Introduction
The play, “Marriage Proposal” by Anton Chekhov is not only interesting but also captivating. Small wonder then, that it has attracted wide readership as those who have read it have affirmed the above assertion. Anton Chekhov is a master of sensual description and as such, putting his play in the limelight. Characterized by humor, comedy, irony, and sarcasm, the play becomes attractive to many scholars who analyze this work for academic purposes. The characters are used to give the story a major twist between the lines through their defense and the heated and tense arguments that ensue. Nonetheless, this paper only analyzes the theme in the play and the discussion into the realistic manner in which it should have been performed.
The Theme
In any play, it is normal for one to come up with various themes that befit certain artistical work. Varying themes can be opined or proposed-This doesn’t matter anyway. What matters is the explanations that support the theme. But in any manner, it is well enough to contend that certain themes cannot be hidden-they are very conspicuous that even the myopic fellow can see. Now, in this play by Anton, the theme that presents itself is conflict. Conflict as a theme attracts no contradiction or argument. The conflict theme is introduced when Natalia comes out of their shop to meet Lomov. After greetings, an argument emanates from who is the real owner of a piece of land. Lomov states, “My Oxen meadow touch your birch grove” (Chekhov, 1942). Natalia finds this statement disagreeable as she contends that the piece of land belongs to them. Even Natalia’s father, Stepan Stepanovich, joins in the argument with fits of rage. It becomes a protracted argument.
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The above is not the end, as conflict still emanates when Natalia and Lomov initiate yet another argument. The argument is somewhat petty. An argument about whose dog is better than the other. The ensuing conflict also grabs a significant part of the play. Natalia pulls her side of the bargain, and Lomov does the same. Lomov informs Natalia about the price of his dog. He says that he bought Otkata at one hundred and twenty-five rubbles against eighty-five for Ugadi- Natalia’s dog. Essentially, this is seen only as a proof by Lomov that his dog is of more worth. A lot follows through the development of the story, and the comparison is intensified. Again in this, Stepan Stepanovich joins.
All the above explanations put conflict as a theme. But this is not an end in itself. Marriage proposal which is the title of the play, is also another theme. In the first instance, Lomov had asked for a hand in marriage for Stepan’s daughter.
How realistic was the play supposed to be performed?
What should one say? That a marriage proposal has a style for performance? Well, this is true. The play was performed with a lot of irony. Considering the supposed event or rather the occasion, there is a style that is expected. A marriage proposal occasion is supposed to be acted in a humble and reserved manner. One has to pick an appropriate time. It should be much more romantic and not times for petty arguments.
Similarly, a perfect location for marriage proposal is paramount. In the play, the location is not romantic, and neither is it special. Privacy also defines the occasion. One may fail to conclude why Lomov is making a marriage proposal through the father of the lady he wants to marry. Dinner, and birthday parties are some of the romantic occasion that one can consider making his or her proposal. Furthermore, it involves asking for marriage the right way, through the right channel, preferably, through the lady. Notably, it has to be soothing. Words of appreciation should accompany a good proposal.
Reference.
Chekhov, A. P. (1942). A marriage proposal: A comedy in one act .
