NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal
NCERT Solution for Class 10 English Chapter 11: The Proposal is a detailed insight into the humorous play by Anton Chekhov. This chapter represents the complex relationships and social functions at the time in the most comic manner. Going around Class 10 English Chapter 11, Lomov is a nervous suitor who proposed to his neighbor, Natalya. Even with the best of intentions, Lomov's proposal is marred by constant disputes between the two families over trivial things, from owning land to hunting privileges. This aspect introduces satire into the story, thus bringing out social absurdity in convention.
Access Answers to NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal
Students can access the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 11 The Proposal. Curated by experts according to the CBSE syllabus for 2023–2024, these step-by-step solutions make English much easier to understand and learn for the students. These solutions can be used in practice by students to attain skills in solving problems, reinforce important learning objectives, and be well-prepared for tests.
The Proposal
What does Chubukov at first suspect that Lomov has come for? Is he sincere when he later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son”? Find reasons for your answer from the play.
Chubukov suspects that Lomov has come to borrow money from him because Lomov is dressed formally. However, when Chubukov later says, “And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son,” he is not sincere. This insincerity is evident from Chubukov’s behavior throughout the play. He insults Lomov by calling him names like ‘pettifogger,’ ‘old rat,’ and ‘Jesuit.’ Additionally, Chubukov had already decided not to lend any money to Lomov if he asked.
Therefore, when he suddenly changes his attitude after Lomov asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, it becomes clear that his earlier expressions of love and affection were not genuine. Instead, Chubukov’s immediate change of heart suggests that he is more interested in arranging a marriage alliance between Lomov and his daughter than in genuinely caring for Lomov as a son-figure.
Chubukov says of Natalya: “… as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad, she’s like a lovesick cat…” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
Chubukov believes that Lomov is an ideal match for his daughter, Natalya, and he eagerly anticipates Lomov’s marriage proposal. When Lomov expresses doubts about Natalya’s consent, Chubukov assures him that his daughter is indeed in love with him. However, throughout the play, Natalya constantly argues and disagrees with Lomov on various matters.
Despite this, when Lomov leaves after their argument, Chubukov reveals to Natalya that Lomov had come to propose marriage. In response, Natalya becomes emotional and pleads with her father to bring Lomov back immediately, expressing her desire to see him again. Her heartfelt cries of “Bring him back! Back Ah! Bring him here. Quick, quick! Fetch him!” indicate her true feelings and show that she is indeed in love with Lomov, despite their earlier disagreements.
(i) Find all the words and expressions in the play that the characters use to speak about each other and the accusations and insults they hurl at each other. (For example, Lomov, in the end, calls Chubukov an intriguer; but earlier, Chubukov has himself called Lomov a “malicious, doublefaced intriguer.” Again, Lomov begins by describing Natalya as “an excellent housekeeper, not bad-looking, well-educated.”)
(ii) Then think of five adjectives or adjectival expressions of your own to describe each character in the play.
(iii) Can you now imagine what these characters will quarrel about next?
(ii) and (iii) Here’s the activity:
(ii) Choose one character from the play and write a short paragraph describing them, using the words and expressions listed above.
(iii) Reflect on how these words and expressions reveal the relationships between the characters and contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the play.
For example:
Character: Lomov
Lomov is portrayed using a variety of derogatory terms throughout the play, reflecting the animosity and tension in his interactions with Chubukov and Natalya. He is described as an “impudent” and “pettifogger” by Chubukov, highlighting his perceived lack of respect and dishonesty. Natalya, on the other hand, refers to him as a “villain” and a “fool,” indicating her frustration and disdain towards him.
These derogatory terms not only reveal the strained relationships between the characters but also contribute to the comedic and satirical tone of the play, as they highlight the absurdity of their conflicts and misunderstandings.
Look up the following words in a dictionary and find out how to pronounce them. Pay attention to how many syllables there are in each word, and find out which syllable is stressed, or said more forcefully.
|
palpitations |
interfere |
implore |
thoroughbred |
|
pedigree |
principle |
evidence |
misfortune |
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malicious |
embezzlement |
architect |
neighbours |
|
accustomed |
temporary |
behaviour |
documents |
Look up the following phrases in a dictionary to find out their meaning, and then use each in a sentence of your own.
(i) You may take it that
(ii) He seems to be coming round
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep
1. The expressions that are not used in contemporary English include:
(i) “my darling”, “my angel”, “my beloved”, “my beauty”, “my treasure” – All these expressions were used for an adult man by an older man.
(ii) “…and all that sort of thing” – This expression does not explain anything and is used for a comic effect.
(iii) “…and all that” – This expression is also used for comic effect and has no meaning.
(iv) “how may you be getting on?” – In this expression, Lomov is asking Chubukov about his well-being.
(v) “the scarecrow”, “the stuffed sausage”, “the wizen-faced frump” – These expressions were used by Chubukov to hurl abuses to Lomov.
Some of the modern English expressions used in the play were:
Lomov addressing Natalya: “Madam”, “my heart”, “honoured Natalya Stepanovna”.
Lomov addressing Chubukov: “Honoured Stepan Stepanovitch”, “I beg pardon Stepan Honouritch”.
Chubukov addressing Lomov: “My dear fellow”.
Chubukov insulting Lomov: “malicious, double-faced intriguer”, “fool”, “guzzling gambler”.
Natalya to Lomov: “shout yourself hoarse”
2. Activity to be done by yourself.
3. (i) You may take it that I’m lying, but I’m actually not feeling well.
(ii) He seems to be coming round after he fell down, hit his head and fainted.
(iii) My foot’s gone to sleep after exercising in the gym for two hours.
Reported Speech
You must have noticed that when we report someone’s exact words, we have to make some changes in the sentence structure. In the following sentences, fill in the blanks to list the changes that have occurred in the above pairs of sentences. One has been done for you.
1. To report a question, we use the reporting verb asked (as in Sentence Set 1).
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb ____________________________.
3. The adverb of place here changes to _____________________________________.
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the _____________________________________ tense (as in Sentence Set 3).
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to _____________________ tense. For example, ___________________ changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb ____________________ in the reporting clause (as in Sentence Set 1).
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as , _________________, _____________________, __________________ or _______________ in reported speech.
2. To report a statement, we use the reporting verb said/declared.
3. The adverb of place here changes to there.
4. When the verb in direct speech is in the present tense, the verb in reported speech is in the past tense.
5. If the verb in direct speech is in the present continuous tense, the verb in reported speech changes to past continuous tense. For example, am getting changes to was getting.
6. When the sentence in direct speech contains a word denoting respect, we add the adverb respectfully in the reporting clause.
7. The pronouns I, me, our and mine, which are used in the first person in direct speech, change according to the subject or object of the reporting verb such as he/she, him/her, their or his/her’s in reported speech.
Here is an excerpt from an article from the Times of India dated 27 August 2006. Rewrite it, changing the sentences in direct speech into reported speech. Leave the other sentences unchanged.
“Why do you want to know my age? If people know I am so old, I won’t get work!” laughs 90-year-old A. K. Hangal, one of Hindi cinema’s most famous character actors. For his age, he is rather energetic. “What’s the secret?” we ask. “My intake of everything is in small quantities. And I walk a lot,” he replies. “I joined the industry when people retire. I was in my 40s. So I don’t miss being called a star. I am still respected and given work, when actors of my age are living in poverty and without work. I don’t have any complaints,” he says, adding, “but yes, I have always been underpaid.” Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Hangal never hankered after money or materialistic gains. “No doubt I am content today, but money is important. I was a fool not to understand the value of money earlier,” he regrets.
At 90 years old, A.K. Hangal, a prominent character actor in Hindi cinema, jovially questioned why anyone would want to know his age, fearing it might affect his job prospects. Despite his age, he remains remarkably energetic, attributing his vitality to moderation in all things and regular walks. Hangal entered the film industry at an age when most people retire, joining in his 40s and avoiding the pressures of stardom.
Despite this, he continues to be respected and employed, unlike many of his peers who struggle financially. Despite being underpaid throughout his career, Hangal, a Padma Bhushan awardee, emphasizes that he never chased after money or material possessions. While he admits to feeling content presently, he acknowledges the importance of financial stability, lamenting that he failed to appreciate its value earlier in life.
Speaking and Writing
Anger Management: As adults, one important thing to learn is how to manage our temper. Some of us tend to get angry quickly, while others remain calm.
Can you think of three ill effects that result from anger? Note them down. Suggest ways to avoid losing your temper in such situations. Are there any benefits from anger?
There are various ill-effects of anger. Three ill-effects that result from anger are listed below:
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It causes headaches and health problems.
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It gives rise to anxiety and blood pressure.
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It ruins relationships with people.
You can avoid losing your temper by trying to stay calm in difficult situations. Take a step back and think carefully before you speak, and avoid taking things too personally.
Although it is advisable to stay calm and not get angry often. But here are some benefits of anger:
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It makes us aware of injustice and helps us voice our opinion against it.
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It motivates us to stay focused and helps in solving disputes and facilitating negotiations among people.
(Note: Students can write this answer as per their understanding and personal experiences.)
In pairs, prepare a script based on the given excerpt from The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore. You may write five exchanges between the characters with other directions such as movements on stage and way of speaking, etc.
One afternoon, when I happened to be specially busy, word came to my office room that Bimala had sent for me. I was startled.
“Who did you say had sent for me?” I asked the messenger.
“The Rani Mother”.
“The Bara Rani?”
“No, sir, the Chota Rani Mother.”
The Chota Rani! It seemed a century since I had been sent for by her. I kept them all waiting there, and went off into the inner apartments. When I stepped into our room I had another shock of surprise to find
Bimala there with a distinct suggestion of being dressed up. The room, which from persistent neglect, had latterly acquired an air of having grown absent-minded, had regained something of its old order this afternoon. I stood there silently, looking enquiringly at Bimala.
She flushed a little and the fingers of her right hand toyed for a time with the bangles on her left arm. Then she abruptly broke the silence.
“Look here! Is it right that ours should be the only market in all Bengal which allows foreign goods?”
“What, then, would be the right thing to do?” I asked.
“Order them to be cleared out!”
“But the goods are not mine.”
“Is not the market yours?”
“It is much more theirs who use it for trade.”
“Let them trade in Indian goods, then.”
“Nothing would please me better. But suppose they do not?”
“Nonsense! How dare they be so insolent? Are you not…”
“I am very busy this afternoon and cannot stop to argue it out. But I must refuse to tyrannise.”
“It would not be tyranny for selfish gain, but for the sake of the country.”
“To tyrannise for the country is to tyrannise over the country. But that I am afraid you will never understand.” With this I came away.
Answer:
Activity to be done by yourself.
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