Bihar Board Class 12th - English Prose - Chapter 11: A Marriage Proposal
"A Marriage Proposal" is a humorous and satirical short story included in Bihar Board's English Prose 1 curriculum. Written by Anton Chekhov, a renowned Russian playwright and short story writer, the story is a delightful exploration of the complexities of courtship and marriage in 19th-century Russian society.
Key Themes
- The Nature of Courtship: The chapter delves into the concept of courtship, where the central character, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, visits his neighbor Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov to propose marriage to his daughter, Natalia Stepanovna. However, the proposal takes an unexpected and comical turn.
- Social Etiquette: The story satirizes the rigid social conventions of the time, where marriage was often a matter of economic and social status rather than personal choice. It portrays the absurdity of adhering to strict social norms.
- Miscommunication and Misunderstanding: Miscommunication and misunderstandings play a significant role in the story's humor. Lomov and Chubukov engage in a heated argument about landownership and hunting dogs, completely missing the purpose of Lomov's visit.
- Irony and Satire: Chekhov employs irony and satire to highlight the triviality of the characters' arguments. The story pokes fun at the characters' inflated egos and their ability to turn a marriage proposal into a contentious debate.
- Fear of Commitment: The characters' fear of commitment is evident throughout the story. Both Lomov and Natalia are initially hesitant to make a decision about marriage, and their reluctance adds to the story's comedic elements.
- The Absurdity of Human Behavior: The chapter underscores the absurdity of human behavior, especially in matters of the heart. It portrays how seemingly trivial issues can escalate into major conflicts.
- Resolution and Humor: Despite the misunderstandings and arguments, the story concludes with a humorous resolution. The characters' stubbornness gives way to a desire for companionship, resulting in an unexpected marriage proposal.
- Universal Themes: While the story is set in 19th-century Russia, its themes of miscommunication, social pressure, and the absurdity of human behavior are universal and relatable to readers from different cultures and time periods.
हमारी Website पर यह PDF free में उपलब्ध है
The PDF of "A Marriage Proposal" chapter is available for free on our website. This chapter offers readers a glimpse into the world of classic Russian literature, with Chekhov's signature blend of humor and social commentary. It invites readers to reflect on the idiosyncrasies of human behavior and the complexities of courtship and marriage.
