Question

Discuss how the play explores the theme of family responsibilities from the act the dear departed by Stanley Houghton

Answer 1

The Dear Departed’ is dedicated to the old people who are neglected due to the increasing materialism of their families. Abel Merry weather is an old man who had two daughters, Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan. One day, Mrs. Slater ‘found him dead’. She informed Mrs. Jordan and her husband Ben and started waiting for them. Meanwhile she discussed with her husband about a clock and the bureau – a writing desk with drawers, which she always liked and wanted to possess. Suddenly an idea struck her mind and she decided to bring the clock and the bureau down to her room before the arrival of Mrs. Jordan. Henry did not approve of it but later helped in getting the bureau down. It was at the moment of shifting that the Jordans arrive. But they never realized what had happened. All of them sat to have tea. They discussed the obituary announcement in the papers and insurance premium payment. The little daughter of Slaters – Victoria put them in a doubt that she saw grandfather going to ‘Ring-O-Bells’ instead of the insurance office. She was told by her mother to bring the keys so that they could find the premium receipt in the drawers. Victoria went up reluctantly but the next moment she was back when she saw grandfather rising from his bed. She informed everyone downstairs. By the time they came out of their shock, grandfather came down. He told them that he had a headache and so was a bit dazed. It was here during the discussion thatfhe noticed his clock and bureau in Henry’s room. He got annoyed and asked for the reason. Then Mrs. Jordan informed him that Mrs. Slater was perhaps deceiving everybody by trying to steal the clock and the bureau before anybody arrived. Grandfather got angry. He told them that he had decided to change his will. He further added that he would give away everything to somebody who cared for him and not his daughters who took him to be a burden. The sisters were unable to digest this. They apologised but grandfather didn’t listen to them. Then he told them his plans that he was going to marry Mrs. John Shorrocks, the keeper of ‘Ring-O-Bells’ and alter his will in her name. He invited them to attend his marriage on Monday, twelve o’clock at St. Philip’s Church and left the house.