Question

There is a certain way in which the characters speak in the play “The Proposal”. What does it tell us about the Russian men?

Answer 1

In the play “The Proposal”, the two Russian men, Lumov and Chubukov initially speak very respectfully to each other. Chubukov even uses terms like “precious” and “beloved” for Lumov, while Lomov keeps calling Chubukov “honoured”. However, they soon start arguing over petty matters and resort to name-calling each other. This shows that they are short-tempered hypocrites who act nice but are actually bitter. Moreover, neither man is willing to change his opinion or acknowledge that the other is right. This shows that they are quarrelsome and rigid.