Natalia's Attitude Towards Lomov in A Marriage Purposal

Natalia's attitude towards Lomov changes frequently. She at first is positive and cheerful on his formal dressing and even says he looks better. But, the moment he starts the talk about the Meadows, she curses him and does not respect his presence. She, along with her father quarrels with him and sends him away. But, when she knows that he has come there to propose her for the marriage, she starts weeping and feels sorry for herself. She regrets for her mad treatment and being so rude to one of the rich people of her locality.

She compels her father to call him back. This kind of changing attitude of Natalia and her opportunist behavior is mocked by the playwright. She is the representative of the then society where marriage is done for the economic security, nor for the love and romance. 

Natalia comes to Lomov and is surprised to see him because her father has told her that there is a businessman who has come to buy something. She begs to be excused for wearing an apron and an old dress. She asks if he would like to have something to eat. Then she offers him smoke. She is also surprised to find him in a formal dress, and tells him that he seems to be looking better.

When Lomov says that his Ox Meadows touch her birch woods, she is shocked to hear it. She claims that they belong to her. She is not ready to hear any explanation he gives. This discussion changes into a quarrel. Natalia's father also joins and both of then curse him and send him away. As soon as Natalia hears that Lomov has come to propose to her for marriage, she begins to weep and blames her father for not telling her that before. She goes into hysterics and asks her father to bring him back immediately.

When Lomov returns, she says sorry for her mistake, and admits that the Ox Meadows belong to him. She suggests that they should talk about something else. She asks him about hunting and he replies that his best dog is sick. Again, they quarrel over the superiority of each other's dog. Both Natalia and Tschubukov scold him and he falls into a chair and faint. Seeing him faint, she thinks that he is dead. She starts weeping and crying and requests her father to call in the doctor. When he revives, Tschubukov thrusts Lomov's hand into his daughter's hand. At last they kiss each other and are reconciled. But they again start quarrelling over their dogs.