The Proposal - NCERT Class 10, First Flight, Chapter 9 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions, MCQ

Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 9 'The Proposal' with all question answers, extra questions, and MCQs from NCERT Class X, First Flight.

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Introduction: Overview of 'The Proposal', Class 10, NCERT, First Flight, Chapter 9

"The Proposal" is a one-act play written by the Russian writer Anton Chekhov. The play revolves around the humorous and tense interaction between Lomov, a long-time neighbor, and his desire to propose to Natalia, the daughter of a wealthy landowner. The story explores the theme of marriage, class, and the trivial issues that create conflicts in the midst of an otherwise important occasion, a marriage proposal.

Summary of 'The Sermon at Benares' in Multiple Indian Languages

Summary in English

In "The Proposal," Ivan Lomov, a nervous and hypochondriac man, visits his neighbor, Stepan Chubukov, to ask for his daughter Natalia’s hand in marriage. However, the proposal soon takes a comical turn as the two start arguing about trivial matters like the ownership of a piece of land and the superiority of their hunting dogs. Both Lomov and Natalia, instead of focusing on the proposal, continue to bicker and get enraged over petty disputes. The situation escalates, but in the end, the marriage proposal is accepted, though the squabbles continue. Chekhov highlights the ridiculousness of human behavior and the ironic nature of such significant events being overshadowed by trivial concerns. The play is a satire on the superficial aspects of marriage and social status.

Summary in Hindi

"प्रस्ताव" एक हास्य और व्यंग्यपूर्ण एकांकी है जिसे रूसी लेखक एंटन चेखव ने लिखा है। यह नाटक लमोव, एक पड़ोसी, और नतालिया, एक धनी जमींदार की बेटी, के बीच विवाह प्रस्ताव के हास्यपूर्ण और तनावपूर्ण बातचीत के इर्द-गिर्द घूमता है। लमोव नतालिया से विवाह प्रस्ताव रखने के लिए जाता है, लेकिन दोनों के बीच एक छोटे से जमीन के टुकड़े और उनके शिकारी कुत्तों की श्रेष्ठता को लेकर बहस छिड़ जाती है। यह नाटक इस बात पर व्यंग्य करता है कि किस तरह महत्वपूर्ण अवसरों पर तुच्छ मुद्दे प्रमुख बन जाते हैं और मानवीय स्वभाव की व्यंग्यपूर्ण झलक दिखाता है।

Summary in Kannada

"ಪ್ರೊಪೋಸಲ್" ಎಂಬುದು ರಷ್ಯಾದ ಲೇಖಕ ಆಂಟನ್ ಚೆಕೋವ್ ರಚಿಸಿದ ಹಾಸ್ಯನಾಟಕವಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ನಾಟಕವು ಲೊಮೋವ್ ಎಂಬ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಯು ತನ್ನ ನೆರೆಹೊರೆಯ ನತಾಲಿಯಾ ಎಂಬ ಬಡಗಿದ ಮಗಳ ಕೈ ಹಿಡಿಯಲು ವಿವಾಹ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪವನ್ನು ಮಾಡುವ ಹಾಸ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ತೀವ್ರ ಸಂಭಾಷಣೆಯನ್ನು ಸುತ್ತುತ್ತೆ. ವಿವಾಹ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪ ಮಾಡಬೇಹು ಅಂದುಕೊಂಡ ಲೊಮೋವ್ ಮತ್ತು ನತಾಲಿಯಾ ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ನೆಲದ ಕುರಿತ ವಿವಾದ ಮತ್ತು ಅವರ ಬೆಕ್ಕುಗಳ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಟತೆಯ ಕುರಿತು ಜಗಳಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಚೆಕೋವ್ ಅವರು ಮುಖ್ಯ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ತ್ರಿವಿಯ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪಗಳೆಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಾಬಲ್ಯ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತವೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ.

Summary in Odia

"ପ୍ରୋପୋଜାଲ" ଏକ ହାସ୍ୟମୟ ଏବଂ ବ୍ୟଙ୍ଗ୍ୟପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଏକାଙ୍କୀ ନାଟକ, ଯାହାକି ରୁଷି ଲେଖକ ଏଣ୍ଟନ ଚେଖଭ୍ ଲେଖିଥିଲେ। ଏହି କାହାଣୀରେ ଲୋମୋଭ୍, ଜଣେ ନିକଟସ୍ଥ ପଡ଼ୋଶୀ, ନାଟାଲିଆ, ଜଣେ ଧନୀ ଜମିନ୍ଦାର ମାନଙ୍କର ଝିଅ, ସହ ବିବାହ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ନେଇ ଯାଉଥିବା ରସାଳିଆ ଏବଂ ତିବ୍ର ଆଲୋଚନାକୁ ଦେଖାଯାଏ। ଯେଉଁଠାରେ ସମ୍ପତି ଏବଂ କୁକୁର ନେଇ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଛୋଟ ପ୍ରତିସ୍ପର୍ଧା ଉଠିଥାଏ।

Summary in Punjabi

"ਦ ਪ੍ਰੋਪੋਜ਼ਲ" ਇੱਕ ਹਾਸਸਪਦ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਅੰਗਪੂਰਣ ਇਕਾਂਕੀ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਰੂਸੀ ਲੇਖਕ ਐਂਟਨ ਚੇਖਵ ਨੇ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੈ। ਨਾਟਕ ਵਿਚ ਲੋਮੋਵ, ਜੋ ਕਿ ਇੱਕ ਪੜੋਸੀ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਨਤਾਲਿਆ, ਇੱਕ ਅਮੀਰ ਜਮੀਨਦਾਰ ਦੀ ਧੀ, ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਪੇਸ਼ਕਸ਼ ਦੀ ਹਾਸਸਪਦ ਅਤੇ ਤਣਾਭਰੀ ਗੱਲਬਾਤ ਦਿਖਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਲੋਮੋਵ ਨਤਾਲਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਪੇਸ਼ਕਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਦੋਹਾਂ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟੇ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ ਦੇ ਟੁਕੜੇ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਕੂਕਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸ਼੍ਰੇਸ਼ਠਤਾ ਬਾਰੇ ਲੜਾਈ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਚੇਖਵ ਮਨੁੱਖੀ ਸਵਭਾਵ ਤੇ ਵਿਆਹ ਵਰਗੀਆਂ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਘਟਨਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਛੋਟੇ-ਮੋਟੇ ਵਿਵਾਦ ਪੱਧਰ ਤੋਂ ਘਟਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਇਸ ਦਾ ਵਿਅੰਗ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ।

Summary in Bengali

"প্রোপোজাল" হল একটি হাস্যরসাত্মক এবং ব্যঙ্গাত্মক একাঙ্ক নাটক, যা রাশিয়ান লেখক আন্তন চেখভ লিখেছেন। নাটকটি লোমভ এবং নাতালিয়া নামে দুটি চরিত্রের চারপাশে আবর্তিত হয়, যেখানে লোমভ নাতালিয়ার কাছে বিয়ের প্রস্তাব দিতে যায়। কিন্তু দু'জনের মধ্যে ছোট ছোট বিষয় নিয়ে বিবাদ শুরু হয়, যেমন জমির মালিকানা এবং তাদের পোষা কুকুরের শ্রেষ্ঠতা। চেখভ এই নাটকে দেখিয়েছেন কীভাবে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ সামাজিক ঘটনাগুলিও তুচ্ছ বিবাদের কারণে হাস্যকর হয়ে যায়, এবং মানুষ তার আচরণে কতটা বেমানান হতে পারে।

Summary in Tamil

"மரியாதை" என்ற பெயரிலான இச்சிறு நாடகம் ரஷ்ய எழுத்தாளர் ஆண்டன் செகோவ் எழுதிய ஒரு நகைச்சுவையான மற்றும் கிண்டலான நாடகமாகும். இதில் லொமோவ் என்னும் கதாபாத்திரம் தனது அண்டை வீட்டில் உள்ள நதாலியா என்ற பணக்கார மருமகளிடம் திருமணத்தை முன்மொழிய வருகிறான். ஆனால் ஒரு சிறிய நிலப்பகுதி மற்றும் அவர்களது நாய்களின் மேன்மை குறித்தும் அவர்கள் சண்டையிட ஆரம்பிக்கிறார்கள். செகோவ் இந்த நாடகத்தின் மூலம், பெரிய நிகழ்வுகளைக் கூட சிறிய, முக்கியமற்ற விஷயங்களால் எவ்வளவு வேடிக்கையாகக் காண முடியும் என்பதைக் காட்டுகிறார்.

Summary in Telugu

"ప్రోపోజల్" అనేది రష్యన్ రచయిత ఆంటన్ చెఖోవ్ రాసిన ఒక హాస్య మరియు వ్యంగ్యపూరిత నాటకం. ఈ కథలో లొమోవ్ అనే వ్యక్తి తన పొరుగువారు నతాలియాను వివాహం చేయడానికి ప్రతిపాదన చేస్తాడు. కానీ వారు చిన్న విషయాలపై, ఉదాహరణకు భూమి మరియు వారి కుక్కల ప్రతిష్ఠ గురించి తగాదా పడతారు. ఈ నాటకం ద్వారా, చెఖోవ్ మనిషి ప్రవర్తనలోని విస్మయకరమైన కోణాలను మరియు ప్రధాన సంఘటనలను కూడా ఎలా చిన్న విషయాలు అవహేళన చేస్తాయో చూపిస్తారు.

Summary in Malayalam

"പ്രൊപ്പോസൽ" റഷ്യൻ എഴുത്തുകാരനായ ആന്റൺ ചെഖോവ് എഴുതിയ ഒരു ഹാസ്യവും പരിഹാസപരവുമായ ഒരു നാടകമാണ്. ലോമോവ് എന്ന വ്യക്തി തന്റെ അടുത്ത വാസിയായ നതാലിയയെ വിവാഹം കഴിക്കാൻ പ്രസ്താവന നൽകുന്നതാണ് കഥയുടെ ആധാരം. പക്ഷേ ചെറിയ കാര്യങ്ങൾ, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് ഭൂമിയുടെയും അവരുടെ നായകളുടെയും മേന്മയുടെ കാര്യം, അവർ തമ്മിൽ വാദത്തിന് ഇടയാക്കുന്നു. ചെഖോവ് ഈ നാടകത്തിൽ വലിയ സംഭവങ്ങളും എങ്ങനെ ചെറിയ തർക്കങ്ങളാൽ വ്യാഖ്യാനിക്കപ്പെടുന്നുവെന്ന് തെളിയിക്കുന്നു.

Summary in Gujarati

"પ્રોપોઝલ" એ એક રમૂજી અને વિવાદાત્મક નાટક છે, જેને રશિયન લેખક એન્ટોન ચેખોવ દ્વારા લખવામાં આવ્યું છે. આ નાટક લોમોવ નામના વ્યક્તિ અને તેની પાડોશીની દીકરી નતાલિયાના સંબંધની આસપાસ ઘૂમે છે, જેમાં લોમોવ નતાલિયાને લગ્ન માટે પ્રસ્તાવ આપે છે. પરંતુ તેઓ નાના મુદ્દાઓ, જેમ કે જમીન અને તેમના કૂતરાઓની શ્રેષ્ઠતા પર જાગી ઉઠે છે. આ નાટક માનવ સ્વભાવ અને મહત્ત્વના પ્રસંગોમાં નાની બાબતો કેવી રીતે મુખ્ય બની જાય છે તે બાબતને હાસ્ય રૂપે રજૂ કરે છે.

Summary in Marathi

"प्रस्ताव" हे रशियन लेखक आंतोन चेखोव यांनी लिहिलेले एक हस्य आणि व्यंग्यात्मक नाटक आहे. या नाटकात लमोव, जो की नतालिया नावाच्या मुलीच्या शेजारी राहतो, तिच्याशी लग्नासाठी प्रस्ताव ठेवतो. मात्र, त्यांच्यात जमीन आणि त्यांच्या कुत्र्यांवरील वर्चस्वाबद्दल वाद होतो. चेखोव या नाटकातून दाखवतात की कसे महत्त्वाच्या घटना लहान गोष्टींनी हास्यास्पद बनवतात आणि मानवी स्वभावाची व्यंग्यात्मक बाजू उलगडतात.

Summary in Assamese

"প্ৰোপ’জেল" হৈছে ৰুছ লেখক আন্তন চেখভৰ দ্বাৰা ৰচিত এক হাস্যকৰ আৰু ব্যংগাত্মক নাটক। এই নাটকটোত লমোভে নিজৰ পৰৰ ছোৱালী নাটালিয়াৰ ওচৰত বিবাহৰ প্ৰস্তাৱ লৈ যায়। কিন্তু তাত জমিৰ অধিকার আৰু তেওঁলোকৰ চিকাৰী কুকুৰৰ অগ্ৰগণ্যতাৰ বিষয়ে তুমুল বিবাদ আৰম্ভ হয়। চেখভে এই নাটকটোৰ জৰিয়তে দেখুৱাইছে যে কিমান গম্ভীৰ ঘটনাবোৰৰ মাজত সৰু সৰু তৰ্কবোৰ কেনেকৈ প্ৰধান হৈ পৰে আৰু মানৱীয় স্বভাৱৰ হাস্যকৰ দিশবোৰ উলিয়াই আনে।

Summary in Konkani

"प्रोप्रोजल" हां रशियन लेखक आंटन चेखोव लिखिलेलो एक विनोदी आनी व्यंग्यात्मक नाटक. ह्या नाटकांत लोमोव एका पडोशीच्या मुली नतालियाशी लग्नाचो प्रस्ताव सोडी. पण ते छोट्या छोट्या गोष्टीन, जसे जमीन आनी त्याच्या कुत्र्याच्या श्रेष्ठतेच्या बारेत वादांत येतात. हें नाटक दाखोवता की मानवी स्वभाव कसा हस्यास्पद आनी विडंबनात्मक बनतलो आनी मोठ्या घटनांवर लहान गोष्टी कसा पराभूत करता.

Summary in Manipuri

"প্ৰোপোজেল" হৈছে ৰুছ লেখক আন্তন চেখভৰ দ্বাৰা ৰচিত এক হাস্যকৰ আৰু বিদ্ৰুপাত্মক নাটক। নাটকটোত লোমভ নামৰ পাত্ৰটিয়ে তেখেতৰ চুবুৰীয়া নতালিয়াক বিয়া কৰিবলৈ প্ৰস্তাৱ আগবঢ়ায়। কিন্তু তেওঁলোকৰ মাজত জমি আৰু তেওঁলোকৰ কুকুৰৰ গুণাগুণ সম্পৰ্কে কিতাপ পৰে। চেখভে এই নাটকৰ মাধ্যমেৰে দেখুৱাইছে যে কিছুমান গুৰুত্বপূৰ্ণ ঘটনা কেনেকৈ সৰু-সৰাকীয়া বিষয়বস্তুত পৰিণত হয়।

The Proposal - Thinking About the Play: Questions and Answers

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.

At first, Chubukov suspects that Lomov has come to ask for money, as his behavior seems odd and nervous. However, when Lomov reveals his intention to propose to Natalya, Chubukov becomes overjoyed and immediately expresses affection for Lomov. Whether Chubukov is sincere when he later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son” is questionable. His reaction appears exaggerated, likely due to his eagerness to have his daughter married off rather than genuine paternal feelings.

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.

Chubukov’s statement about Natalya being “in love” and “like a lovesick cat” seems exaggerated, but there is some truth to it. Natalya becomes extremely emotional and upset when she realizes that Lomov had come to propose. Her sudden change in behavior when she hears about the proposal indicates that she might indeed have feelings for Lomov, although she never expresses them directly. Her reaction shows that she is invested in the idea of marriage with him, even if their interactions seem primarily driven by arguments.

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.

Throughout the play, the characters exchange a variety of insults and accusations. For example, Lomov calls Chubukov an “intriguer” and accuses Natalya of being a quarrelsome woman. Chubukov calls Lomov a “malicious, double-faced intriguer” and later refers to him as a “fool” and “pup.” Despite the polite beginning, the characters quickly descend into a heated exchange of insults, with phrases like “you’re not a neighbor, you’re a usurper” and “you’re just a grabber!” being hurled.

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

Lomov: Nervous, Hypochondriac, Quarrelsome, Traditional, Persistent
Natalya: Emotional, Stubborn, Argumentative, Proud, Naïve
Chubukov: Manipulative, Opportunistic, Short-tempered, Eager, Over-dramatic

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

Given the personalities of the characters, it is likely that they will continue to argue about trivial matters in their marriage. They might quarrel about household management, finances, or even their pets, as they have already shown a tendency to fight over insignificant issues like land and dogs.

Thinking about Language: Questions and Answers

I. 1. This play has been translated into English from the Russian original. Are there any expressions or ways of speaking that strike you as more Russian than English?

For example, would an adult man be addressed by an older man as my darling or my treasure in an English play? Read through the play carefully, and find expressions that you think are not used in contemporary English, and contrast these with idiomatic modern English expressions that also occur in the play.

In the play, there are expressions like "my angel" or "my treasure" used by older characters like Chubukov when addressing Lomov. These expressions sound more affectionate and are less commonly used in modern English when addressing a grown man. In contrast, idiomatic English expressions such as "egad" and "I dare say" also appear, which are more familiar in an English context.

2. Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them.

Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully.

Here are the words with their syllable count and stressed syllables:

  • Palpitations: pal-pi-TA-tions (4 syllables, stress on the third syllable)
  • Interfere: in-ter-FERE (3 syllables, stress on the last syllable)
  • Implore: im-PLORE (2 syllables, stress on the second syllable)
  • Thoroughbred: THO-rough-bred (3 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Pedigree: PE-di-gree (3 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Principle: PRIN-ci-ple (3 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Evidence: EV-i-dence (3 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Misfortune: mis-FOR-tune (3 syllables, stress on the second syllable)
  • Malicious: ma-LI-cious (3 syllables, stress on the second syllable)
  • Embezzlement: em-BEZ-zle-ment (4 syllables, stress on the second syllable)
  • Architect: AR-chi-tect (3 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Neighbours: NEIGH-bours (2 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Accustomed: a-CUS-tomed (3 syllables, stress on the second syllable)
  • Temporary: TEM-po-ra-ry (4 syllables, stress on the first syllable)
  • Behaviour: be-HAV-iour (3 syllables, stress on the second syllable)
  • Documents: DOC-u-ments (3 syllables, stress on the first syllable)

3. Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.

  • (i) You may take it that

    • This phrase means "you can assume that." Example: You may take it that he will not be attending the meeting tomorrow.

  • (ii) He seems to be coming round

    • This phrase means "he appears to be changing his opinion" or "he is regaining consciousness." Example: After much discussion, he seems to be coming round to our way of thinking.

  • (iii) My foot’s gone to sleep

    • This phrase refers to a temporary numbness in the foot due to poor circulation. Example: After sitting for so long, my foot’s gone to sleep, and I can't feel anything.

II. Reported Speech

A sentence in reported speech consists of two parts: a reporting clause and the reported clause. Here are some examples:

  • (i) LOMOV : Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her consent?

    • Lomov asked Stepan Stepanovitch respectfully if he thought he might count on her consent.

  • (ii) LOMOV : I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement.

    • Lomov said that he was getting a noise in his ears from excitement.

  • (iii) NATALYA : Why haven’t you been here for such a long time?

    • Natalya Stepanovna asked why he hadn’t been there for such a long time.

  • (iv) CHUBUKOV : What’s the matter?

    • Chubukov asked him what the matter was.

  • (v) NATALYA : My mowers will be there this very day!

    • Natalya Stepanovna declared that her mowers would be there that very day.

III. Direct and Reported Speech

Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006. Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech:

"Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!" laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. "What’s the secret?" we ask. "My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot," he replies. "I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints," he says, adding, "but yes, I have always been underpaid."

The reported version:

A. K. Hangal, 90 years old and one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors, laughed and asked why we wanted to know his age. He said that if people knew he was so old, he wouldn’t get work. When asked about the secret to his energy, he replied that his intake of everything was in small quantities and that he walked a lot. He mentioned that he joined the industry when most people retire, in his 40s, and didn’t miss being called a star. Hangal also added that he was still respected and given work, unlike many actors of his age who were living in poverty. He remarked that he didn’t have any complaints, but acknowledged that he had always been underpaid.

Speaking and Writing Activities

1. Anger Management

As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm. Can you think of three ill effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?

Three ill effects of anger:

  • Anger can damage relationships by causing misunderstandings and creating unnecessary conflicts.
  • It can affect your physical health, leading to high blood pressure, headaches, and even heart issues.
  • Anger can lead to poor decision-making as it clouds your judgment and causes impulsive actions.

Ways to avoid losing temper:

  • Practice deep breathing or meditation to stay calm in stressful situations.
  • Take a moment to think before reacting, giving yourself time to respond rationally.
  • Engage in physical activities like walking or exercising to release pent-up frustration.

There can be some benefits to anger when it is managed well. It can motivate you to take action, especially when faced with injustice, and can also help you assert your needs or boundaries in a constructive way.

2. Script Writing: Excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore

In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.

Scene: A quiet afternoon in the inner apartments. Bimala sits, slightly dressed up, looking expectantly as her husband enters.

Stage Directions:

  • (Bimala is seated near the window, toying with her bangles as Nikhil enters with a surprised look.)
  • (Nikhil hesitates at the door before stepping forward.)

Dialogue:

Bimala (flushing slightly): “Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in Bengal to sell foreign goods?”

Nikhil (calmly): “And what should be done about it?”

Bimala (firmly): “Clear them out, of course!”

Nikhil (sighing): “But the market is not mine to control, Bimala.”

Bimala (impatiently): “Then whose is it? If not yours, then whose responsibility is it to see our nation freed from these chains?”

(Nikhil turns towards the door.)

Nikhil (resolutely): “I will not impose tyranny in the name of freedom.”

3. Qualities to Look for in a Marriage Partner

In groups, discuss the qualities one should look for in a marriage partner. You might consider the following points.

  • Personal qualities: Appearance or looks, attitudes and beliefs, sense of humour
  • Value system: Compassion and kindness, tolerance, ambition, attitude to money and wealth
  • Education and professional background: Level of education, career aspirations

Discussion: A good marriage partner should have a compatible value system and a balanced personality. Qualities like tolerance, a good sense of humour, and kindness are often more important than looks or material wealth. The right partner will help in personal growth and create a foundation for a strong, supportive relationship.

4. Romantic Comedy Scenes in the Play

Are there parts of the play that remind you of film scenes from romantic comedies? Discuss this in groups, and recount to the rest of the class episodes similar to those in the play.

Group Activity: Many parts of the play remind us of romantic comedy scenes from films where characters bicker and quarrel over trivial matters but eventually come together. The playful arguments between Lomov and Natalya about the land and their dogs, which eventually lead to a marriage proposal, are reminiscent of several rom-com movie scenes where small disagreements bring couples closer.