Bihar Board Class 12th English (Rainbow Part 2 Prose) Chapter 11 A Marriage Proposal) Solutions

A. Work in small groups and discuss:the following :

Question 1.

How are marriages settled in your family ?

Answer:
In our family, marriages are typically arranged by the elders after careful consideration of both families' backgrounds. However, the final decision always involves the consent and approval of the bride and groom to ensure their happiness and compatibility.

Question 2.

What are the major factors that decide the relation of brides/ grooms ?

Answer:
For a bride, important factors include her education, character, family background, and personal qualities. For a groom, key considerations are his career stability, educational qualifications, family reputation, and his ability to provide a secure and respectful environment.

B. 1.1. Read the following sentences and write T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements :

1. Lomov is a neighbour of the Stepanovnas.
2. He wore the morning coat to attend a party.
3. Mr. Choobookov becomes angry To know Lomov’s desire.
4. Lomov is a man of nervous temperament
5. Natalia is a quiet and peace loving lady.
6. The ownership of Ox-meadows is disputed.

Answer:

1. T
2. F
3. F
4. T
5. F
6. T

B. 1.2. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.

How is Lomov greeted by Choobookov ?

Answer:
Choobookov greets Lomov warmly but with surprise, noticing his formal attire. He initially thinks Lomov is dressed for a party, but he welcomes him with genuine friendliness and respect as a neighbour.

Question 2.

How does Choobookov react when he comes to know that Lomov wants to marry Natalia ?

Answer:
Choobookov is overjoyed and excited. He expresses that this has been his long-standing wish, and he immediately embraces and kisses Lomov, treating him like a future son-in-law.

Question 3.

Why does Lomov think that his is a critical age ?

Answer:
Lomov is thirty-five years old and still unmarried. He believes it is a critical age because if he does not marry soon, he might miss his chance altogether and remain a bachelor for life.

Question 4.

Why does Lomov feel nervous before proposing to Natalia ?

Answer:
Lomov is naturally a nervous person. Additionally, he is uncertain about Natalia's response. The pressure of the situation makes him feel as anxious as if he were facing a final examination.

Question 5.

Why is Natalia afraid that all her hay may rot ?

Answer:
Natalia has recently mown the grass in her meadow. With the onset of rain and lack of sunlight, the hay cannot dry properly, which could cause it to decay and become useless.

Question 6.

What according to her, is the real worth of Ox meadows ?

Answer:
According to Natalia, the Ox-meadows have a monetary value of about three hundred rubles, which she considers relatively insignificant.

Question 7.

Who, according to Lomov, had let the meadows and to whom ?

Answer:
Lomov claims that his aunt's grandmother allowed the peasants of Natalia's great-grandfather to use the Ox-meadows free of charge for an indefinite period, which later led to the dispute.

B. 2.1. Read the following sentences and write T for-true and F° for false statement :

1. Choobookov supports Lomov’s claim over Ox- meadows.
2. His peasants used the land for forty years.
3. It is Natalia who threatens to take the matter court.
4. She does not use abusive language of Lomov.
5. She feels delighted to have behaved decently with Lomov.

Answer:

1. F
2. F
3. F
4. F
5. T

B.2.2. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.

What is Lomov’s explanation of Ox-meadow becoming a disputed piece of land ?

Answer:
Lomov explains that his ancestors permitted Natalia's ancestors to use the land temporarily. Over forty years, they began treating it as their own property, creating the current conflict over ownership.

Question 2.

What does Choobookov say about Lomov’s father and grandfather ?

Answer:
In the heat of argument, Choobookov insults Lomov's family, calling his father a gambler who ate like a pig and his grandfather a heavy drinker.

Question 3.

Why does Lomov refer to the land settlement ?

Answer:
Lomov mentions the official land settlement records to prove that the Ox-meadows legally belong to him, aiming to end the argument with documented evidence.

Question 4.

Why does he complain all the time of palpitation and veins throbbing ?

Answer:
Lomov has a highly excitable nature. Any stressful argument triggers his nervous system, causing physical symptoms like heart palpitations and throbbing veins, making him fear a stroke.

Question 5.

Why does Natalia cry and weep to know that Lomov has come to propose to her ?

Answer:
Natalia is twenty-five and worried about remaining unmarried. She weeps in despair, thinking her argument with Lomov has ruined her chance to accept his marriage proposal.

B.3.1. Read the following sentences and.write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements :

1. Lomov refuses to come back to Natalia.
2. The name of Lomov’s dog is Leap.
3. Choobookov bought his dog for eighty five ‘rubbles’ rubles.
4. According to Lomov, Leap is pug-jawed.
5. Lomov claims to have the memory of an elephant.
6. Choobookov thinks that Lomov is possessed by some ‘demon of contrandiction’.
7. Lomov faints when he realises that he will not succeed in marrying Natalia.
8. Choobookov takes the lead to settle the marriage of his daughter with Lomov.

Answer:

1. F
2. F
3. T
4. T
5. T
6. T
7. T
8. T

B.3.2. Compelete the following sentences on the basis of the unit you have just studied :

(a) It is not very nice of you to ............... your neighbours.
(b) Do you think | may ............... on her accepting me ?
(c) I'm always getting terribly ............... up.
(d) | was so greedy that | had the whole meadows ...............
(e) | have had the of ............... knowing your family.
(f) Your Leap ............... behind by half a mile.
(g) You only tag along in order to ............... with other people’s dogs.

Answer:

(a) cheat
(b) count
(c) wrought
(d) mown
(e) honour
(f) lagged
(g) meddle

B. 3.3. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1.

Why does Natalia want to talk about something else ?

Answer:
Natalia wants to change the subject because she is eager for Lomov to propose marriage. She fears that continuing the argument will ruin the opportunity.

Question 2.

What, according to Lomov, is the main defect of Leap ?

Answer:
Lomov criticizes Leap for being pug-jawed (having an undershot jaw), which he considers a serious flaw that makes the dog inferior for hunting.

Question 3.

How does Natalia describe her own pet dog, Leap ?

Answer:
Natalia describes Leap with great pride as a purebred, pedigreed greyhound. She claims he is far superior to Lomov's dog, Guess, whom she calls an ordinary piebald dog.

Question 4.

‘That’s a load off my back.’ What is this ‘load’ ? Why does Choobookov say so ?

Answer:
The 'load' is the burden and worry of getting his daughter Natalia married. Choobookov says this because once the marriage is settled, he feels relieved of a major parental responsibility.

C. 1. Long Answer Questions:

Question 1.

On the basis of your reading of scene I, do you think that Lomov and Choobookov are cordial neighbours ?

Answer:
Yes, they share a cordial neighbourly relationship. Choobookov warmly welcomes Lomov, addressing him as "esteemed neighbour," and expresses happiness at his visit. Lomov reciprocates by acknowledging Choobookov's past kindness and support. Their initial interaction is friendly and respectful, typical of good neighbours.

Question 2.

Write a short note on the character of Lomov on the basis of his self-revelation in scene ll ?

Answer:
Lomov is a complex character. He is a thirty-five-year-old bachelor plagued by indecision and anxiety. He suffers from various psychosomatic ailments like palpitations and nervousness. Despite owning property, he lacks confidence, especially in matters of the heart. His self-revelation shows a man desperate for marriage but crippled by self-doubt and a fear of rejection, making him appear both pitiable and comical.

Question 3.

Are Lomov and Natalia really interested in laying claim to Ox- meadows ?

Answer:
No, their primary interest is not the meadows themselves, which are of little value. The argument stems from their stubborn pride and vanity. Both are willing to gift the land to the other, but they cannot back down from the principle of asserting ownership. The petty quarrel over property overshadows the more important matter of the marriage proposal, highlighting their irrational and quarrelsome nature.

Question 4.

Do you think that Natalia was also interested in marrying Lomov ? What makes you think so ?

Answer:
Yes, Natalia is very interested. Her immediate hysterical reaction upon learning about the proposal—crying, wailing, and ordering her father to bring Lomov back—proves her desperation to marry. At twenty-five, she fears spinsterhood. When Lomov returns, she quickly abandons her claim to the meadows and is visibly happy when the marriage is finalized, stating, "I’m very happy."

Question 5.

Despite his heated arguments with Lomov, Choobookov in the last scene shows haste in finalising the marriage. What could be the reason of his haste?

Answer:
Choobookov's haste stems from his acute anxiety about his daughter's future. As a father in a society where marriage is crucial, he sees Lomov as a suitable and timely match. He fears losing this opportunity and wants to relieve himself of the social and personal burden of having an unmarried daughter. His quick action to join their hands, even while they are quarreling, shows his pragmatic desire to secure the marriage above all else.

Question 6.

Do you think the title of the drama is suitable ? Give reasons in support of your views. Suggest a different title of the drama ?

Answer:
The title "A Marriage Proposal" is ironic but suitable. The entire play revolves around this central event, yet the proposal itself is never formally made or accepted in a romantic way. The comedy arises from how this simple goal is constantly derailed by arguments. The title highlights the absurdity of the situation. A different, fitting title could be "The Quarrelsome Suitor" or "A Proposal Derailed."

Question 7.

Natalia and lomov would be an ideal couple Do you agree? Give reasons

Answer:
No, they would not be an ideal couple. An ideal relationship requires mutual respect, understanding, and compromise. Natalia and Lomov are both excessively proud, argumentative, and stubborn. They prioritize winning petty disputes over property and dogs over clear communication and harmony. Their marriage, born out of social necessity rather than love or compatibility, is likely to be filled with similar conflicts and lack the foundation for a truly happy partnership.

Bihar Board Solutions for Class 12 English
Rainbow Part 2 (Prose)
Chapter 11 - A Marriage Proposal

C. 2. Group Discussion Discuss the following in groups or pairs :

Question 1. Arguments for the sake of arguments lead to nowhere.

Answer: While the ability to reason and argue is a unique human gift that drives progress, it becomes a weakness when used pointlessly. Arguing just for the sake of winning, without any real substance or purpose, is a futile exercise. Such quarrels, like the one between Lomov and Natalia over the meadow and their dogs, waste time and energy. They create conflict without leading to any resolution, understanding, or positive outcome. In the end, these arguments go in circles and truly lead nowhere, damaging relationships in the process.

Question 2. Marriages are settled in heaven but are solemnised on the earth.

Answer: This saying reflects two perspectives. Many believe in destiny, feeling that life partners are pre-ordained by a divine force, and earthly ceremonies merely formalize that heavenly match. They see chance meetings and connections as evidence of fate. However, others view marriage as a purely social and legal institution created by human civilization. They argue that if marriages were made in heaven, concepts like divorce, compatibility issues, and arranged marriages wouldn't exist. From this viewpoint, marriage is "solemnised on earth" through human choice, legal contracts, and social rituals, with "heaven" having little to do with the practical union of two individuals.

C. 3. Composition

Question 1. Write a short essay in about 150 words on the following:

Question a. Role and responsibility of parents in marriage.

Answer: The role of parents in marriage varies across cultures and time. Traditionally, especially in Eastern societies, parents held the primary responsibility. They sought suitable matches, managed dowries, and conducted negotiations, often with little input from the children, particularly the bride. The father's duty was to ensure a socially and economically secure alliance. Today, this role has transformed significantly. With nuclear families, education, and greater independence, young adults largely choose their own partners. The modern parent's responsibility is now more supportive: offering wise counsel, ensuring family compatibility, providing emotional and financial support for the wedding, and blessing the union. Their role has shifted from decision-makers to guiding well-wishers.

Question b. Social relevance of marriage.

Answer: Marriage holds profound social relevance as a fundamental institution that structures human society. It provides a stable framework for procreation and the nurturing of children, ensuring their emotional and physical well-being. Socially, it defines clear lines of kinship, inheritance, and mutual responsibility between spouses and their families. It fosters social order, economic cooperation, and emotional security. While some philosophers have questioned its necessity, marriage remains a culturally universal ritual that confers social legitimacy, legal rights, and religious sanctity to a partnership. It is the cornerstone of the family unit, which in turn is the basic building block of a stable and organized community.

Question 2. Write a letter to your friend describing the marriage ceremony that you attended recently in your family.

Answer:

25, Ashok Rajpath
Patna
25th May, 2024
Dear Rishikesh,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to share the wonderful experience of my cousin Anjali's wedding, which I attended last week.

The house was brimming with joy and festive chaos! Every corner was decorated with flowers and lights. Relatives from far and wide had gathered, making it a grand reunion. The rituals, from the vibrant Haldi ceremony to the sacred pheras, were performed with great devotion and enthusiasm. The bride looked ethereal, and the atmosphere was electric with music and laughter.

The reception was a grand affair with delicious food and heartfelt speeches. However, the most poignant moment was the vidai, where tears of happiness mixed with sorrow as Anjali left for her new home. It was a beautiful blend of traditions, emotions, and celebrations that I will always cherish.

I wish you could have been there. Convey my regards to your parents and love to your little sister.

Yours lovingly,
Shashank

D. Word Study

D. 1. Dictionary Use :

Ex. 1. correct the spelling of the following words :

Answer:
interupt — interrupt
wegedin — wagged in
impertinant — impertinent
embegelment — embezzlement
Kolossal — colossal
retrive — retrieve
palpitetion — palpitation
_intrige — intrigue
twiching — twitching

D. 2. Word-formation

Make at least five similar words, using the following ones :
air, college, right, cyber, young

Answer:
airport / airline
college campus / college degree
right-hand / right-wing
cyberspace / cybersecurity
youngster / young adult

D. 3. Word-meaning

Ex. 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable phrases given in the box :

call on, make up, count on, carry on, run after, talk about, superior to, envious of, accustomed to

Answer:
(a) Snighdha’s intelligence made her superior to her classmates.
(b) In time of crisis you may count on your friends.
(c) We must carry on the glorious tradition of the past.
(d) I advised Ankita to call on a doctor.
(e) You should make up your mind before joining the army.
(f) Shylock was envious of Antonio’s popularity.
(g) We were asked to talk about our aim in life.
(h) Priya is not accustomed to such severe cold.

E. Grammar

Ex. 1. Use each of these words both as verb and adjective in sentences of your own.

Answer:
delighted (v): The magician's tricks delighted the children.
delighted (adj): She had a delighted expression on her face.

inherited (v): She inherited her mother's artistic talent.
inherited (adj): He sold the inherited jewelry to start his business.

maintained (v): The gardener maintained the lawn perfectly.
maintained (adj): They lived in a well-maintained old villa.

mistaken (v): You have mistaken my silence for weakness.
mistaken (adj): He was under a mistaken belief that he had won.

disputed (v): The two neighbors disputed the boundary for years.
disputed (adj): No one could enter the disputed territory.

paralyzed (v): The sudden news paralyzed him with fear.
paralyzed (adj): Special care is needed for paralyzed patients.

accustomed (v): She quickly accustomed herself to the new routine.
accustomed (adj): He took his accustomed seat by the window.

abused (v): The dictator abused his power shamelessly.
abused (adj): The rescued dog was an abused animal.

insulted (v): His rude remark insulted the entire gathering.
insulted (adj): The insulted guest left the party early.

twisted (v): The lawyer twisted the facts to defend his client.
twisted (adj): They walked down a twisted, narrow path.