Lomov and Natalya: Disputes Over Oxen Meadows and Dogs
Lomov and Natalya: Disputes Over Oxen Meadows and Dogs
Q31. Why does Lomov think that he should not be alone but marry a suitable woman like Natalya?
Ans. Lomov is a middle-aged man of thirty-five years. He thinks that it is a critical age. He should now think of leading a peaceful and regular married life. Natalya, the daughter of a rich landlord and neighbor Chubukov, can be a suitable life partner for him. Lomov thinks that Natalya is an excellent housekeeper. Moreover, she is educated and not bad looking. All these qualities qualify Natalya as an ideal life partner for him.
Q32. How does Lomov speak warmly of Chubukov’s family in the beginning? Why does he change his stand?
Ans. In the beginning, Lomov speaks quite warmly about Chubukov’s family. He reminds Natalya that he has known the Chubukovs since his childhood. His aunt and uncle too had great respect for her family. Both families have been most friendly and close neighbors. Lomov changes his opinion about the Chubukovs when he picks up a quarrel with Natalya and Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.
Q33. Describe Oxen Meadows. How were they a bone of contention between Lomov’s and Natalya’s family?
Ans. Lomov and his rich landlord Chubukov are neighbors. A piece of land known as Oxen Meadows becomes a bone of contention between the two families. Both of them claim their ownership over the Meadows. Lomov says that Oxen Meadows was given to Chubukov’s peasants for free use. They were to make bricks for the Lomovs. The Chubukovs contest this claim of Lomov.
Q34. Why do both the families of Lomovs and Chubukovs claim the ownership of Oxen Meadows?
Ans. Oxen Meadows become a bone of contention between the two families. Lomov thinks that Oxen Meadows that touch the birch forest of Chubukov belong to him. His aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of the Meadows to the peasants of Natalya’s father’s grandfather. In return, they were to make bricks for them. Natalya opposes it by saying that their land extends to Burnt Marsh. It means that Oxen Meadows belong to them.
Q35. Why does Natalya think that Lomov’s behavior is strange and he is simply joking and making fun of her?
Ans. Natalya thinks that Lomov’s behavior is quite strange. He is only joking and making fun of her. She claims that they have had Oxen Meadows for nearly 300 years. She is suddenly told that it is not theirs. It is strange that Lomov is making a present of the Meadows to them which are not owned by him. It is unlike a good neighbor and a friend.
Q36. Why does Lomov say that Chubukov is not a good neighbor but a land-grabber?
Ans. Lomov has his reasons to think that Chubukov is not a good neighbor but a land-grabber. His aunt’s grandmother gave the Meadows for ‘temporary’ and free use of Chubukov’s grandfather’s peasants. He doesn’t intend to give up his claim over the Meadows. Good neighbors don’t behave like that. Only land-grabbers behave in this fashion.
Q37. How does Natalya react when she comes to know that Lomov has come to make a marriage proposal to her?
Ans. Chubukov and Natalya indulge in all sorts of abuses and insults for Lomov. However, Chubukov discloses the real purpose of Lomov’s visit. She comes to know that Lomov has come there with a proposal of marrying her. She grows hysterical. She blames her father for not telling it before. She tries to bring him back. She threatens to die if Lomov is not brought back.
Q38. Besides Oxen Meadows what is the other important cause of quarrel between Lomov and Natalya?
Ans. Natalya and Lomov have already quarreled over the ownership of Oxen Meadows. Now crops up a fresh cause of their quarrel. It is over their dogs, Squeezer and Guess. Natalya thinks that their Squeezer is a thoroughbred animal. He is far better than his dog Guess. Natalya calls Guess an old and a worthless dog. The quarrel continues even after they are married.
Q39. Describe the physical condition and health of Lomov.
Ans. Lomov is thirty-five years old. He doesn’t enjoy good health. He is easily excited. He suffers from palpitations. His feet are benumbed. He can’t express himself like a calm and composed man. He can’t bear too much tension and excitement. He throws himself down in an armchair and becomes unconscious soon. Only when water is sprinkled over his face, he comes to his senses.