What theme is reflected in the following excerpt from Anton Chekhov’s The proposal?

LOMOV. I shall try to be brief. You must know, honoured Natalya Stepanovna, that I have long, since my childhood, in fact, had the privilege of knowing your family. My late aunt and her husband, from whom, as you know, I inherited my land, always had the greatest respect for your father and your late mother. The Lomovs and the Chubukovs have always had the friendliest, and I might almost say the most affectionate, regard for each other. And, as you know, my land is a near neighbor of yours. You will remember that my Oxen Meadows touch your birchwoods.


1. Inheriting land changes a person’s views on family wealth.
2. Family relationships are very important in wealthy society.
3. Children don’t get along well with their parents’ friends.
4. Marriage unites two families in kindness and happiness.
5. Neighbors often develop close friendships with each other.