The Proposal - Textual Comprehension

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The Proposal

Reading Comprehension 1


A drawing-room in Chubukov‘s house. Lomov enters, wearing a dress-jacket and white gloves. Chubukov rises to meet him.
 
CHUBUKOV: My dear fellow, whom do I see! Ivan Vassilevitch! I am extremely glad! [Squeezes his hand] Now this is a surprise, my darling... How are you?

LOMOV: Thank you. And how may you be getting on?

CHUBUKOV: We just get along somehow, my angel, thanks to your prayers, and so on. Sit down, please do... Now, you know, you shouldn’t forget all about your neighbours, my darling. My dear fellow, why are you so formal in your get-up! Evening dress, gloves, and so on. Can you be going anywhere, my treasure?

LOMOV: No. I’ve come only to see you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch.

CHUBUKOV: Then why are you in evening dress, my precious? As if you’re paying a New Year’s Eve visit!

LOMOV: Well, you see, it’s like this. [Takes his arm] I’ve come to you, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, to trouble you with a request. Not once or twice have I already had the privilege of applying to you for help, and you have always, so to speak... I must ask your pardon, I am getting excited. I shall drink some water, honoured Stepan Stepanovitch.
[Drinks.]

  1. Who is the visitor who comes to meet Chubukov?

  2. Why does Chubukov feel surprised to see Lomov in evening dress?

  3. Lomov came to Chubukov’s house
    a) to attend a party
    b) to ask for help with a request
    c) to borrow money
    d) to meet his friend

  4. How does Chubukov greet Lomov?
    a) Rudely
    b) Politely but indifferently
    c) Warmly and affectionately
    d) With anger

  5. What does Lomov do when he becomes nervous?
    a) Starts shouting
    b) Drinks some water
    c) Leaves the room
    d) Laughs loudly

Answers

  1. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is the visitor.

  2. Because Lomov is dressed too formally, as if he were going to a party.

  3. b) to ask for help with a request

  4. c) Warmly and affectionately

  5. b) Drinks some water



Reading Comprehension 2


CHUBUKOV: [aside] He’s come to borrow money. Shan’t give him any! [aloud] What is it, my beauty?

LOMOV: You see, Honoured Stepanitch... I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch... I mean, I’m awfully excited, as you will please notice... In short, you alone can help me, though I don’t deserve it, of course... and haven’t any right to count on your assistance...

CHUBUKOV: Oh, don’t go round and round it, darling! Spit it out! Well?

LOMOV: One moment... this very minute. The fact is I’ve come to ask the hand of your daughter, Natalya Stepanovna, in marriage.
 
CHUBUKOV: [joyfully] By Jove! Ivan Vassilevitch! Say it again — I didn’t hear it all!

LOMOV: I have the honour to ask...

CHUBUKOV: [interrupting] My dear fellow... I’m so glad, and so on... Yes, indeed, and all that sort of thing. [Embraces and kisses Lomov] I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It’s been my continual desire. [Sheds a tear] And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son. May God give you both — His help and His love and so on, and so much hope... What am I behaving in this idiotic way for? I’m off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance! Oh, with all my soul... I’ll go and call Natasha, and all that.

LOMOV: [greatly moved] Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch, do you think I may count on her consent?

CHUBUKOV: Why, of course, my darling, and... as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat, and so on. Shan’t be long!
[Exit.]

  1. What misunderstanding does Chubukov have when Lomov first begins to speak?

  2. How does Chubukov react when he learns Lomov’s real purpose for visiting?

  3. What request does Lomov make to Chubukov?
    a) To borrow money
    b) To buy a piece of land
    c) To marry his daughter Natalya

  4. What emotion does Chubukov express after hearing Lomov’s proposal?
    a) Joy
    b) Anger
    c) Surprise

  5. What does Chubukov say about Natalya’s feelings for Lomov?
    a) She dislikes him
    b) She is in love with him
    c) She doesn’t know him well

Answers

  1. Chubukov thinks Lomov has come to borrow money.

  2. He becomes overjoyed and emotional, blessing Lomov and calling him his son.

  3. c) To marry his daughter Natalya

  4. a) Joy

  5. b) She is in love with him


Reading Comprehension 3


LOMOV: It’s cold... I’m trembling all over, just as if I’d got an examination before me. The great thing is, I must have my mind made up. If I give myself time to think, to hesitate, to talk a lot, to look for an ideal, or for real love, then I’ll never get married. Brr... It’s cold! Natalya Stepanovna is an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated. What more do I want? But I’m getting a noise in my ears from excitement. [Drinks] And it’s impossible for me not to marry. In the first place, I’m already 35 — a critical age, so to speak. In the second place, I ought to lead a quiet and regular life. I suffer from palpitations, I’m excitable and always getting awfully upset; at this very moment my lips are trembling, and there’s a twitch in my right eyebrow. But the very worst of all is the way I sleep. I no sooner get into bed and begin to go off, when suddenly something in my left side gives a pull, and I can feel it in my shoulder and head... I jump up like a lunatic, walk about a bit and lie down again, but as soon as I begin to get off to sleep there’s another pull! And this may happen twenty times...

  1. Why does Lomov compare his nervousness to having an examination before him?

  2. What reasons does Lomov give for wanting to get married soon?

  3. How does Lomov describe Natalya Stepanovna?
    a) Beautiful but lazy
    b) Excellent housekeeper and well-educated
    c) Poor and uneducated

  4. What health problems does Lomov mention?
    a) Fever and cold
    b) Headache and toothache
    c) Palpitations and sleeplessness

  5. What happens when Lomov tries to sleep?
    a) He sleeps peacefully through the night
    b) He feels a pull in his side and can’t sleep properly
    c) He dreams about his marriage proposal

Answers:

  1. Because he feels nervous and anxious, like before an important test.

  2. Because he is 35 and wants a quiet, settled life.

  3. b) Excellent housekeeper and well-educated

  4. c) Palpitations and sleeplessness

  5. b) He feels a pull in his side and can’t sleep properly


Reading Comprehension 4

 [Natalya Stepanovna comes in.]
 
NATLYA: Well, there! It’s you, and papa said, “Go; there’s a merchant come for his goods.” How do you do, Ivan Vassilevitch?

LOMOV: How do you do, honoured Natalya Stepanovna?

NATALYA: You must excuse my apron and neglige. We’re shelling peas for drying. Why haven’t you been here for such a long time? Sit down... [They seat themselves.] Won’t you have some lunch?

LOMOV: No, thank you, I’ve had some already.

NATALYA: Then smoke. Here are the matches. The weather is splendid now, but yesterday it was so wet that the workmen didn’t do anything all day. How much hay have you stacked? Just think, I felt greedy and had a whole field cut, and now I’m not at all pleased about it because I’m afraid my hay may rot. I ought to have waited a bit. But what’s this? Why, you’re in evening dress! Well, I never! Are you going to a ball or what? Though I must say you look better... Tell me, why are you got up like that?

  1. What was Natalya doing when Lomov arrived?

  2. Why was Natalya worried about her hay?

  3. How does Natalya react to seeing Lomov in evening dress?
    a) She laughs at him
    b) She compliments him but is surprised
    c) She ignores it completely

  4. What does Natalya offer Lomov?
    a) Some lunch or to smoke
    b) To dance
    c) To rest for a while

  5. How does Lomov greet Natalya?
    a) Rudely and coldly
    b) Politely and respectfully
    c) Nervously and angrily

Answers:

  1. She was shelling peas for drying.

  2. She was afraid her hay might rot because she cut it too early.

  3. b) She compliments him but is surprised

  4. a) Some lunch or to smoke

  5. b) Politely and respectfully


Reading Comprehension 5


LOMOV: [excited] You see, honoured Natalya Stepanovna... the fact is, I’ve made up my mind to ask you to hear me out... Ofcourse you’ll be surprised and perhaps even angry, but a... [aside] It’s awfully cold!

NATALYA: What’s the matter? [pause] Well?

LOMOV: I shall try to be brief. You must know, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, that I have long, since my childhood, in fact, had the privilege of knowing your family. My late aunt and her husband, from whom, as you know, I inherited my land, always had the greatest respect for your father and your late mother. The Lomovs and the Chubukovs have always had the most friendly, and I might almost say the most affectionate, regard for each other. And, as you know, my land is a near neighbour of yours. You will remember that my Oxen Meadows touch your birchwoods.
 
NATALYA: Excuse my interrupting you. You say, “my Oxen Meadows”. But are they yours?

LOMOV: Yes, mine.


  1. What does Lomov want to talk to Natalya about?

  2. Why does Lomov mention the long friendship between their families?

  3. What is the first disagreement that arises between Lomov and Natalya?
    a) About their family friendship
    b) About the ownership of Oxen Meadows
    c) About Lomov’s evening dress

  4. How does Natalya react when Lomov says “my Oxen Meadows”?
    a) She agrees politely
    b) She gets confused
    c) She interrupts and questions him

  5. What does Lomov say about his land?
    a) It is far away from Chubukov’s land
    b) It touches Natalya’s birchwoods
    c) It belongs to Chubukov

Answers:

  1. He wants to propose marriage to her.

  2. To show their close relationship and good understanding.

  3. b) About the ownership of Oxen Meadows

  4. c) She interrupts and questions him

  5. b) It touches Natalya’s birchwoods

Reading Comprehension 6


NATALYA: What are you talking about? Oxen Meadows are ours, not yours!

LOMOV: No, mine, honoured Natalya Stepanovna.

NATALYA: Well, I never knew that before. How do you make that out?

LOMOV: How? I’m speaking of those Oxen Meadows which are wedged in between your birchwoods and the Burnt Marsh.

NATALYA: Yes, yes... they’re ours.

LOMOV: No, you’re mistaken, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, they’re mine.

NATALYA: Just think, Ivan Vassilevitch! How long have they been yours?

LOMOV: How long? As long as I can remember.

NATALYA: Really, you won’t get me to believe that!

  1. What are Natalya and Lomov arguing about in this part of the play?

  2. How does Natalya react when Lomov claims that the Oxen Meadows belong to him?

  3. What is the main cause of the disagreement between Lomov and Natalya?
    a) A family misunderstanding
    b) The ownership of Oxen Meadows
    c) A difference in education

  4. How does Lomov try to prove his point?
    a) By giving a map
    b) By describing where the meadows are located
    c) By calling Chubukov for help

  5. What does Natalya say when Lomov insists that the Oxen Meadows are his?
    a) She agrees after thinking
    b) She laughs at him
    c) She refuses to believe him

Answers:

  1. They are arguing about who owns the Oxen Meadows.

  2. She gets surprised and refuses to believe him.

  3. b) The ownership of Oxen Meadows

  4. b) By describing where the meadows are located

  5. c) She refuses to believe him


Reading Comprehension 7


LOMOV: But you can see from the documents, honoured Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true, were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows that they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of the Meadows for forty years, and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own, when it happened that...

NATALYA: No, it isn’t at all like that! Both grandfather and great-grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh — which means that Oxen Meadows were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about. It’s simply silly!
 
LOMOV: I’ll show you the documents, Natalya Stepanovna!

NATALYA: No, you’re simply joking, or making fun of me. What a surprise! We’ve had the land for nearly three hundred years, and then we’re suddenly told that it isn’t ours! Ivan Vassilevitch, I can hardly believe my own ears. These Meadows aren’t worth much to me. They only come to five dessiatins, and are worth perhaps 300 roubles, but I can’t stand unfairness. Say what you will, I can’t stand unfairness.


  1. What proof does Lomov give to show that the Oxen Meadows belong to him?

  2. How does Natalya defend her family’s ownership of the Meadows?

  3. According to Lomov, why did Natalya’s ancestors believe the Meadows were theirs?
    a) They had always lived near the Meadows
    b) They had been allowed to use them for many years
    c) They bought the Meadows from Lomov’s family

  4. What does Natalya say about the value of the Meadows?
    a) They are priceless and large
    b) They are small and not very valuable
    c) They are worth thousands of roubles

  5. What feeling does Natalya express most strongly during the argument?
    a) Joy
    b) Fear
    c) Anger at unfairness

Answers:

  1. He says that documents prove the land was given to her ancestors only for use, not ownership.

  2. She says her ancestors always believed the land extended to Burnt Marsh, which includes the Meadows.

  3. b) They had been allowed to use them for many years

  4. b) They are small and not very valuable

  5. c) Anger at unfairness


Reading Comprehension 8


LOMOV: Hear me out, I implore you! The peasants of your father’s grandfather, as I have already had the honour of explaining to you, used to bake bricks for my aunt’s grandmother. Now my aunt’s grandmother, wishing to make them a pleasant...

NATALYA: I can’t make head or tail of all this about aunts and grandfathers and grandmothers. The Meadows are ours, that’s all.

LOMOV: Mine.

NATALYA: Ours! You can go on proving it for two days on end, you can go and put on fifteen dress jackets, but I tell you they’re ours, ours, ours! I don’t want anything of yours and I don’t want to give anything of mine. So there!
 
LOMOV: Natalya Stepanovna, I don’t want the Meadows, but I am acting on principle. If you like, I’ll make you a present of them.

  1. Why does Lomov say he is arguing about the Oxen Meadows?

  2. How does Natalya react to Lomov’s explanation about their ancestors?

  3. What does Lomov finally offer to do with the Meadows?
    a) Sell them to Natalya
    b) Share them with her family
    c) Give them to her as a gift

  4. What word does Natalya repeat many times to show her anger?
    a) Mine
    b) Ours
    c) Yours

  5. What quality of Natalya’s character is shown in this argument?
    a) She is proud and stubborn
    b) She is calm and quiet
    c) She is kind and gentle

Answers:

  1. He says he is arguing on principle, not for the land itself.

  2. She gets angry and refuses to listen, saying the Meadows are theirs.

  3. c) Give them to her as a gift

  4. b) Ours

  5. a) She is proud and stubborn


Reading Comprehension 9


NATALYA: I can make you a present of them myself, because they’re mine! Your behaviour, Ivan Vassilevitch, is strange, to say the least! Up to this we have always thought of you as a good neighbour, a friend; last year we lent you our threshing-machine, although on that account we had to put off our own threshing till November, but you behave to us as if we were gypsies. Giving me my own land, indeed! No, really, that’s not at all neighbourly! In my opinion, it’s even impudent, if you want to know.

LOMOV: Then you make out that I’m a landgrabber? Madam, never in my life have I grabbed anybody else’s land and I shan’t allow anybody to accuse me of having done so. [Quickly steps to the carafe and drinks more water] Oxen Meadows are mine!

NATALYA: It’s not true, they’re ours!

LOMOV: Mine!
 
NATALYA: It’s not true! I’ll prove it! I’ll send my mowers out to the Meadows this very day!

LOMOV: What?

NATALYA: My mowers will be there this very day!

LOMOV: I’ll give it to them in the neck!

NATALYA: You dare!

LOMOV: [Clutches at his heart] Oxen Meadows are mine! You understand? Mine!

  1. What reason does Natalya give to show she has always been a good neighbour?

  2. How does Lomov react when Natalya says she will send her mowers to the Meadows?

  3. What does Natalya call Lomov’s behaviour?
    a) Kind and friendly
    b) Strange and impudent
    c) Polite and respectful

  4. What action does Lomov threaten when Natalya says she’ll send her mowers?
    a) He says he will complain to her father
    b) He says he will give them in the neck
    c) He says he will ignore them

  5. What does the repeated argument “Mine!” and “Ours!” show about both characters?
    a) They are calm and patient
    b) They are playful and joking
    c) They are stubborn and hot-tempered

Answers:

  1. She reminds him that her family lent him their threshing-machine last year.

  2. He becomes angry and shouts that the Meadows are his.

  3. b) Strange and impudent

  4. b) He says he will give them in the neck

  5. c) They are stubborn and hot-tempered


Reading Comprehension 10


NATALYA: Please don’t shout! You can shout yourself hoarse in your own house but here I must ask you to restrain yourself!

LOMOV: If it wasn’t, madam, for this awful, excruciating palpitation, if my whole inside wasn’t upset, I’d talk to you in a different way! [Yells] Oxen Meadows are mine!

NATALYA: Ours!

LOMOV: Mine!

NATALYA: Ours!

LOMOV: Mine!
[Enter Chubukov]

CHUBUKOV: What’s the matter? What are you shouting for?

NATALYA: Papa, please tell this gentleman who owns Oxen Meadows, we or he?

CHUBUKOV: [to Lomov] Darling, the Meadows are ours!

  1. What does Natalya tell Lomov to do when he starts shouting?

  2. What happens to Lomov while he is arguing?

  3. Who enters the scene during their quarrel?
    a) A servant
    b) Chubukov
    c) A neighbour

  4. How does Chubukov respond when Natalya asks about the Oxen Meadows?
    a) He agrees with Lomov
    b) He refuses to take sides
    c) He supports Natalya

  5. What does this scene mainly show about Lomov’s health and nature?
    a) He is calm and healthy
    b) He is nervous and excitable
    c) He is careless and lazy

Answers:

  1. She tells him not to shout and to control himself.

  2. He suffers from palpitations and feels upset inside.

  3. b) Chubukov

  4. c) He supports Natalya

  5. b) He is nervous and excitable


Reading Comprehension 11

 
LOMOV: But, please, Stepan Stepanovitch, how can they be yours? Do be a reasonable man! My aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows for the temporary and free use of your grandfather’s peasants. The peasants used the land for forty years and got accustomed to it as if it was their own, when it happened that...

CHUBUKOV: Excuse me, my precious. You forget just this, that the peasants didn’t pay your grandmother and all that, because the Meadows were in dispute, and so on. And now everybody knows that they’re ours. It means that you haven’t seen the plan.

LOMOV: I’ll prove to you that they’re mine!

CHUBUKOV: You won’t prove it, my darling —

LOMOV: I shall

CHUBUKOV: Dear one, why yell like that? You won’t prove anything just by yelling. I don’t want anything of yours, and don’t intend to give up what I have. Why should I? And you know, my beloved, that if you propose to go on arguing about it, I’d much sooner give up the Meadows to the peasants than to you. There!

  1. What reason does Lomov give to prove that the Meadows belong to him?

  2. According to Chubukov, why did the peasants not pay Lomov’s grandmother?

  3. What does Chubukov say everyone knows about the Meadows?
    a) They belong to Lomov
    b) They belong to Chubukov’s family
    c) They belong to the peasants

  4. What does Chubukov say he would rather do than give the Meadows to Lomov?
    a) Sell them
    b) Give them to the peasants
    c) Keep them unused

  5. What does this passage mainly show about the argument between Lomov and Chubukov?
    a) It is friendly and calm
    b) It is filled with pride and stubbornness
    c) It ends peacefully

Answers:

  1. His aunt’s grandmother gave them for temporary use

  2. Because the Meadows were in dispute

  3. b) They belong to Chubukov’s family

  4. b) Give them to the peasants

  5. b) It is filled with pride and stubbornness


Reading Comprehension 12


LOMOV: I don’t understand! How have you the right to give away somebody else’s property?

CHUBUKOV: You may take it that I know whether I have the right or not. Because, young man, I’m not used to being spoken to in that tone of voice, and so on. I, young man, am twice your age, and ask you to speak to me without agitating yourself, and all that.

LOMOV: No, you just think I’m a fool and want to have me on! You call my land yours, and then you want me to talk to you calmly and politely! Good neighbours don’t behave like that, Stepan Stepanovitch! You’re not a neighbour, you’re a grabber!

CHUBUKOV: What’s that? What did you say?

NATALYA: Papa, send the mowers out to the Meadows at once!

CHUBUKOV: What did you say, sir?

NATALYA: Oxen Meadows are ours, and I shan’t give them up, shan’t give them up, shan’t give them up!

LOMOV: We’ll see! I’ll have the matter taken to court, and then I’ll show you!

CHUBUKOV: To court? You can take it to court, and all that! You can! I know you; you’re just on the look-out for a chance to go to court, and all that. You pettifogger! All your people were like that! All of them!

  1. Why does Lomov get angry with Chubukov?

  2. What does Chubukov ask Lomov to do when speaking to him?

  3. What word does Lomov use to insult Chubukov?
    a) Fool
    b) Grabber
    c) Pettifogger

  4. What action does Lomov threaten to take to prove his claim?
    a) Send his workers
    b) Go to court
    c) Ask the neighbours

  5. What does Chubukov accuse Lomov and his family of being?
    a) Kind and fair
    b) Dishonest and quarrelsome
    c) Always ready to go to court

Answers:

  1. Because Chubukov claims Lomov’s land as his own

  2. He asks Lomov to speak respectfully and calmly

  3. b) Grabber

  4. b) Go to court

  5. c) Always ready to go to court


Reading Comprehension 13


LOMOV: Never mind about my people! The Lomovs have all been honourable people, and not one has ever been tried for embezzlement, like your grandfather!

CHUBUKOV: You Lomovs have had lunacy in your family, all of you!

NATALYA: All, all, all!

CHUBUKOV: Your grandfather was a drunkard, and your younger aunt, Nastasya Mihailovna, ran away with an architect, and so on...

LOMOV: And your mother was hump-backed. [Clutches at his heart] Something pulling in my side... My head.... Help! Water!

CHUBUKOV: Your father was a guzzling gambler!

NATALYA: And there haven’t been many backbiters to equal your aunt!

LOMOV: My left foot has gone to sleep... You’re an intriguer....Oh, my heart! And it’s an open secret that before the last elections you bri... I can see stars... Where’s my hat?

NATALYA: It’s low! It’s dishonest! It’s mean!

CHUBUKOV: And you’re just a malicious, doublefaced intriguer! Yes!

LOMOV: Here’s my hat. My heart! Which way? Where’s the door? Oh I think I’m dying! My foot’s quite numb...
[Goes to the door.]


Questions

Short Answer Questions

  1. Why do Lomov and Chubukov begin insulting each other’s families?

  2. What physical problems does Lomov feel during the quarrel?

  3. What does Chubukov accuse the Lomov family of?

          a) Dishonesty      b) Lunacy     c) Poverty

  1. How does Natalya join the quarrel between the men?
    a) She tries to stop them
    b) She supports her father and joins in the insults
    c) She leaves the room

  2. What does Lomov ask for when he feels unwell?
    a) His hat
    b) Water
    c) Help from the servant

Answers

  1. They start insulting each other when their argument about Oxen Meadows turns personal and full of anger.

  2. Lomov feels pain in his heart, dizziness, and numbness in his foot because of his nervousness.

  3. b) Lunacy

  4. b) She supports her father and joins in the insults

  5. b) Water


Reading Comprehension 14


CHUBUKOV: [following him] And don’t set foot in my house again!

NATALYA: Take it to court! We’ll see!
[Lomov staggers out.]

CHUBUKOV: Devil take him!
[Walks about in excitement.]

NATALYA: What a rascal! What trust can one have in one’s neighbours after that!

CHUBUKOV: The villain! The scarecrow!

NATALYA: The monster! First he takes our land and then he has the impudence to abuse us.

CHUBUKOV: And that blind hen, yes, that turnip-ghost has the confounded cheek to make a proposal, and so on! What? A proposal!

NATALYA: What proposal?

CHUBUKOV: Why, he came here to propose to you.

NATALYA: To propose? To me? Why didn’t you tell me so before?

CHUBUKOV: So he dresses up in evening clothes. The stuffed sausage! The wizen-faced frump!
 
NATALYA: To propose to me? Ah! [Falls into an easy-chair and wails] Bring him back! Back! Ah! Bring him here.

CHUBUKOV: Bring whom here?

NATALYA: Quick, quick! I’m ill! Fetch him!
[Hysterics.]

  1. What does Chubukov tell Lomov when he leaves the house?

  2. How does Natalya react when she learns Lomov came to propose to her?

  3. What does Chubukov call Lomov after he leaves?
    a) The hero
    b) The villain
    c) The fool

  4. Why is Natalya upset after hearing about the proposal?
    a) She feels sorry for shouting at Lomov
    b) She never wanted to marry him
    c) She thinks her father is joking

  5. What does this scene mainly show about Natalya’s character?
    a) She is calm and reasonable
    b) She is emotional and quick to change her feelings
    c) She is proud and silent

Answers:

  1. He tells Lomov not to set foot in his house again.

  2. She becomes shocked and demands that her father bring Lomov back.

  3. b) The villain

  4. a) She feels sorry for shouting at Lomov.

  5. b) She is emotional and quick to change her feelings.



Reading Comprehension 15


CHUBUKOV: What’s that? What’s the matter with you? [Clutches at his head] Oh, unhappy man that I am! I’ll shoot myself! I’ll hang myself! We’ve done for her!

NATALYA: I’m dying! Fetch him!

CHUBUKOV: Tfoo! At once. Don’t yell!
[Runs out. A pause.]

NATALYA: [Natalya Stepanovna wails.] What have they done to me? Fetch him back! Fetch him!
[A pause. Chubukov runs in.]

CHUBUKOV: He’s coming, and so on, devil take him! Ouf! Talk to him yourself; I don’t want to...
 
NATALYA: [wails] Fetch him!
 
CHUBUKOV: [yells] He’s coming, I tell you. Oh, what a burden, Lord, to be the father of a grown-up daughter! I’ll cut my throat I will, indeed! We cursed him, abused him, drove him out; and it’s all you... you!
 
NATALYA: No, it was you!

CHUBUKOV: I tell you it’s not my fault. [Lomov appears at the door] Now you talk to him yourself.
[Exit.]


  1. What does Chubukov threaten to do out of frustration?

  2. How does Natalya react after Lomov leaves the house?

  3. What does Chubukov call being “a burden”?
    a) Being a landowner
    b) Being the father of a grown-up daughter
    c) Being a neighbour to Lomov

  4. Why does Chubukov blame Natalya?
    a) He thinks she argued too much and drove Lomov away
    b) She refused to talk to Lomov politely
    c) She forgot about the proposal

  5. What does this scene mainly show about Chubukov’s personality?
    a) He is calm and patient
    b) He is short-tempered and dramatic
    c) He is cold and careless

Answers:

  1. He threatens to shoot or hang himself.

  2. She cries and keeps asking her father to bring Lomov back.

  3. b) Being the father of a grown-up daughter

  4. a) He thinks she argued too much and drove Lomov away.

  5. b) He is short-tempered and dramatic.

Reading Comprehension 15


LOMOV: [Lomov enters, exhausted.] My heart’s palpitating awfully. My foot’s gone to sleep. There’s something that keeps pulling in my side....

NATALYA: Forgive us, Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated. I remember now: Oxen Meadows... really are yours.

LOMOV: My heart’s beating awfully. My Meadows... My eyebrows are both twitching....

NATALYA: The Meadows are yours, yes, yours. Do sit down. [They sit] We were wrong.

LOMOV: I did it on principle. My land is worth little to me, but the principle...

NATALYA: Yes, the principle, just so. Now let’s talk of something else.

LOMOV: The more so as I have evidence. My aunt’s grandmother gave the land to your father’s grandfather’s peasants...

NATALYA: Yes, yes, let that pass. [aside] I wish I knew how to get him started. [aloud] Are you going to start shooting soon?
 
LOMOV: I’m thinking of having a go at the blackcock, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, after the harvest. Oh, have you heard? Just think, what a misfortune I’ve had! My dog Guess, who you know, has gone lame.

NATALYA: What a pity! Why?

  1. What does Chubukov threaten to do out of frustration?

  2. How does Natalya react after Lomov leaves the house?

  3. What does Chubukov call being “a burden”?
    a) Being a landowner
    b) Being the father of a grown-up daughter
    c) Being a neighbour to Lomov

  4. Why does Chubukov blame Natalya?
    a) He thinks she argued too much and drove Lomov away
    b) She refused to talk to Lomov politely
    c) She forgot about the proposal

  5. What does this scene mainly show about Chubukov’s personality?
    a) He is calm and patient
    b) He is short-tempered and dramatic
    c) He is cold and careless

Answers:

  1. He threatens to shoot or hang himself.

  2. She cries and keeps asking her father to bring Lomov back.

  3. b) Being the father of a grown-up daughter

  4. a) He thinks she argued too much and drove Lomov away.

  5. b) He is short-tempered and dramatic.

  1. What does Chubukov threaten to do out of frustration?

  2. How does Natalya react after Lomov leaves the house?

  3. What does Chubukov call being “a burden”?
    a) Being a landowner
    b) Being the father of a grown-up daughter
    c) Being a neighbour to Lomov

  4. Why does Chubukov blame Natalya?
    a) He thinks she argued too much and drove Lomov away
    b) She refused to talk to Lomov politely
    c) She forgot about the proposal

  5. What does this scene mainly show about Chubukov’s personality?
    a) He is calm and patient
    b) He is short-tempered and dramatic
    c) He is cold and careless

Answers:

  1. He threatens to shoot or hang himself.

  2. She cries and keeps asking her father to bring Lomov back.

  3. b) Being the father of a grown-up daughter

  4. a) He thinks she argued too much and drove Lomov away.

  5. b) He is short-tempered and dramatic.


Reading Comprehension 16


LOMOV: I don’t know. Must have got his leg twisted or bitten by some other dog. [sighs] My very best dog, to say nothing of the expense. I gave Mironov 125 roubles for him.

NATALYA: It was too much, Ivan Vassilevitch.

LOMOV: I think it was very cheap. He’s a first-rate dog.

NATALYA: Papa gave 85 roubles for his Squeezer, and Squeezer is heaps better than Guess!

LOMOV: Squeezer better than Guess? What an idea! [laughs] Squeezer better than Guess!

NATALYA: Of course he’s better! Of course, Squeezer is young, he may develop a bit, but on points and pedigree he’s better than anything that even Volchanetsky has got.

LOMOV: Excuse me, Natalya Stepanovna, but you forget that he is overshot, and an overshot always means the dog is a bad hunter!

NATALYA: Overshot, is he? The first time I hear it!

LOMOV: I assure you that his lower jaw is shorter than the upper.

NATALYA: Have you measured?

LOMOV: Yes. He’s all right at following, of course, but if you want to get hold of anything...

  1. Why does Lomov sigh while talking about his dog Guess?

  2. How much did Lomov pay for Guess?

  3. How much did Natalya’s father pay for Squeezer?
    a) 125 roubles
    b) 100 roubles
    c) 85 roubles

  4. Why does Lomov say Squeezer is not a good hunter?
    a) Because he is young
    b) Because he is overshot
    c) Because he is lazy

  5. What does this dialogue show about Lomov and Natalya?
    a) They enjoy joking together
    b) They often argue and try to prove each other wrong
    c) They never talk to each other politely

Answers:

  1. Because he feels sad that his best dog may be hurt.

  2. He paid 125 roubles for Guess.

  3. c) 85 roubles

  4. b) Because he is overshot.

  5. b) They often argue and try to prove each other wrong.


Reading Comprehension 17


NATALYA: In the first place, our Squeezer is a thoroughbred animal, the son of Harness and Chisels while there’s no getting at the pedigree of your dog at all. He’s old and as ugly as a worn-out cab-horse.

LOMOV: He is old, but I wouldn’t take five Squeezers for him. Why, how can you? Guess is a dog; as for Squeezer, well, it’s too funny to argue. Anybody you like has a dog as good as Squeezer... you may find them under every bush almost. Twenty-five roubles would be a handsome price to pay for him.

NATALYA: There’s some demon of contradition in you today, Ivan Vassilevitch. First you pretend that the Meadows are yours; now, that Guess is better than Squeezer. I don’t like people who don’t say what they mean, because you know perfectly well that Squeezer is a hundred times better than your silly Guess. Why do you want to say he isn’t?
 
LOMOV: I see, Natalya Stepanovna, that you consider me either blind or a fool. You must realise that Squeezer is overshot!

NATALYA: It’s not true.

LOMOV: He is!

NATALYA: It’s not true!

LOMOV: Why shout madam?

NATALYA: Why talk rot? It’s awful! It’s time your Guess was shot, and you compare him with Squeezer!

  1. What does Natalya say about Squeezer’s pedigree?

  2. Why does the argument about the two dogs become heated?

  3. How much does Lomov say would be a handsome price for Squeezer?
    a) 25 roubles
    b) 125 roubles
    c) 50 roubles

  4. What extreme remark does Natalya make about Guess?
    a) He should be shot
    b) He should be entered in a show
    c) He should be given away

  5. What fault does Lomov insist Squeezer has?
    a) Overshot jaw
    b) Lazy temperament
    c) Too young

Answers

  1. She says Squeezer is a thoroughbred, the son of Harness and Chisels, with a clear pedigree.

  2. Because each defends their dog’s superiority; Lomov belittles Squeezer’s value while Natalya fiercely defends Squeezer and insults Guess, so neither will concede.

  3. a) 25 roubles

  4. a) He should be shot

  5. a) Overshot jaw



Reading Comprehension 18


LOMOV: Excuse me, I cannot continue this discussion, my heart is palpitating.

NATALYA: I’ve noticed that those hunters argue most who know least.

LOMOV: Madam, please be silent. My heart is going to pieces. [shouts] Shut up!

NATALYA: I shan’t shut up until you acknowledge that Squeezer is a hundred times better than your Guess!

LOMOV: A hundred times worse! Be hanged to your Squeezer! His head... eyes... shoulder...

NATALYA: There’s no need to hang your silly Guess; he’s half-dead already!

LOMOV: [weeps] Shut up! My heart’s bursting!

NATALYA: I shan’t shut up.
[Enter Chubukov.]

CHUBUKOV: What’s the matter now?

NATALYA: Papa, tell us truly, which is the better dog, our Squeezer or his Guess.

LOMOV: Stepan Stepanovitch, I implore you to tell me just one thing: is your Squeezer overshot or not? Yes or no?

CHUBUKOV: And suppose he is? What does it matter? He’s the best dog in the district for all that, and so on.

LOMOV: But isn’t my Guess better? Really, now?

  1. Why does Lomov say he cannot continue the discussion?

  2. How does Natalya insult Lomov during their argument?

  3. What happens to Lomov while they are arguing?
    a) He gets angry but calm again
    b) He suffers from heart palpitations
    c) He laughs and apologises

  4. What question does Lomov keep asking Chubukov about Squeezer?
    a) Whether Squeezer is overshot
    b) Whether Squeezer is old
    c) Whether Squeezer is trained

  5. What does Chubukov finally say about Squeezer?
    a) He is overshot but still the best dog
    b) He is not overshot at all
    c) He is weaker than Guess

Answers

  1. Because his heart starts palpitating.

  2. She says hunters who argue the most are those who know the least.

  3. b) He suffers from heart palpitations

  4. a) Whether Squeezer is overshot

  5. a) He is overshot but still the best dog


Reading Comprehension 19


CHUBUKOV: Don’t excite yourself, my precious one. Allow me. Your Guess certainly has his good points. He’s purebred, firm on his feet, has well-sprung ribs, and all that. But, my dear man, if you want to know the truth, that dog has two defects: he’s old and he’s short in the muzzle.

LOMOV: Excuse me, my heart... Let’s take the facts. You will remember that on the Marusinsky hunt my Guess ran neck-and-neck with the Count’s dog, while your Squeezer was left a whole verst behind.

CHUBUKOV: He got left behind because the Count’s whipper-in hit him with his whip.
 
LOMOV: And with good reason. The dogs are running after a fox, when Squeezer goes and starts worrying a sheep!

  1. What advice does Chubukov give Lomov at the beginning of this scene?

  2. What two defects does Chubukov point out in Guess?

  3. Why does Lomov mention the Marusinsky hunt?
    a) To prove that Guess is a better dog
    b) To complain about Squeezer
    c) To show that he dislikes hunting

  4. Why does Chubukov say Squeezer was left behind?
    a) He was lazy
    b) He was hit by the Count’s whipper-in
    c) He ran the wrong way

  5. What mistake does Lomov say Squeezer made during the hunt?
    a) He chased a rabbit instead of a fox
    b) He stopped to drink water
    c) He started worrying a sheep

Answers

  1. He tells him not to excite himself and to stay calm.

  2. He says Guess is old and short in the muzzle.

  3. a) To prove that Guess is a better dog

  4. b) He was hit by the Count’s whipper-in

  5. c) He started worrying a sheep



Reading Comprehension 20


CHUBUKOV: It’s not true! My dear fellow, I’m very liable to lose my temper, and so, just because of that, let’s stop arguing. You started because everybody is always jealous of everybody else’s dogs. Yes, we’re all like that! You too, sir, aren’t blameless! You no sooner begin with this, that and the other, and all that... I remember everything!

LOMOV: I remember too!
 
CHUBUKOV: [teasing him] I remember, too! What do you remember?
 
LOMOV: My heart... my foot’s gone to sleep. I can’t...

NATALYA: [teasing] My heart! What sort of a hunter are you? You ought to go and lie on the kitchen oven and catch black beetles, not go after foxes! My heart!

CHUBUKOV: Yes really, what sort of a hunter are you, anyway? You ought to sit at home with your palpitations, and not go tracking animals. You could go hunting, but you only go to argue with people and interfere with their dogs and so on. Let’s change the subject in case I lose my temper. You’re not a hunter at all, anyway!

LOMOV: And are you a hunter? You only go hunting to get in with the Count and to intrigue. Oh, my heart! You’re an intriguer!

  1. What reason does Chubukov give for wanting to stop the argument?

  2. How do Natalya and Chubukov make fun of Lomov?

  3. What does Chubukov say Lomov should do instead of hunting?
    a) Sit at home and rest
    b) Work in the fields
    c) Visit the Count’s house

  4. What does Lomov accuse Chubukov of doing during hunting?
    a) Cheating in the game
    b) Going hunting to please the Count
    c) Avoiding work at home

  5. What does this part of the play mainly show about Lomov’s condition?
    a) He is healthy and calm
    b) He is weak and easily upset
    c) He is confident and bold

Answers

  1. He says he might lose his temper, so they should stop arguing.

  2. They tease him about his heart and say he’s not fit to hunt.

  3. a) Sit at home and rest

  4. b) Going hunting to please the Count

  5. b) He is weak and easily upset



Reading Comprehension 21


CHUBUKOV: What? I am an intriguer? [shouts] Shut up!

LOMOV: Intriguer!

CHUBUKOV: Boy! Pup!

LOMOV: Old rat! Jesuit!

CHUBUKOV: Shut up or I’ll shoot you like a partridge! You fool!

LOMOV: Everybody knows that — oh, my heart! — your late wife used to beat you... My feet... temples... sparks... I fall, I fall!

CHUBUKOV: And you’re under the slipper of your house-keeper!

LOMOV: There, there, there... my heart’s burst! My shoulders come off! Where is my shoulder? I die. [Falls into an armchair] A doctor!

CHUBUKOV: Boy! Milksop! Fool! I’m sick! [Drinks water] Sick!

NATALYA: What sort of a hunter are you? You can’t even sit on a horse! [To her father] Papa, what’s the matter with him? Papa! Look, Papa! [screams] Ivan Vassilevitch! He’s dead!

CHUBUKOV: I’m sick! I can’t breathe! Air!

NATALYA: He’s dead. [Pulls Lomov’s sleeve] Ivan Vassilevitch! Ivan Vassilevitch! What have you done to me? He’s dead. [Falls into an armchair] A doctor, a doctor!
[Hysterics.]

CHUBUKOV: Oh! What is it? What’s the matter?

NATALYA: [wails] He’s dead... dead!

  1. What causes Lomov to fall into the armchair?

  2. How does Natalya react when she thinks Lomov is dead?

  3. What does Chubukov call Lomov during their quarrel?
    a) Brave man
    b) Fool and milksop
    c) Honest friend

  4. What does Lomov accuse Chubukov of during their argument?
    a) Being beaten by his late wife
    b) Stealing money
    c) Selling his land

  5. What emotion best describes this scene?
    a) Calm and peaceful
    b) Angry and chaotic
    c) Sad and quiet

Answers

  1. He falls due to chest pain and heart trouble.

  2. She panics, screams for help, and calls for a doctor.

  3. b) Fool and milksop

  4. a) Being beaten by his late wife

  5. b) Angry and chaotic


Reading Comprehension 22


CHUBUKOV: Who’s dead? [Looks at Lomov] So he is! My word! Water! A doctor! [Lifts a tumbler to Lomov’s mouth] Drink this! No, he doesn’t drink. It means he’s dead, and all that. I’m the most unhappy of men! Why don’t I put a bullet into my brain? Why haven’t I cut my throat yet? What am I waiting for? Give me a knife! Give me a pistol! [Lomov moves] He seems to be coming round. Drink some water! That’s right.

LOMOV: I see stars... mist... where am I?

CHUBUKOV: Hurry up and get married and — well, to the devil with you! She’s willing! [He puts Lomov’s hand into his daughter’s] She’s willing and all that. I give you my blessing and so on. Only leave me in peace!

LOMOV: [getting up] Eh? What? To whom?

CHUBUKOV: She’s willing! Well? Kiss and be damned to you!

NATALYA: [wails] He’s alive... Yes, yes, I’m willing.

CHUBUKOV: Kiss each other!

LOMOV: Eh? Kiss whom? [They kiss] Very nice, too. Excuse me, what’s it all about? Oh, now I understand ... my heart... stars... I’m happy. Natalya Stepanovna... [Kisses her hand] My foot’s gone to sleep.
 
NATALYA: I... I’m happy too...

CHUBUKOV: What a weight off my shoulders, ouf!

NATALYA: But, still you will admit now that Guess is worse than Squeezer.

LOMOV: Better!

NATALYA: Worse!

CHUBUKOV: Well, that’s a way to start your family bliss! Have some champagne!

LOMOV: He’s better!

NATALYA: Worse! Worse! Worse!

CHUBUKOV: [trying to shout her down] Champagne! Champagne!

  1. What does Chubukov do when he thinks Lomov is dead?

  2. What does Chubukov do when Lomov regains consciousness?

  3. How does Chubukov solve the argument between Lomov and Natalya?
    a) He sends Lomov away
    b) He makes them get married
    c) He calls a doctor

  4. What happens immediately after Lomov and Natalya agree to marry?
    a) They start arguing again
    b) They leave the house happily
    c) They thank Chubukov politely

  5. What does Chubukov say to end the play?
    a) “Go to court!”
    b) “Champagne! Champagne!”
    c) “Bring the doctor!”

Answers

  1. He panics, calls for water and a doctor, and thinks of killing himself.

  2. He quickly arranges Lomov’s marriage to Natalya.

  3. b) He makes them get married

  4. a) They start arguing again

  5. b) “Champagne! Champagne!”

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