The proposal (Anton Chekhov) / WBCHSE/ CLASS XII- ENGLISH.

 

The proposal

By Anton Chekhov

summary

“The Proposal” is a one-act play written by Anton Chekhov. It’s a farce about the tendency of wealthy families to seek ties with other wealthy families to increase their estates through marriages that make good economic sense.

The play begins with Ivan Lomov, a 35-year-old gentleman, visiting his neighbour Stepan Chubukov’s house. Ivan, who suffers from palpitations and gets upset very easily, has come to propose marriage to Chubukov’s twenty-five-year-old daughter, Natalya2. He believes Natalya is average-looking and an honest caretaker.

However, their conversation soon devolves into a heated argument over the ownership of Oxen Meadows, a piece of land that both families claim as their own. The argument escalates to the point where Lomov suffers from extreme palpitation and a numb foot, and he is thrown out of the house.

Upon learning that Lomov had come with a marriage proposal, Natalya regrets her actions and asks her father to bring him back. When Lomov returns, they try to avoid the previous topic by talking about their dogs, but this too leads to another argument. In the midst of this quarrel, Lomov faints.

Despite all the quarrelling, the economic common sense prevails and the proposal is accepted — although it’s hinted that the quarrelling might continue.

 

 

Give a brief sketch of the character of Lomov in the one act play 'the proposal'.

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, the protagonist in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, is a 35-year-old bachelor. He is described as a large and hearty, but very suspicious landowner1. He is also a hypochondriac who is often anxious about his non-existent illnesses. Lomov lacks self-confidence and has a tendency to beat around the bush instead of stating matters clearly.

Lomov wants to get married for the sake of appearances rather than love4. He doesn’t seem to be in love with Natalya but decides to marry her because she’s the best woman available4. His difficulty in coming to the point often leads him into silly arguments with Natalya and Chubukov about land ownership and dogs.

Despite his quarrelsome nature, Lomov is representative of the upper class where marriage was seen as a means of gaining economic stability1. His primary concern appears to be maintaining a superior appearance, which is also true of the other characters in the play4.

 

"I am the most unhappy of men" - whom said this? why did he say so? how did the speaker get rid of his unhappiness?

The phrase “I am the most unhappy of men” is said by the character Chubukov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal".

Chubukov, the father of a grown-up daughter Natalya, considers himself an unhappy man when he becomes the father of an adult daughter. His unhappiness intensifies when Lomov, who had come to propose to Natalya, storms out of his home after an argument over Oxen Meadows. When Lomov returns, another quarrel ensues between him and Natalya over their dogs, Guess and Squeezer1. In the midst of this quarrel, Lomov faints, leading Natalya to believe he is dead.

Faced with these surprising events and the lack of a potential suitor for his daughter, Chubukov exclaims that he has become the most unhappy man. However, he manages to get rid of his unhappiness when Lomov revives. Chubukov quickly asks him to marry Natalya as she is ready1. He blesses the couple and wishes that they would leave him alone in peace. In this way, he tries to shake off his dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

 

Why are you so formal in tour get up" - who is the speaker? who is being spoken to? what led the speaker to make this statement?

The line “Why are you so formal in your get-up?” is spoken by the character Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal". He addresses this line to Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov.

Chubukov notices that Lomov is dressed in a formal evening dress with gloves, which is unusual for a casual visit. This leads Chubukov to ask if Lomov is going somewhere special1. However, Lomov replies that he has come only to see Chubukov. The formal attire of Lomov, which is not typical for a simple visit, prompts Chubukov to make this statement.

 

" We have the land for nearly three hundred years years..." - Who is the speaker? who is spoken to? What is referred to as the land? What do you know of the land from their conversation?

The line “We have the land for nearly three hundred years” is spoken by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal"1. He is speaking to Natalya Stepanova.

The land referred to here is the "Oxen Meadows". It’s a piece of property that both Lomov and Natalya’s family claim as their own. The dispute over the ownership of this land leads to a heated argument between Lomov and Natalya.

From their conversation, we learn that Lomov believes his family has owned the Oxen Meadows for nearly three hundred years. This claim is contested by Natalya, leading to a dispute that forms a significant part of the play’s plot.

 

" And it is impossible for me not to marry" - Why is the speaker so interested to marry? whom does he want to marry and why?

The line “And it is impossible for me not to marry” is spoken by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal". He is speaking to Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov.

Lomov is interested in marrying because he believes it’s time for him to settle down1. He mentions that he is already 35, which he considers a critical age. He also suffers from palpitations and gets easily upset, so he feels the need to lead a quiet and regular life.

Lomov wants to marry Natalya Stepanova, Chubukov’s daughter. His reasons for wanting to marry Natalya are not entirely clear. He describes her as an honest woman and a good housekeeper. However, it seems that his decision is more influenced by practical considerations rather than romantic feelings.

 

I’ve been hoping for it for a long time." - Who is the speaker? what does it refer to? How did the speaker come to know? about 'it'? What did the speaker say in this context?

The line “I’ve been hoping for it for a long time” is spoken by Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal".

The ‘it’ refers to the marriage proposal of Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov for Chubukov’s daughter, Natalya. Chubukov had been hoping for this proposal for a long time.

Chubukov comes to know about ‘it’ when Lomov explicitly states his intention: “I have the honour to ask…”. Lomov had come to Chubukov’s house to propose to Natalya.

In this context, upon hearing the proposal, Chubukov expresses his joy and approval: "My dear fellow… I’m so glad, and so on… Yes, indeed, and all that sort of thing. [Embraces and kisses Lomov] I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It’s been my continual desire. [Sheds a tear] And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own son. May God give you both His help and His love and so on…".

 

" Bring him back! Ah! bring him here." - Who says this to whom?  and when? What impression of the speaker can be formed from this remark?

The line “Bring him back! Ah! Bring him here.” is spoken by Natalya Stepanova in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal". She says this to her father, Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov.

This line is said after a heated argument between Natalya and Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. The argument escalates to the point where Lomov, who had come to propose to Natalya, suffers from extreme palpitation and a numb foot, and he is thrown out of the house. Upon learning that Lomov had come with a marriage proposal, Natalya regrets her actions and asks her father to bring him back.

From this remark, we can form an impression of Natalya as a passionate and impulsive character. She is quick to argue but also quick to regret her actions when she realizes their consequences. Her immediate change of heart upon learning about Lomov’s intentions shows her desire for marriage and her concern for Lomov’s well-being.

 

Lomov came with a proposal to marry Natalya. What logic does he give for his decision?

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, gives several reasons for his decision to propose to Natalya Stepanova:

Personal Attraction: Lomov is attracted to Natalya and believes that she is a suitable match for him1. He values her intelligence and education, which he sees as assets that will benefit him in his life and career.

Social Status and Wealth: Lomov is interested in Natalya’s social status and wealth1. He believes that by marrying her, he will be able to improve his own position in society and secure his financial future.

Land Ownership: He is particularly interested in the piece of land that Natalya’s family owns, which he hopes to acquire through the marriage.

Societal Pressures and Expectations: Lomov is also motivated by societal pressures and expectations1. He believes that it is his duty as a young man of means to marry and start a family, and that Natalya is a suitable candidate for this role.

Health Concerns: Lomov suffers from a weak heart and sleep sickness3. He wants a companion who could look after him.

However, it’s important to note that throughout the play, his motives are complicated by his nervousness and anxiety, which often lead him to bicker with Natalya and threaten the success of the proposal.

 

" Go, there is a merchant came for his goods.? - Who said this to whom? Who is the merchant? What is referred to as goods? In what way does it bring out the attitude of the person and the society at that time?

The line “Go, there is a merchant come for his goods” is spoken by Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov to his daughter, Natalya Stepanova, in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal".

The ‘merchant’ referred to here is Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov. The ‘goods’ in this context refer to Natalya.

This statement reflects the business-like mentality of Chubukov and the societal norms of that time. It suggests that women, like Natalya, were often viewed as commodities to be exchanged in marriage. This line also highlights the transactional nature of marriages during that era, where economic and social gains were often prioritized over personal feelings or love. It underscores the objectification and commodification of women in society. This remark by Chubukov thus provides a critique of the societal attitudes and gender dynamics of that time.

 

" If you like I'll make you a present of them." - Who is the speaker? who is the person spoken to? What would the speaker make a present of? Why did the speaker say so?

The line “If you like, I’ll make you a present of them” is spoken by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal". He is speaking to Natalya Stepanova.

The ‘them’ referred to here is the Oxen Meadows. It’s a piece of land that both Lomov and Natalya’s family claim as their own.

Lomov offers to make a present of the Oxen Meadows to Natalya because he wants to resolve their argument over its ownership. He is more interested in marrying Natalya than in owning the land1. By offering the land as a gift, he hopes to end the dispute and move forward with his marriage proposal.

 

" She is like a love - sick cat" - Who said this about whom? Analyse the character of the person referred to here, under the light of the above comment.

The line “She is like a love-sick cat” is spoken by Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov about his daughter, Natalya Stepanova, in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal".

Natalya is portrayed as a strong-willed and argumentative woman, but she also has a softer side that is revealed when she learns of Lomov’s intention to propose. After their quarrel over the Oxen Meadows, Natalya becomes distressed when she believes she has lost her chance at marriage1. She falls into an easy chair and starts lamenting over the lost chance of marriage. She begs her father to bring Lomov back.

This behaviour shows her desperation for marriage and her love-sickness for Lomov. Despite her initial argumentative nature, it becomes clear that Natalya is very eager to get married to Lomov. This comment by Chubukov highlights Natalya’s intense desire for marriage and her emotional turmoil over the thought of losing Lomov.

 

Sketch the character of Natalya.

Natalya Stepanovna, a character in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, is the 25-year-old daughter of a wealthy landowner, Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov. Here’s a brief sketch of her character:

Strong-willed and Argumentative: Natalya is portrayed as a strong-willed woman who is more effective than Lomov in speaking clearly and getting to the point. She is very argumentative and often engages in heated debates over trivial matters, such as the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of her dog.

Desire for Marriage: Despite her strong personality, Natalya feels the burden of being a potential spinster and desperately wants to marry Lomov2. Her concern for being right about superficial matters often takes precedence over her desire for marriage.

Intelligent and Well-educated: Natalya is portrayed as being very intelligent and well-educated4. She is an efficient manager of her father’s household.

Emotional and Impulsive: Natalya is also very emotional and impulsive4. When she believes she has lost her chance at marriage, she quickly regrets her actions and asks her father to bring Lomov back.

Concerned about Family Honor: Natalya is very much concerned about her family’s honour and land, as well as her dog Squeezer3. She has a high opinion of herself.

Overall, Natalya’s character provides a critique of the societal attitudes and gender dynamics of that time. Her intense desire for marriage, combined with her argumentative nature, highlights the pressures faced by women in society during that era.

 

Describe the character of Chubukov as a sensible father.

Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov, a character in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, is the father of Natalya Stepanovna12. Here’s a brief sketch of his character as a sensible father:

Practical and Business-like: Chubukov is portrayed as a practical and business-like man who is primarily concerned with his wealth and social status. He is an astute businessman who keeps at heart the interest of his property and his daughter.

Concerned Father: Despite his practicality, Chubukov genuinely cares for his daughter and wants to see her happy. He takes his responsibilities as a father very seriously. He is worried about his grown-up daughter, Natalya, and wants her to get married at any cost.

Problem Solver: Throughout the play, Chubukov tries to intervene in Natalya and Lomov’s arguments, often taking one side or the other in an attempt to resolve the dispute1. When Natalya and Lomov are arguing over a piece of land, Chubukov intervenes and tries to find a solution that will satisfy both parties.

Relief at Daughter’s Marriage: In the end, he is relieved when Natalya and Lomov finally agree to marry, and he looks forward to the union of the two families.

Overall, Chubukov is portrayed as a sensible father who is practical, level-headed, and caring. He puts his family’s best interests first but is not blind to their emotional needs and desires.

 

" Forgive us Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated." - Who is the speaker? Who are referred to by 'us'? Why were the person spoken to a little heated? Why does the speaker ask for forgiveness?

The line “Forgive us, Ivan Vassilevitch, we were all a little heated” is spoken by Natalya Stepanovna in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal". The ‘us’ referred to here includes Natalya and her father, Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov.

 

They were ‘a little heated’ because they had a wild argument with Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov over the contested land Oxen Meadows when he came to propose to Natalya. The argument escalated to the point where Lomov, who suffers from palpitations and gets upset very easily, was thrown out of the house.

When Natalya learned from her father that Lomov had actually come to propose to her, she regretted her rudeness and asked for forgiveness. She realized that her argumentative behaviour might have jeopardized her chance at marriage, which she deeply desired1. Hence, she pleaded for forgiveness.

 

What arguments does Lomov give to prove that oxen meadows was his?

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, provides several arguments to assert that the Oxen Meadows are his:

Historical Ownership: Lomov claims that his family has owned the Oxen Meadows for a long time. He believes that the land has been in his family’s possession and has been recognized as such by the community.

Documentary Evidence: Lomov states that he has documents proving his ownership of the Oxen Meadows. He is confident that these documents can validate his claim.

Usage by Peasants: Lomov mentions that his aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows to the peasants who belonged to Natalya’s father’s grandfather on the condition that they were to prepare bricks for his aunt. Over time, these peasants became accustomed to referring to the Meadows as their own, but Lomov insists that this does not change the fact that the land legally belongs to him.

Despite these arguments, Natalya Stepanovna disputes his claim, leading to a heated argument over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.

 

Discuss why the marriage proposal is so important to all the three characters in the play 'the proposal'?

The marriage proposal in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal” holds significant importance for all three characters: Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, Natalya Stepanovna, and Stepan Stepanovich Chubukov.

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov: For Lomov, the proposal is a means to secure a companion who can look after him due to his health concerns. He also sees marriage as a way to gain social status and wealth. Moreover, he believes that it’s his duty as a man of his age to marry and start a family.

Natalya Stepanovna: Natalya feels the societal pressure of being an unmarried woman and is desperate to get married. She also sees marriage as a way to secure her family’s land, the Oxen Meadows. Despite her argumentative nature, she deeply desires to get married to Lomov.

 

Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov: As Natalya’s father, Chubukov is eager for her to get married. He sees the marriage as a way to secure his family’s wealth and social status4. He also wants his daughter to be happy and settled.

The play highlights the struggle to balance the monetary necessities of marriage with what the characters themselves actually want. It demonstrates their distress for marriage as hilarious and exposes the superficiality of modern people who connect with wealth and money rather than emotionally bonding in relationships.

 

" Your grandfather was a drunkard" - who said the line to whom? Why does the speaker say so?

The line “Your grandfather was a drunkard” is spoken by Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov to Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal".

Lomov says this line during a heated argument with Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. He uses this statement as a counter-argument to Chubukov’s claim that his family has owned the land for a long time. By bringing up the negative aspects of Chubukov’s ancestry, Lomov tries to undermine Chubukov’s credibility and strengthen his own claim to the land.

 

Make a brief sketch of the social life as you find in the play.

The social life depicted in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal” is a reflection of the socio-economic conditions of Russia in the 19th century. The characters in the play, Lomov, Chubukov, and Natalya, represent the upper-class land-owning society of Russia.

Materialistic Society: The society portrayed in the play is primarily concerned with wealth and social status3. Marriage is seen as a means of economic benefit or other gains. The characters are more interested in property and wealth than personal feelings or love.

Double-faced Characters: The characters are depicted as double-faced, where they behave sweetly when it suits their interests but can become desperate and savage when situations go against them.

Marriage as a Social Necessity: Marriage is considered a social necessity rather than a bond of love2. Lomov wants to marry Natalya for his own sake, while Natalya and Chubukov see marriage as a way to secure their wealth and social status.

Agriculture as Major Livelihood: The major livelihood of the Russian people at that time was agriculture. Land ownership disputes, such as the one over Oxen Meadows in the play, were common.

Polite yet Argumentative Nature: The characters are apparently very polite-speaking persons but when their interests are at stake, they become argumentative and desperate to fulfill them.

Overall, the play presents a satirical drama that criticizes the materialistic mind of the bourgeoisie in Russia and highlights the societal attitudes of that time.

 

Describe briefly the fight regarding the dogs in the play.

In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, a dispute arises between Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov and Natalya Stepanovna over their dogs.

Lomov is very proud of his dog, Guess, which he bought for a hundred and twenty-five roubles and considers it a bargain. He believes Guess is a first-rate dog. On the other hand, Natalya insists that her dog, Squeezer, is superior to Guess13. She argues that Squeezer has a better pedigree and is a better hunter.

Their discussion about the dogs quickly escalates into a heated argument, with each of them criticizing the other’s dog. Lomov accuses Squeezer of being overshot and not being a good hunter, while Natalya asserts that Guess is old and has no pedigree.

This argument over their dogs reflects their stubbornness and inability to compromise, which are recurring themes throughout the play.

 

Evaluate 'The Proposal as a one act play.

Anton Chekhov’s “The Proposal” is a quintessential example of a one-act play. Here are some key aspects that make it a successful one-act play:

Unity of Time, Plot, and Action: The play adheres to the classical unities of time, plot, and action2. It focuses on a single scene and covers the happenings of a single day. The plot is one-dimensional and revolves around one theme developed through one situation to one climax.

Brevity and Continuity: The action in the play begins right at the start and there are no breaks in the action; it is continuous. The play starts and ends within a short span of time.

Characterization: All three characters in the play are central and indispensable for the construction of the play. There are no side characters to distract from the progress of the story.

Theme: The play deals with everyday life problems like marriage. It puts forth a marriage proposal, producing a maximum effect.

Humour and Satire: The play is a farce that revolves around the story of Natalya Stepanovna and Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov and their relationship. It uses humour and satire to critique societal norms and attitudes.

Overall, “The Proposal” stands as a perfect one-act play in all aspects, providing an entertaining yet insightful commentary on societal norms and human nature.

 

" What sort of hunter are you? -- What does Natalya want to say and why does she say so? What suggestions does she make after?

The line “What sort of hunter are you?” is spoken by Natalya Stepanovna to Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play "The Proposal".

 

Natalya questions Lomov’s abilities as a hunter during their argument over the superiority of their respective hunting dogs, Guess and Squeezer. She uses this question to challenge Lomov’s judgment and knowledge about dogs, implying that he is not a good judge of a dog’s quality because he is not a god hunter.

After questioning Lomov’s abilities as a hunter, Natalya continues to argue that her dog, Squeezer, is superior to Lomov’s dog, Guess. She insists that Squeezer is young and belongs to a pedigree, whereas she considers Guess to be old and as ugly as a worn-out cab horse.

 

What faults does Lomov identify in Squeezer? What faults does Natalya find in Guess?

Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, identifies a fault in Natalya’s dog, Squeezer. He claims that Squeezer is overshot, which means that the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, and hence is a bad hunter.

On the other hand, Natalya finds faults in Lomov’s dog, Guess. She criticizes Guess for being old and lacking a pedigree. She also implies that Guess is not as good a hunter as her dog, Squeezer. These criticisms are part of their argument over whose dog is superior.

 

How does proposal and arguments alternate in the plot of the drama 'The Proposal'?

In Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal”, the plot alternates between proposals and arguments in a humorous and engaging manner123:

First Proposal: The play begins with Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov visiting his neighbour, Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov, to propose to his daughter, Natalya Stepanovna1. Chubukov is overjoyed and assures Lomov that Natalya will accept.

First Argument: However, when Lomov and Natalya start discussing their respective lands, they end up in a heated argument over the ownership of Oxen Meadows1. The argument escalates to the point where Lomov leaves the house in a huff.

Second Proposal: After Lomov leaves, Chubukov tells Natalya about the proposal. She regrets her actions and asks her father to bring Lomov back. When Lomov returns, Natalya apologizes and encourages him to propose.

Second Argument: But their conversation soon devolves into another argument about their dogs, Guess and Squeezer. This argument also becomes heated, leading to Lomov fainting.

Final Proposal: Despite the arguments, Chubukov asks Lomov to hurry and get married when he revives. Still somewhat dazed, Lomov agrees to marry Natalya, who accepts.

This alternating pattern of proposals and arguments adds a comedic element to the play and highlights the superficiality of the characters.

 

Why was marriage important for Lomov?

Marriage was important for Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov in Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal” for several reasons:

Physical Condition: Lomov suffers from a weak heart and insomnia. He wanted someone to take care of him.

Social Needs: Lomov was 35 years old, which he considered a critical age. He felt the societal pressure to settle down and start a family.

Economic Stability: Lomov saw marriage as a means to secure his financial future and improve his social status.

These factors made marriage a significant and urgent matter for Lomov.

 

How far the title of the play ' The proposal' justified?

The title of Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “The Proposal” is highly justified as the entire plot revolves around a marriage proposal12. The play begins with Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov visiting his neighbour, Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov, to propose to his daughter, Natalya Stepanovna1. The action of the play is driven by this proposal and the subsequent arguments that arise from it.

However, the proposal is not straightforward. It is interrupted by heated arguments over trivial matters such as the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their dogs. Despite these interruptions, the proposal remains the central theme and driving force of the play.

In the end, despite all the arguments and misunderstandings, Lomov and Natalya agree to marry. Thus, the title “The Proposal” aptly encapsulates the main event around which the entire plot revolves.

 

The proposal is a farce, discuss.

Indeed, Anton Chekhov’s “The Proposal” is a classic example of a farce123. A farce is a type of comedy characterized by highly exaggerated and funny situations3. Here are some reasons why “The Proposal” is considered a farce:

Exaggerated Situations: The play is filled with over-the-top situations that are designed to be humorous1. For instance, the characters argue over trivial matters such as the ownership of Oxen Meadows and the superiority of their dogs, which leads to hilarious outcomes.

Rapid-Fire Dialogue: The play features fast-paced, dialogue-based action that adds to the comedic effect2. The characters often speak past each other, leading to misunderstandings and further arguments.

Physical Humour: The play includes elements of physical humour, such as Lomov’s repeated fainting spells due to his nervousness and palpitations1.

 

Satire and Social Commentary: The play uses humour to critique societal norms and attitudes. It exposes the superficiality of modern people who connect with wealth and money rather than emotionally bonding in relationships.

Absurdity: The plot of the play is inherently absurd. A marriage proposal, which should be a straightforward and sincere event, is repeatedly interrupted by petty arguments.

In conclusion, “The Proposal” effectively uses the elements of farce to create a humorous commentary on societal norms and human nature.

 

 

Anton Chekov