Question

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.

Answer 1

Chubukov thought that Lomov was a good marriage prospect for his daughter. He had been waiting for this proposal since long. When Lomov expressed his doubt regarding Natalya’s consent to the proposal, Chubukov immediately told him that she was in love with him. However, this was not true. Natalya did not seem to be in love with Lomov at any point in the play. It seemed like she was more attached to her land, meadows and dogs than to Lomov. In fact, the way they kept getting into arguments about trivial matters suggests that neither Lomov nor Natalya was in love with the other.

Answer 2

Chubukov thinks Lomov is a perfect match for his daughter, Natalya, and has been waiting for this marriage proposal. When Lomov worries about whether Natalya will accept, Chubukov assures him that she is in love with him. Despite this, throughout the play, Natalya argues with Lomov about everything. After one such argument, when Lomov leaves, Chubukov tells Natalya that Lomov has come to propose to her. Upon hearing this, Natalya starts crying and begs her father to bring Lomov back immediately. Her words, "Ah! Bring him back! Back Ah! Bring him here. Quick, quick! Fetch him!" show that she really does love him.