The Proposal Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 CBSE Notes 2025-26

"The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov is a one-act farce included in CBSE Class 10 English First Flight as Chapter 9. The play centers on Ivan Lomov, a wealthy landowner, who visits his neighbor Stepan Chubukov to propose marriage to Chubukov’s daughter, Natalya. Both families are wealthy and keen on alliances that will increase their estates. However, their personal temperaments lead to unexpected conflicts that almost derail the marriage proposal.

The main characters in the play are Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov, a landowner; his 25-year-old daughter, Natalya Stepanovna; and Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, a neighbor and suitor. All three are argumentative and quick-tempered, traits that drive much of the play’s humor and conflict.

Lomov arrives dressed formally to express his intention to marry Natalya. Chubukov initially suspects Lomov wants to borrow money, but is thrilled upon learning the true purpose. When Lomov tries to talk to Natalya, instead of a romantic conversation, an argument erupts about a disputed piece of land called Oxen Meadows. Both Lomov and Natalya claim ownership over the meadows, leading to a heated quarrel.

The disagreement escalates further when Chubukov joins in, hurling insults at Lomov. Frustrated, Lomov suffers from strange ailments like heart palpitations and a numb leg. Eventually, Lomov leaves, feeling humiliated and rejected, without ever proposing.

Later, when Natalya discovers Lomov’s real intention, she is upset and persuades her father to bring him back. When Lomov returns, another argument breaks out, this time about whose dog is superior. Again, Chubukov is drawn in as tempers flare. Despite all the fuss, Chubukov finally succeeds in getting them to agree to the marriage, and the play ends amidst continuing quarrels, with Chubukov declaring a celebration.

Chekhov uses humor to show the superficiality of marriages arranged for economic reasons. The tendency of wealthy families to merge wealth through marriage is a key theme. The farcical quarrels over small matters like land and pets highlight how ego and pride can overcome logic or affection, even in important personal decisions. The play also pokes fun at human nature, showing that sometimes quarrels are inevitable despite the hope for unity.

• Lomov prepares carefully for his visit, indicating the seriousness of his proposal.
• Chubukov is excited at the prospect of his daughter marrying Lomov, but is also suspicious at first that Lomov wants to borrow money.
• Initial conversation between Lomov and Natalya is formal and quickly turns into an argument over Oxen Meadows, a small land dispute.
• Insults are exchanged, with Chubukov siding with his daughter and Lomov leaving in anger.
• When Natalya realises Lomov’s marriage intentions, she regrets her behavior and calls him back.
• Lomov’s return results in yet another quarrel, this time about whose dog is better, Silver (Lomov’s dog) or Guess (Natalya’s dog).
• Chubukov finally forces them to accept each other as partners, even as they continue bickering.

Throughout the play, the way characters speak to each other often mixes odd expressions with affectionate terms like “my darling,” “my angel,” and “my treasure.” These reflect Russian speech patterns and may sound unusual in English. Characters also use specific words to insult each other, such as “intriguer” or “double-faced.”

• Find Russian-sounding phrases and their English equivalents in the play.
• Practice correct pronunciation of words like palpitations, thoroughbred, pedigree, malicious, and architect.
• Look up and use phrases such as "You may take it that," "He seems to be coming round," and "My foot’s gone to sleep."

Reporting what others say (reported speech) plays an important role in the language exercises. The chapter provides examples of converting direct statements to reported speech, covering how pronouns, tenses, and verbs change. Key tips include using respectful adverbs, changing tense from present to past, and adjusting pronouns as per the reporting clause.

• Answer comprehension questions about the motivations of characters, such as whether Chubukov is sincere or how Natalya feels about Lomov.
• Identify and list adjectives used in the play to describe each character and invent new ones based on their behavior.
• Rewrite newspaper interviews from direct to reported speech to practice transformation skills.
• Group activities encourage discussion about marriage customs, qualities in a life partner, and managing emotions such as anger.

The chapter features a segment comparing Russian wedding customs to Indian ones. Russian weddings are noted for their simple yet playful traditions, like the groom “paying” to get his bride and the guests “stealing” the bride’s shoe. These activities encourage students to reflect on similarities and differences between cultures.

Students learn about homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings). Examples include “close” (to shut) and “close” (near), “present” (gift) and “present” (to give). These vocabulary tasks support language development essential for Class 10.

• Marriages among the wealthy were often based more on property and status than love.
• The play uses humor to show how trivial arguments can overshadow life’s important moments.
• Language exercises help master grammar concepts like reported speech, homophones, and expression differences.
• Group discussions and creative writing activities encourage understanding of character motivation and cultural context.

There is also a summary of the Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution included in the lesson’s end. These rights are: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies. Each right is explained in the context of its social importance.

"The Proposal" is not just a humorous play but also an insight into social customs. The study of this chapter builds comprehension skills, encourages cultural awareness, and helps improve English grammar and vocabulary, all of which are important for the CBSE Class 10 board exams.

Class 10 English Chapter 9 Notes – The Proposal: CBSE First Flight Key Revision Points

These CBSE class 10 English First Flight Chapter 9 notes cover all important events and concepts from "The Proposal" by Chekhov. With clear language and well-organized chapter highlights, students can revise themes, plot, and character motivations with ease. The summary also helps in practicing grammar and vocabulary relevant to board exams.

Use these revision notes for quick preparation before tests or exams. They provide essential pointers and explanations in a simple format, allowing students to remember critical points, key questions, and grammar activities at a glance. Strengthen your understanding of the chapter’s humor and social message for better exam performance.