Describe the episode of the second argument regarding the hunting dogs.
As Lomov went out of Chubukov house ending their first argument, Natalya came to know about his real intention behind visiting them. She came to know that Lomov came to propose to her for marriage. Then she became excited and asked her father to call him back. When Lomov came back, not knowing, how to start, Natalya asked him about his plans for hunting. At this Lomov mentioned that his dog Guess had gone lame. Then they began arguing over the superiority of their respective hunting dogs. Lomov asserted that Natalya’s dog Squeezer was overshot, that his lower jaw was shorter than the upper one. Natalya was indignant at this and claimed that Squeezer was a thoroughbred animal. Natalya’s father Chubukov joined the fray. He pointed out that Lomov’s dog had two defects he was old and he was shot in the muzzle. Their stupid arguments make the play hilarious. Thus Chekhov pokes fun at the aristocratic class that survived on the labours of the working class and kept themselves busy with fruitless occupations like hunting as they had nothing else to do.
When does Natalya come to know of the proposal? How does she react? Why does she react in this way?
Lomov and Natalya argue over the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. Soon their argument turns into an ugly squabble and Lomov leaves the house because his heart starts palpitating awfully. No sooner Lomov leaves her house than Natalya comes to know of his marriage proposal from her father Chubukov.
Lomov’s marriage proposal is unexpected news for Natalya. When she hears about it, she can not believe her ears and requests her father to bring Lomov back as soon as possible.
Natalya is a girl of twenty-five and according to the society of that time, a grown-up girl should get married to get financial security and respect in society. So when she comes to know about Lomov’s marriage proposal she does not want to miss the opportunity of getting married. That is the reason why she reacts in this way.
How did the second argument come to an end?
Narrate in brief what happened at Marusinsky hunt.
Describe the reaction of Natalya and her father thinking that Lomov is dead.
Is Lomov really ill or is he hypochondriac? Give reasons for your answer.
Do you think Chubukov and Lomov are good neighbours? Give reasons with reference from the play.
What change of behaviour and tone do you notice in Natalya as she heard that Lomov’s actual intention was to propose to her for marriage?
What is ironic about Natalya’s request to bring Lomov back?
What are Lomov and Natalya’s actual feelings and opinions about each other?
Comment on the father-daughter relationship as depicted in the play.
Describe the physical problems that Lomov thinks he has.
Why does Lomov think Natalya will make an acceptable wife? Explain your answer.
Why did not Lomov directly ask Natalya to marry him?
Why did Lomov leave Chubukov house?
How did Lomov regain his senses finally by Chubukov? How was the marriage between Lomov and Natalya accomplished?
Who made the proposal and to whom? What was the proposal? How was the proposal realised?
How did the illness of Lomov help to unite Lomov and Natalya?
The playwright has used some funny adjectives with which the characters use to blame each other. How do they contribute to the comic elements of the play?
Do you find the play funny? Support your answer with illustrations from the text.