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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Prose Chapter 9 The Proposal
By Shailendra Singh
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Updated on 18 Jun 2025, 10:54 IST
The Proposal is a humorous one-act play written by Russian writer Anton Chekhov. It revolves around the theme of marriage, but not in the usual romantic way. Instead, it shows how two families come together for a marriage proposal, but end up fighting over petty things like land ownership and dogs!
The story is about Ivan Lomov, a nervous and rich young man who visits his neighbour Stepan Chubukov to propose marriage to his daughter, Natalya. However, instead of a peaceful proposal, the situation quickly turns into a series of funny arguments. Through these arguments, the author cleverly shows how people can behave foolishly, even when they want something important.
This chapter helps students understand the silly side of human behavior, especially when pride, ego, and property come into play. The language is light and the scenes are full of comedy, making it enjoyable and easy to follow. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter provide clear and simple answers to all the textbook questions, helping you understand the plot, characters, and deeper meanings easily. These answers are great for exam preparation and revision.
Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English
Class 10 English First Flight Prose Chapter 9 The Proposal - PDF Download
Students looking for NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 9 – The Proposal can now easily download the PDF to study anytime, anywhere. This PDF includes accurate and simple answers to all textbook questions, helping you understand the chapter better. The Proposal is a funny one-act play that shows how people fight over silly things even when something as important as a marriage proposal is happening.
With this free PDF download, you can revise quickly, prepare well for exams, and improve your understanding of the story. The language is easy to follow and perfect for Class 10 students.
The Proposal Questions and Answers
Q1. What does Chubukov first think Lomov has come for? Is he honest when he later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my son”?
Answer:
At first, Chubukov thinks Lomov has come to ask for money. He is ready to refuse him if that’s the case. But when Lomov says he wants to marry Natalya, Chubukov suddenly becomes very happy and starts calling him “my angel” and “like a son.” This shows he is not being honest. If he truly cared for Lomov like a son, he wouldn’t have planned to say no just because of money. He changes his words only because the marriage proposal suits him.
Q2. Chubukov says about Natalya: “… as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Do you agree with this?
Answer:
No, Natalya does not seem to be in love with Lomov. She argues with him over a piece of land and later about whose dog is better. She doesn't act romantic or gentle at any point. Chubukov says she loves Lomov just to convince him, but her actions show otherwise. She appears more interested in property and pride than in marriage.
Q3. (i) What are the words and insults the characters use for each other in the play?
Answer:
The characters use many rude and funny words for each other.
- Chubukov calls Lomov names like “grabber,” “old rat,” and “intriguer.”
- Natalya is called a “love-sick cat,” “Jesuit,” but also “well-educated” and “good housekeeper.”
- Lomov is insulted as “turnip-ghost,” “rascal,” “scarecrow,” “stuffed sausage,” “blind hen,” and “fool.”
Despite starting off politely, the characters quickly get into heated arguments and use harsh words.
(ii) Now describe each character with five new adjectives or expressions.
Answer:
Here are five new words or phrases to describe each character:
- Chubukov: quick-tempered, clever, selfish, dramatic, short-sighted
- Natalya: argumentative, proud, stubborn, sharp-tongued, not romantic
- Lomov: nervous, unsure, boastful, emotional, quarrelsome
(iii) What do you think they will argue about next?
Answer:
These characters get angry very easily, so they might argue over anything small or silly. It could be about furniture, clothes, food, or even how to arrange the wedding! They don’t have patience and are always ready to fight.
Q4. Anger Management: What are three bad effects of anger, and how can we control it? Can anger ever be useful?
Answer:
Three bad effects of anger:
- It can raise blood pressure.
- It increases stress and anxiety.
- It can lead to problems with the heart.
Ways to control anger:
- Stay calm and breathe deeply.
- Think before speaking or reacting.
- Try to understand the other person's point of view.
Is anger ever helpful?
Most of the time, anger causes problems. But sometimes, if used wisely, it can help a person stand up against unfair treatment or make strong decisions. Still, it's better to keep it under control.
Q5. What qualities should one look for in a life partner?
Answer:
Choosing a life partner is very important. Some qualities to look for are:
- Kindness and respect
- Similar values and beliefs
- Good sense of humour
- Understanding and patience
- Education and career goals
- Honesty and responsibility
Looks and wealth may fade, but a caring and trustworthy partner will stay strong in tough times.
Q6. Do any parts of this play remind you of a romantic comedy movie?
Answer:
Not really. We talked about this in our group and everyone agreed that this play doesn’t feel like a romantic comedy. Instead of showing love and happy moments, the play is full of arguments and funny fights. It’s more of a comedy of errors than a love story.
The Proposal Summary
The Proposal is a funny one-act play written by Anton Chekhov. The story is about a young man named Ivan Lomov who wants to marry his neighbor, Natalya Stepanovna. He visits her house to ask her father, Chubukov, for her hand in marriage. At first, Chubukov is very happy and agrees to the proposal.
But things take a funny turn. Instead of talking about marriage, Lomov and Natalya start arguing over a piece of land called Oxen Meadows. Both claim it belongs to their family. Later, they argue about whose dog is better. These silly fights continue, and poor Lomov becomes very nervous and weak.
Chubukov tries to calm them down and finally tells Natalya that Lomov had come to propose to her. She becomes shy and excited. But again, the couple starts fighting before they even get engaged!
This play shows how people can argue over small things, even during important moments. It also highlights how marriage is sometimes seen as a practical deal rather than a romantic one. The humor in the play comes from how serious the characters become about silly matters.
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Prose Chapter 9 The Proposal
What is Chapter 9 The Proposal about in Class 10 English First Flight?
The Proposal is a one-act comedy play by Anton Chekhov. It shows how a simple marriage proposal turns into a funny series of arguments between Lomov, Natalya, and her father Chubukov. The play highlights human foolishness, pride, and the way small issues can ruin important moments.
Why are NCERT Solutions important for Chapter 9 The Proposal?
NCERT Solutions help students understand the characters, plot, and key themes in simple language. They also provide clear answers to textbook questions, making it easier to revise before exams and write better answers.
Where can I download the PDF of NCERT Solutions for The Proposal?
You can download the free PDF of Class 10 English Chapter 9 NCERT Solutions from reliable educational websites like Infinity Learn, NCERT’s official site, or your school’s learning portal. These PDFs are useful for offline study and quick revision.
What message does the play The Proposal convey to readers?
The play teaches us not to let ego and pride ruin relationships. It also shows that people sometimes focus more on property and arguments than love and understanding. The play uses humor to deliver this message.
What kind of questions can be asked from The Proposal in exams?
In exams, you may get short answer questions, long answer questions, and character-based or theme-based questions. For example, “Why do Lomov and Natalya keep arguing?” or “What does the play say about marriage?”
Is The Proposal a romantic play?
Not really. Although it’s about a marriage proposal, the play is more of a comedy than a romantic story. The characters keep fighting, and there is very little love shown. The humor comes from their silly arguments.