Discuss Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Proposal’ as a one – act play


Q: Discuss Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Proposal’ as a one – act play.

A:        A one – act play is a comparatively modern form of drama which became popular towards the end of the nineteenth century. It has a small canvas. It generally concentrates on a single episode or situation and characters are limited in number.

          ‘The proposal’, originally written in Russian, is a famous one – act play by Anton Chekhov. Here he concentrates on a single issue of the marriage proposal of Lomov to Natalya, Chubukov’s daughter. Lomov, Natalya and Chubukov are the only three characters. The play advances rapidly and ends abruptly.

           Chekov presents a single point of satire in a genial tone. There is no complication on plot. The focus is on situation, specially the marriage proposal. There is no story to plot, no climax to be reached and no final unraveling of the plot. To make a point Chekhov uses comedy and through laughter highlights the absurdity of a prevalent practice. Hence, ‘The Proposal’ is a perfect one – act play.




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Discuss Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Proposal’ as a one – act play

Q: Discuss Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Proposal’ as a one – act play. A:          A one – act play is a comparatively modern form of drama ...