must lead a quiet and regular life. The notion of romance or love is notably absent from his reasoning, as he praises Natalya for her practical qualities like her housekeeping skills and education, rather than any emotional connection. This reflects the societal norms of 19th-century Russia, where marriages were often seen as alliances between families rather than unions of love.

The irony is that while the characters are engaging in a proposal—a traditionally intimate and personal moment—their conversation quickly devolves into an argument about property, turning what should have been a romantic gesture into a farcical dispute. This shows Chekhov’s critique of how social and material concerns can overshadow personal relationships.

1. Pettiness and Ego The characters’ ego-driven arguments over trivial matters like the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their dogs (Guess vs. Squeezer) are central to the humor and conflict of the play. Lomov comes to Chubukov’s house with the intention of proposing to Natalya, but the proposal is soon forgotten as he and Natalya descend into a heated debate over the ownership of a small piece of land, Oxen Meadows.

The conflict is exaggerated and becomes comical as neither Lomov nor Natalya can let go of their pride. Despite the insignificance of the meadows (they are not even particularly valuable), both characters are more concerned with being right than with the issue at hand. This petty squabbling reveals a fundamental truth about human nature: people often allow trivial disputes to escalate out of proportion because their sense of pride is at stake. Chekhov uses this to illustrate how people can lose sight of what is truly important, allowing minor issues to derail even major life decisions, such as marriage.

1. Health and Hypochondria Lomov’s constant complaints about his health are a recurring theme in the play and serve as a physical manifestation of his nervousness and insecurities. He complains of palpitations, trembling, and sleeplessness, and later, during his argument with Natalya, his physical ailments become even more exaggerated. His hypochondria is not only a source of humor but also a reflection of his inability to cope with stress, particularly in matters of personal relationships.

Chekhov often uses characters’ physical ailments as a metaphor for their emotional or psychological weaknesses. In The Proposal, Lomov’s hypochondria suggests that he is not emotionally equipped to handle conflict or to make decisions calmly. His frequent complaints about his health also reflect his self-centeredness, as he constantly draws attention to his own suffering rather than focusing on the situation at hand.

1. The Absurdity of Social Conventions The play can also be seen as a critique of the absurdity of social conventions, particularly those surrounding marriage and property. Lomov’s exaggerated formality when addressing Chubukov and Natalya contrasts with the ridiculousness of the arguments that follow. His stiff, ceremonial language when asking for Natalya’s hand in marriage ("I have the honour to ask...") becomes laughable when juxtaposed with the petty bickering that ensues.

The characters are bound by social expectations—Lomov feels obligated to marry, and Chubukov, despite his exasperation, is thrilled by the prospect of his daughter marrying Lomov. Yet these social conventions are at odds with the reality of human interaction, as the characters’ inability to communicate rationally and their propensity for conflict suggest that these formalities are hollow. The absurdity of the situation highlights how rigid adherence to social norms can lead to farcical outcomes.

Characterization

1. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov

   
   

   Lomov is portrayed as a man caught between his desire to fulfill societal expectations and his own insecurities. His proposal to Natalya is not driven by passion but by practicality, and his nervousness and frequent complaints about his health make him a comical figure. He is also highly irritable and easily drawn into arguments, suggesting that he lacks the emotional maturity to navigate personal relationships effectively. Lomov’s constant self-pity and hypochondria serve to emphasize his weakness and vulnerability, even as he tries to assert dominance in his arguments with Natalya and Chubukov.

   
   

2. Natalya Stepanovna

   
   

   Natalya is portrayed as strong-willed and headstrong, much like Lomov. Her quick temper and stubbornness lead her to argue fiercely over the ownership of Oxen Meadows, even though the issue is relatively trivial. She is also portrayed as somewhat naive, as she does not realize Lomov’s true intentions until her father tells her that Lomov had come to propose. Her immediate shift from anger to despair when she learns of the proposal suggests that she, too, is driven by societal expectations regarding marriage. Despite her assertiveness, she is willing to reconcile quickly when she realizes that Lomov’s proposal could benefit her.

   
   

3. Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov

   
   

   Chubukov serves as both a mediator and an instigator in the play. Initially, he is delighted by Lomov’s proposal and eagerly supports the idea of the marriage. However, he quickly becomes embroiled in the argument over Oxen Meadows, taking Natalya’s side and escalating the conflict. Chubukov’s role in the play highlights the generational continuation of these petty disputes, as he represents the older generation’s tendency to pass on such quarrels to their children. His character also provides much of the play’s humor, particularly in his exaggerated reactions and his tendency to switch between joyous celebration and enraged frustration.

   
   

Use of Language and Comedy

Chekhov’s use of language in The Proposal is central to its comedic effect. The characters’ exaggerated formality and their sudden shifts from polite conversation to heated argument create a sense of absurdity. Lomov’s constant interruptions and his frequent asides to himself add to the play’s humor, as the audience is made aware of his inner turmoil and confusion, even as he tries to maintain a composed exterior.

The play is also rich in situational irony. The fact that a marriage proposal, which should be a romantic or at least a significant moment, is derailed by an argument over land, highlights the triviality of the characters’ concerns. The ironic contrast between the seriousness with which the characters approach their disputes and the actual insignificance of the issues they are arguing about is a key element of Chekhov’s humor.

Conclusion

The Proposal is a brilliant example of Anton Chekhov’s ability to blend humor with social commentary. Through its depiction of petty arguments and the characters’ fixation on material concerns, the play offers a critique of the absurdities of human behavior, particularly in the context of marriage and social status. While the characters’ bickering is humorous, it also serves as a reminder of how easily pride and ego can get in the way of genuine human connection. Chekhov’s mastery of dialogue and characterization makes The Proposal a timeless comedy that continues to resonate with audiences today, offering both laughter and insight into the human condition.

Analytical summary

"The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov is a one-act play that offers a satirical exploration of the complexities and absurdities inherent in human relationships and societal conventions. Set in a drawing-room in Chubukov's house, the play revolves around the character of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, who visits his neighbor Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov with the intention of proposing to Chubukov's daughter, Natalya Stepanovna.

The comedic narrative takes an unexpected turn when Lomov becomes entangled in a dispute over land ownership and the merits of hunting dogs. The play humorously exposes the trivialities that can derail seemingly significant moments, showcasing the characters' irrational behaviors, misunderstandings, and the impact of social norms on personal relationships.

Chekhov uses the play to satirize the superficiality of societal customs, portraying characters who, despite their intentions, engage in absurd arguments and conflicts. The play employs exaggerated situations and comedic dialogue to emphasize the incongruities in human interactions, particularly in matters of love, pride, and property.

"The Proposal" is a brief yet insightful exploration of human folly and the often misguided priorities that can overshadow more meaningful aspects of life. Through its humor and wit, the play invites the audience to reflect on the absurdity of societal expectations and the trivialities that can disrupt even the most significant moments in human relationships.

Thinking about the Play

1. What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.

2. Chubukov says of Natalya: “... as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.

3. (i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other, and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other. (For example, Lomov in the end calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, double-faced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”)

(ii) Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.

(iii) Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?

Answers:

1. Chubukov's Initial Suspicion:

   • Chubukov initially suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money. He comments on Lomov's formal attire, suggesting that he might be going somewhere important, possibly to seek financial assistance. However, Chubukov is not sincere when he later says, "And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son." This statement is made sarcastically and with a touch of irony, as the real reason for Lomov's visit becomes apparent – he wants to propose to Chubukov's daughter.

2. Natalya's Love:

   • Chubukov's statement about Natalya being like a "lovesick cat" is likely an exaggeration. It portrays Natalya as deeply in love and eagerly anticipating a marriage proposal. However, whether she is genuinely in love or not is open to interpretation. The play suggests that Natalya is more interested in asserting her opinions and proving her point, as seen in the later argument about the ownership of Oxen Meadows.

3. Words and Expressions Used:

   • The characters in the play use various words and expressions to speak about each other, ranging from polite terms to accusations and insults. Examples include "darling," "my angel," "malicious, double-faced intriguer," and "intriguer." The language becomes more heated and insulting as the argument progresses. Lomov, Chubukov, and Natalya all engage in verbal clashes, revealing their emotional states and underlying tensions.

   • Adjectives/Adjectival Expressions:

     • Chubukov: Irritable, sarcastic, agitated, protective, argumentative.

     • Natalya: Assertive, passionate, stubborn, defensive, emotional.

     • Lomov: Nervous, excitable, principled, argumentative, anxious.

   • Next Quarrel:

     • Given the characters' tendencies to quarrel over seemingly trivial matters and their quick tempers, it is likely they might argue about various aspects of their impending marriage, family matters, or even the wedding arrangements. The play sets the stage for continued disagreements and humorous conflicts within the family.