. The Proposal: Anton Chekhov

A Deep Dive into the Absurdity of Love and Life: Analyzing Themes in Chekhov's "The Proposal"

‘The Proposal’ (originally titled ‘A Marriage Proposal’) is a one-act play, a farce, by the Russian short story writer and dramatist Anton Chekhov. It was written in 1888–89. The play is about the tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families, to increase their estates by encouraging marriages that make good economic sense. Ivan Lomov, a long time wealthy neighbour of Stepan Chubukov, also wealthy, comes to seek the hand of Chubukov’s twenty-five-year-old daughter, Natalya. 

All three are quarrelsome people, and they quarrel over petty issues. The proposal is in danger of being forgotten amidst all this quarrelling. But economic good sense ensures that the proposal is made, after all — although the quarrelling perhaps continues!

Anton Chekhov's "The Proposal," adapted by Brian Molloy, is a comedic masterpiece that uses humor to expose the absurdity of human behavior, especially when fueled by pride, stubbornness, and societal pressures. Let's take a deep dive into the play's core themes, using simple language and examples from the text to understand why it's so funny and thought-provoking.

1. Talking Past Each Other: A Recipe for Disaster

Imagine trying to tell your friend a funny story, but every time you start, they interrupt with something completely unrelated. That's what happens constantly in "The Proposal." Lomov, Chubukov, and even Natalya struggle to have a clear conversation. They jump from topic to topic, misinterpret each other's words, and focus more on "winning" the argument than actually listening.

• Example: Lomov arrives with the intention of proposing to Natalya. But before he can even utter a word, Chubukov dives into a passionate rant about who owns Oxen Meadows. This sets the stage for a series of misunderstandings that completely derail Lomov's plan.

2. Supersized Pride: When Ego Gets in the Way

Lomov and Chubukov are both incredibly proud men who can't admit to being wrong. Even the smallest disagreement becomes a battle for dominance. They care more about saving face and proving their point than resolving the issue or expressing their true feelings.

• Example: A simple question about Natalya's dog, Messer, turns into a full-blown argument. Lomov insists his dog, Guesser, is superior. This silly debate highlights how their pride prevents them from having a normal conversation.

3. Societal Pressures: Marriage as a Status Symbol

Marriage in "The Proposal" seems less about love and more about social standing and family expectations. There's a sense that finding a suitable spouse is more important than finding true love.

• Example: We don't get any indication of whether Lomov and Natalya even like each other. Yet, marriage seems like a big deal for their families, suggesting societal pressure is the driving force behind the proposal.

4. The Absurdity of Human Behavior: Laughter Through Exaggeration

Chekhov uses exaggeration to make the characters' behavior even funnier. Their reactions are blown out of proportion, turning a simple disagreement into a ridiculous spectacle.

• Example: Lomov's constant physical complaints, Chubukov's threats of violence, and the sudden fainting spell – all add to the absurdity of the situation.

5. Dramatic Irony: We See the Joke, They Don't!

One of the key elements that makes the play so funny is dramatic irony. The audience knows Lomov's true intention – to propose – from the very beginning. But Lomov and Chubukov are completely oblivious, getting caught up in meaningless arguments.

• Example: While Lomov fumbles and Chubukov rages, the audience enjoys the humor of the situation because we know what Lomov is trying to accomplish.

The Ending: A Cliffhanger with a Message

The play ends on a hilarious cliffhanger. Lomov faints, Chubukov threatens him, and Natalya seems caught in the middle. We don't know for sure if the proposal happens, but the frantic attempts to revive Lomov suggest a possible change of heart. The ending leaves us pondering the importance of clear communication and letting go of pride in pursuit of love.

Overall, "The Proposal" is a timeless comedy that continues to resonate because it reflects the flaws and quirks of human behavior. It reminds us of the importance of listening, staying calm, and not letting pride get in the way of genuine connection. Through humor and exaggeration, Chekhov exposes the absurdity of our social conventions and the importance of clear communication in navigating the complexities of love and life.

Thank You.