Marriage proposals can be ridiculous and standoffish sometimes, as we can witness and conclude in Anton Chekov’s play “Marriage Proposals.” Regrettably, our society lives in a time when marriage is more fixed on photographs or materialistic items, than about affection and consideration. Furthermore, nowadays, marriage is more of a man’s responsibility in which rings, where the proposal will be, and making it all look nice for photos instead of it feeling heartfelt from what the lady likes. I believe that communication is crucial in any relationship, and that marriage should be explored initially, with the pair deciding how to propose. He demonstrates how, regardless their arguments or circumstances, individuals would rather not hash out their differences and put it behind them to be proposed to. Marriage proposals are not antiquated in my opinion, but many people in today’s youth believe they are dumb and unneeded. A conventional proposal is not an unpleasant act in my opinion and should never happen in the world today. Many individuals consider it a beautiful gesture or a noteworthy event in a partnership. Some disagree those conventional ideas are pointless and ineffectual. However, it’s great that people could interact and debate it with respective spouses and find a solution that works for both companions. Marriage proposals are still common today. Everyone has their own idea of the ultimate proposal.
Chekov
Drama Chevok
What is Chekov saying about marriage proposals? How does his play fit into this conversation about the performative aspect of proposals?
According to Chekov in the comedy play ‘The Marriage Proposal’, marriage proposals between couples may be meaningless if the couples do not properly plan for their life after marriage. Or at least identify areas of their mutual interest and learn to tolerate each other. For example, in the play, Lomov has come to propose to Natalya. The two may seem to be fond of each other but they share different perspectives which may be bad for their future marriage. The two disagree over property ownership and even innocuous subjects such as which is the better hound between Lomov’s or Natalya’s. Yet after feigning fainting and proposing, Natalya accepts this proposal. The irony of accepting this proposal is soon revealed since Lomov and Natalya soon continue with their argument event after accepting his proposal. This play fits into the performative aspect of proposals presented by Caroline Kitchener who argues that proposals despite being ritualized, have lost their meaning. A proposal is about making a big decision to marry which should be made after serious conversations, not a theatrical act such as a proposal. Indeed, couples should first make careful considerations before committing to marry. Much like in Chekov’s play, careful consideration is lacking and instead, people rely on proposals.
The article mentions the idea of “Symbolic gendering.” How does Chekov translate this idea in his play? What are some other examples in current media that show this same idea?
Because of the egalitarian values increasingly adopted in a society where women are more or less expected to be equal to men, there is a yean for ‘symbolic gendering’. In particular, this means that as more women take roles similar to men in society, they still actively seek ways that may expose the differences that have existed between the two genders. In this sense, it reinforces the idea that men and women have different interests which plays out during the elaborate proposals. In the play ‘The Marriage Proposal’ by Chekov, the idea of ‘symbolic gendering’ is present. For example, the characters of Lomov and Natalya have similar traits in terms of being stubborn and proud. Both Natalya and Lomov cannot yield their positions when arguing about property ownership and who has the better hound. At the time, issues of property ownership were largely left for managed by a system of patriarchy. Natalya surrenders their claim to the land to Lomov just so that the proposal can go on and later their marriage. As a result, surrendering her rights to land ownership is one example of ‘symbolic gendering. In the current media, ‘symbolic gendering’ happens when men plan elaborate proposals such as renting stadiums or buying expensive engagement rings while their partners gladly let them express their masculinity.
Is “The Marriage Proposal” an outdated commentary on marriage, on gender roles, and on how the perfect proposal should be? Or is it still reflected in culture today?
Anton Chekov’s short comedy play ‘The Marriage Proposal’ is still relevant in today’s culture in several ways. In the first place, proposals organized today are still ritualized as the ones depicted in the story. Women in today’s society have different perspectives on what would make a perfect proposal whether it’s a romantic gateway or a romantic dinner. Moreover, because of social media, women are even under more immense pressure to have the most glamorous the proposal so that they can show off to their friends and colleagues. At the same time, much like traditionally, women and men do not take their time to get to know their partners as seen in the short play. Instead, the partner plans elaborate proposals which stop the couple from having a conversation about the future just like in the case of Lomov and Natalya. Secondly, planning the perfect proposal still falls in the same category of sticking to traditional gender roles. Society should be more or less equal, but men and women are still consciously or subconsciously choosing to ascribe to gender roles that should have long been done away with. Such an action still limits the space to have a real discussion about how a couple would plan their life after marriage.
Marriage Proposals
The cold approach to marriage that was common in nineteenth-century Russia, particularly among the wealthy, is the central theme of Chekhov’s “The Proposal.” As a dramatic irony on this type of money-driven marriage, the play depicts the two main characters as excessively high class and desperate to marry each other for economic security, despite the fact that they would not get along. Lomov is not really in love with Natalya but wants to marry her as he feels she is a good housekeeper, beautiful and well educated. He feels that it is the time he should settle down.
Based on my opinion, couples should build a strong and healthy relationship first, then get engaged which is a promise to marry, then if they want to, the man could do a proposal to show his love and how romantic he is, or it can be just a special moment that they want to save. For every couple, communication, honesty, and understanding must come first.
Marriage proposal
In the play Marriage Proposals, Chekov depicted the marriage proposals is not romantic, but it is full of argument and conflict.
Unlike the usual proposal, the proposal in this play was developed by the argument. Natalya and Lomov argued who was the owner of Oxen meadow at first, and then they debated about which type of dog was better. In some way, Chekov show these two characters are like a couple already because Natalya and Lomov like each other.
In this play, the concept of “Symbolic gendering” can be shown in Natalya’ inner mind. She asked her father to fetch Lomov back after she knew he was going to proposal to her. However, when Lomov came back, she did not mention the proposal directly. Instead, she tried to talk about something to guide Lomov to proposal to her. This circumstance is like the article Marriage Proposals Are Stupid said, “In the vast majority of proposals between heterosexual couples, it’s still the man who asks the question.* “ (Caroline Kitchener).
There is one symbolic gendering example in today’s media can be the women take care of their children and the house. I still think the tradition proposal way is the most romantic way for proposing. It maybe there is a woman going to proposal to her husband in the future, but based on current’s value, man on his knees still the perfect one for proposal.
marriage proposal
Marriage proposals are typically built on love and center around two people’s romantic relationship, however, this does not appear to be the case in Chekov’s drama “The Marriage Proposal.” This drama reflected how Russians thought about marriage in the nineteenth century, which was mostly about money. Chekov portrays marriage proposals as a benefit based on social position. He claims that some people rush towards proposals even though they are unsuitable.
Chekov’s play also features gender symbolism. Chekov incorporates the concept into his play by having Natalya call Ivan and wait for him to initiate contact, even though she already knew he was planning to propose to her. People nowadays think it should be more than just getting down on one knee and asking; it should be something you can share on social media and have others discuss. Individuals are lead to having unrealistic expectations and require the extravaganza in order to be satisfied.
I still see traditional gender roles in marriage, such as the male working and supplying while the woman cleans, cooks, and looks after the kids. Although these roles will always be present, society has learned to be more equal with one another. Women can work and provide for their families and men can assist with household tasks and their child’s care.
Marriage Proposals
Chekov is saying that some people jump into proposals despite not being compatible. It is evident from the play how the two actors are rushing to get engaged, and they are arguing about something nonconsequential, such as a dog. The central premise of a proposal is that two people are in love and want to spend their lives together, meaning that they must accommodate each other. However, Chekov’s play depicts how people rush into proposals without understanding each other and having tough conversations about children and money.
Chekov’s play also showcases symbolic gendering. It is illustrated when the woman accepts that the man owns the land to get the proposal. Therefore, it depicts the power men have when it comes to proposals. Society has made it clear that men should propose to women, which gives them all the power to the point that the woman would go against her beliefs to get the proposal. Several examples in the current media show symbolic gendering. For instance, successful women who have more money than their male partners will still give their men this power to get the proposal they want. Despite being powerful women, they would not fill fulfilled until they receive that proposal.
The marriage proposal is still reflected in today’s culture. However, every person has their version of the perfect proposal. For instance, some want the proposal while on vacation, while others want it after having a nice dinner. The mechanics of a marriage proposal has not changed since ancient times because the man always gets on one knee. However, the entire proposal ceremony has changed, especially in these modern times where people use social media as a platform to showcase their proposals. Marriage proposals will never be archaic, and they will continue for generations to come.
Chekov
Here is where you will post your response to “The Marriage Proposal” by Anton Chekov
