Class 11 Alternative English | Chapter 1 Suitor and Papa | by Anton Chekhov| Summary Suitor and Papa

Class 11 Alternative English | Chapter 1 Suitor and Papa | by Anton Chekhov| Summary Suitor and Papa

Today our topic is on the suitor and papa summary, class 11 Alternative English book Seasons notes AHSEC Assam Board, and questions and answers. The Suitor and Papa story was written by Anton Chekov. In this chapter, the suitor and papa are included in the class 11 chinar alternative book of AHSEC. Here you get ncert solutions, important questions, comprehension, reference to the context, and textual question answers.

The suitor and papa notes

Suitor and Papa summary

The 'Suitor and Papa' is the story of a young man Pyotr Petrovich Milkin who spent the whole day with Nastya, one of Kondrashkin's daughters. Seeing this most people thought that Milkin and Nastya would be sure to marry. Milkin's friends started asking him for a stag party(a party was attended only by a man) because they had come to know that Milkin was getting married. But Milkin was not serious about getting married. Well, he had been very close with Nastya, eat dinner almost every evening, walked together, and also gave bunches of flowers to her but Milkin had no plans of marrying Nastya. Seeing that his friend and Nastya’s family would force him to marry the girl who loved him. Then Milkin decided to leave the place. So, he goes to Nastya's home to meet her father Kondrashkin. He told him that he would be leaving the place the next day. Kondrashkin was shocked. He said that it was unfair. He requested Milkin to propose Nastya.

At this point, Milkin presents a number of reasons to run away from the matter. Milkin admitted that he would find no better girl than Nastya if he wished to marry but he said that his conviction and view were different from Nastya's. Their view cannot match each other. Kondrashkin counters this argument by saying that all men and women have different views and convictions. He would never meet any women who shared the same views and convictions. Milkin said that he was unworthy for Nastya because he was a poor man. The Kondrashkin reminds Milkin that he was a salaried man. Milkin fails again so he comes with another reason that he was a drunkard. Kondrashkin said that he didn’t believe that Milkin took a drink. At this point, Milkin realized that Kondrashkin was determined to get him married to Nastya. Suddenly he said that he took a bribe. The Kondrashkin reminds Milkin that everyone in this world took a bribe. Milkin feels like being defeated. Next Milkin goes a little more dramatic and said that he could be arrested at any time for robbery. At this kondrashkin goes silent for a while and predicts that Milkin will be sent to Siberian jail if he is caught. He said that Nastya will follow him to jail as her love is pure.

Milkin now understand that the two were playing the same game – the man was forcing him to marry his daughter at any cost. Milkin's brain tinkles once again and he said that he was a runaway convict. Kondrashkin asked Milkin why he had not been arrested yet. Milkin said that he had been living in somebody else identity. Kondrashkin considers it. He was suddenly cheered. He asked Milkin to marry Nastya because he believed that the police would never find him until death. Milkin makes another attempt he said that he was a madman. Kondrashkin said that a madman cannot argue so logically and sensibly as Milkin did.

Milkin rise and goes out to get a doctor’s certificate to prove his madness. Milkin meets Dr. Fituyev, a psychiatrist. The doctor doesn’t find anything wrong with Milkin. Milkin urges the doctor to certify him mad to avoid getting married. Dr. Fituyev said that he could not certify him because anyone who doesn’t want to get married is a wise man. Dr. Fituyev said that he would give him a mental fitness certificate if he needs. Milkin has no way out. He sits down helplessly.

Suitor and Papa Textual Question Answers

Comprehension

I. Answer these questions in one or two words.

1. Who is the suitor in the story?

Ans: Pyotr Petrovich Milkin is the suitor in the story.

2. Who asked for a stag party?

Ans: Pyotr's friend asked for a stag party.

3. How many daughters did Kondrashkin have?

Ans: Kondrashkin has seven daughters.

4. What 'hereditary vice' did Pyotr refer to as an excuse to avoid getting married?

Ans: Alcoholism.

5. For which crime did Pyotr say that he was on trial?

Ans: Embezzlement

6. What 'horrible secret' did Pyotr contrive to get rid of the Kondrashkin family?

Ans: Pyotr contrives that he is clinically insane to get rid of the Kondrashkin family.

7. Why did Pyotr meet his friend Dr Fituyev?

Ans: Pyotr meets his friend Dr. Fituyev to get a certificate proving his madness.

II. Answer these questions in a few words each.

1. Why did Pyotr's friends ask for a stag party?

Ans: Pyotr's friends ask for a stag party because Pyotr's friends had come to know that Pyotr was getting married.

2. How did Kondrashkin counter Pyotr's argument that his convictions and views were different from those of Nastya?

Ans: Kondrashkin disagreed with Pyotr's argument by saying that it's impossible for a husband and wife to have the exact same views and beliefs. However, he believes that as they live together and spend more time together, things will improve. He uses an analogy of a road to explain this. Just like a new road is difficult to drive on at first but becomes smoother with time and use, Kondrashkin suggests that the relationship between a husband and wife will also improve over time.

3. Why did Pyotr say that he was unworthy of Nastya? How did Kondrashkin react to it?

Ans: Pyotr said he didn't deserve to marry Nastya because he didn't feel good enough for her. Kondrashkin responded by saying that Pyotr is a great guy and absolutely deserving of Nastya.

4. How did Kondrashkin dismiss Pyotr's claim that he was guilty of taking bribes?

Ans: Kondrashkin dismisses Pyotr's claim that he was guilty of taking bribes by claiming that everybody does it and that it is not a big deal at all that could shock

Kondrashkin.

5. Why did Kondrashkin fear that Pyotr might be sent to Siberia?

Ans: Kondrashkin was worried that Pyotr might be sent to Siberia as a punishment. This was because Pyotr admitted to stealing a large amount of money, a hundred and forty-four thousand to be exact the punishment for which was being jailed in Siberia.

6. Why did Kondrashkin call Pyotr dishonest?

Ans: Kondrashkin accused Pyotr of being dishonest because he didn't believe Pyotr's claim that he was completely mad. Kondrashkin thought that Pyotr was lying about being insane.

7. Why did Dr. Fituyev refuse to give Pyotr the certificate he wanted?

Ans: Dr. Fituyev had just finished arguing with his own wife and was feeling upset when Pyotr came and asked for a certificate to prove that he is mentally ill so he can avoid getting married. However, Dr. Fituyev refused to give him the certificate. He said that someone who doesn't want to get married is completely normal and it's actually the person who wants to get married who might be considered mad.

III. Answer these questions briefly in your own words.

1. Why did Pyotr get so disturbed by the rumours about his marriage? What did he try to do to get rid of the disturbing situation?

Ans: Pyotr was really upset when he heard false rumors about him getting married to Nastya Kondrashkina. The rumors were not true because Pyotr didn't have any plans to marry Nastya or anyone else. To sort out this troubling situation, Pyotr decided to meet Nastya's father, Mr. Kondrashkin, in his study. Pyotr wanted to talk to him and explain his situation, and also say goodbye before leaving.

2. Which crimes of Pyotr, according to Kondrashkin, might land him in Siberia? How did he react to Pyotr's 'confession' of these crimes and why?

Ans: Pyotr, in order to avoid getting married, made a false claim that he had been on trial for embezzlement and forgery. Kondrashkin, in response, pointed out that these two crimes are serious and could result in imprisonment in Siberia.

Kondrashkin's initial reaction was one of shock when Pyotr "confessed" to these crimes. He was dumbstruck and said that he should not marry till he knows his fate

but after some time, the wish to get at least one daughter married off quickly He said that if Nastya truly loves him, she will be willing to go with him to Siberia, where he might have to go because of the crimes. Kondrashkin believed that love shouldn't be afraid of sacrifice. So, he asked Pyotr to propose marriage to Nastya once again.

3. Why did Pyotr decide to adopt 'Hamlet's device'? Why did he fail in this venture?

Ans: In the play "Hamlet" by Shakespeare, the main character Hamlet pretends to be mad to hide his plan for revenge. Similarly, in this situation, a man named Pyotr decides to pretend to be mad to avoid marrying Kondrashkin's daughter. Pyotr believes that being mad means he cannot get married.

However, Pyotr's plan fails in two ways. First, Kondrashkin doesn't believe Pyotr's claim of being mad and asks for a doctor's certificate to prove it. Second, when Pyotr asks his friend Dr. Fituyev for the certificate, the doctor refuses. He says that someone who doesn't want to get married is not mad. In fact, the doctor believes that someone who wants to get married is the one who is truly mad.

So, Pyotr's attempt to pretend to be mad doesn't work because Kondrashkin doesn't believe him, and the doctor thinks that not wanting to get married doesn't make someone insane.

IV. Give suitable answers to these questions.

1. Describe the character of Kondrashkin in the light of his responses and reactions when Pyotr visits his place to say goodbye.

Ans: When Pyotr visits Kondrashkin in his study, Kondrashkin is initially happy and friendly. He assumes Pyotr is there to discuss marrying his daughter, Nastya, and even teases him about it. However, when Pyotr reveals his intentions to avoid marriage, Kondrashkin's demeanor changes.

From Kondrashkin's responses and reactions, we can see that he is a typical father who is impressed by Pyotr and wants him to marry his daughter. He initially ignores Pyotr's flaws, like drinking, because he is eager to find a suitable husband for his daughters. As the conversation progresses, Kondrashkin becomes willing to overlook even more serious offenses, like bribery and forgery, out of desperation to get Nastya married. We learn that he has seven daughters and is desperate to see at least one of them married soon. Kondrashkin's refusal to believe Pyotr's claims of insanity shows that he is not easily fooled by people.

In conclusion, Kondrashkin is a typical father burdened with the responsibility of marrying off his seven daughters. He is easily impressed by Pyotr and forgiving of his supposed flaws. He is also stubborn in his own beliefs and not easily convinced by opposing views. Kondrashkin argues logically, claiming that husbands and wives will never have entirely matching thoughts and convictions, and points out that Pyotr cannot be mad since he is speaking logically. His request for a medical certificate shows that he relies on facts rather than easily accepting weak arguments.

2. Do you think that Pyotr was more self-centered than Kondrashkin as revealed in the conversation between the two?

Ans: Both Pyotr and Kondrashkin are focused on their own desires and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them. Pyotr lies without hesitation to avoid marrying Nastya, and he doesn't seem sorry for giving false hopes to others. He doesn't consider the feelings of those involved.

On the other hand, Kondrashkin is willing to overlook Pyotr's flaws and is determined to get his daughter married to him. He prioritizes his own goal of marrying off his daughter, even if it means accepting a person with vices like drinking, being accused of embezzlement and forgery, and being a fugitive living under a false name.

Throughout their conversation, both characters reveal their self-centeredness. It's challenging to say which one is more self-centered, as they both demonstrate a disregard for others' feelings and are focused on their own desires.

3. Who, do you think, has won the game? Justify your answer.

Ans: At the end of the story, neither Kondrashkin nor Pyotr achieved what they wanted. Pyotr wanted to avoid getting married, while Kondrashkin wanted him to marry his daughter Nastya.

Pyotr pretended to be mad to avoid marriage, but he needed a medical certificate as proof. Unfortunately, his friend Dr. Fituyev refused to give him the certificate. The doctor, who was angry after a fight with his own wife, claimed that a man who doesn't want to marry is not insane, but rather it is the opposite – a man who wants to marry is the one who is truly insane.

On the other hand, Kondrashkin may appear to be the winner because he said that he would believe Pyotr is mad only if he provides a medical certificate to prove it. This would prevent Pyotr from marrying Nastya. However, Pyotr failed to obtain the certificate and couldn't prove his supposed madness.

Additional Question by VU Accademy

1. When did Pyotr realized that everyone expected him to marry Nastya?

Ans: Pyotr realized that everyone expected him to marry Nastya when his friend had told him that everyone knew that he spent whole days with Kondrashkin's daughters, eat dinner almost every evening, walked together, and also gave bunches of flowers to her. And Pyotr's friend had asked for a stag party also. So all these make him realized that everyone expected him to marry Nastya.

2. Why did Kondrashkin allows Pyotr to come to his house and meet Anastasia?

Ans: Kondrashkin allowed Pyotr to come to his house and meet Anastasia because he was in hope that Pyotr would marry her and they loved each other.

3. Kondrashkin accuses Pyotr of evading the issue and being dishonest why?

Ans: Kondrashkin accuses Pyotr of evading the issue and being dishonest because Pyotr wants to leave the place without marrying Nastya.

4. The more Pyotr Petrovich tries to avoid ‘getting hitched’ to Anastasia, the more Kondrashkin pushes him to commit himself. List Pyotr’s many reasons for not proposing to Anastasia and Kondrashkin’s rebuttals.

Ans: Pyotr presents a number of reasons to run away from proposing to Anastasia:

(i) Pyotr said that his conviction and view were different from Anastasia. Their view cannot match each other. Kondrashkin countered this argument by saying that all men and women have different views and convictions and never meet any women who shared the same views.

(ii) Pyotr said that he was unworthy for Anastasia because he was a poor man. The Kondrashkin reminds Pyotr that he was a salaried man.

(iii) Pyotr said that he was a drunkard. Kondrashkin said that he did not believe that Pyotr took a drink.

(iv) Pyotr said that he took a bribe. The Kondrashkin reminds him that everyone in this world took a bribe.

(v) Next Pyotr goes a little more dramatic and said that he could be arrested at any time for robbery. At this kondrashkin goes silent for a while and predicts that Milkin will be sent to Siberian jail if he is caught. He said that Anastasia will follow him to jail as her love is pure.

5. When he failed to convince Kondrashkin, what did Pyotr finally decide to do?

Ans: When he failed to convince Kondrashkin, Pyotr finally decided, to bring a certificate from his friend's doctor certifying him insane(mad).

6. Why did Fituyev refuses to certify Pyotr as mad, despite being his friend?

Ans: Fituyev refused to certify Pyotr as mad, despite being his friend because Pyotr was not mad as he does not want to marry. The only wise man can say that he does not want to marry. As Pyotr refused to marry then of course he is a wise man. A doctor can not certify a wise man as mad.

7. Do you think Pyotr really courted Anastasia? Why then he develops cold feet when it came to proposing to her?

Ans: Pyotr never courted Anastasia. On the contrary, she was interested in him. But Pyotr was not in a position to marry her. So he reductant in proposing to her.

8. Do you think Kondrashkin is right in pushing Pyotr, to his daughter at any cost?

Ans: Kondrashkin is absolutely right in pushing Pyotr to his daughter at any cost. Because he had seven daughters and Pyotr was his chance to be one of them as Pyotr spend lots of time with Nastya, eating, drinking, chatting to the girls all the time. Pyotr behaved like a suitor.

9. What did one of Pyotr's friends ask him at the summer-fall?

Ans: One of Pyotr's friends asked him when Pyotr was going to give his stag party.

10. Why was Pyotr blushed?

Ans: Pyotr blushed because one of his friends asked him when he was going to give the stag party. Pyotr blushed because of such an unexpected question from his friend.

11. What did Kondrashkin hope? Why?

Ans: Kondrashkin hoped that Pyotr would marry his daughter Anastasia(Nastya) as they had developed relations between them. At the same time, Pyotr behaved like a suitor. He spent whole days with Kondrashkin. So Kondrashkin thought that both of them were in love with each other.

12. How did Pyotr try to evade from the issue?

Ans: When Pyotr realized that everyone expected him to marry Nastya and even Kondrashkin was compelling him into proposing to the daughter at any cost. But Pyotr was unwilling to marry her and he presented a number of reasons to run away from this matter like he said that he was a drunkard, poor, and took a bribe. He even tried to prove himself as mad.

13. What did Kondrashkin says about the doctor's certificate?

Ans: Kondrashkin said that he would believe the doctor's certificate but never believe Pyotr being mad.

REFERENCE TO THE CONTEXT

1. When are you going to throw your stag party?

(a) Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to?

Ans: One of the friends of Pyotr is the speaker. He is speaking to Pyotr.

(b) What is a 'stag party'?

Ans: A stag party is a party for a man who is going to get married, to which only his male friends are invited.

(c) How does the listener reacted to the question?

Ans: The listener i.e., Pyotr became red in shame and anger and şaid that it was a fool who thought about his marriage.

2. You can't drive over a new-made road, but after it's been in use for a while, the going's smoother?"

(a) Who is the speaker? Who is he speaking to?

Ans: Kondrashkin is the speaker. He is speaking to Pyotr.

(b) Why does the speaker say these words?

Ans: The speaker says these words to motivate Pyotr to marry Anastasia.

(c) What does he mean by these words?

Ans: He wants to say that Pyotr will not be able to find a girl who is absolutely fitted to him. After a few days of marriage, the rough edge would be rubbed off and there will no difference in their life.

3. 'My friend. I have a favour to ask you!' he said to the doctor. The fact is ...they want me to get hitched at all costs. To avoid this calamity, I have decided to feign insanity…Hamlet's device, after a fashion...’

(a) Who is the friend being spoken to?

Ans: The friend being spoken to his Doctor Fituyev.

(b) Why has the speaker gone to his friend?

Ans: The speaker has gone to his friend to obtain a certificate from him saying that he is mad.

(c) What is the 'calamity' that is likely to be fall the speaker?

Ans: The 'calamity' that is likely to befall the speaker is that Kandrashkin is pushing Pyotr to marry his daughter at any cost. But the speaker(Pyotr) is unwilling to do so. He was not in a position to marry Anastasia.