Question

Discuss the title of the play the dear departed?

Answer 1

Undoubtedly, the title 'Dear Departed' is very apt for the play.  At the end of the play, the dear father of Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan is departed from them forever because of their greediness, selfishness, and disrespect for their own father. So the dear father, who is really dear (financially dear and valuable to them), is departed at the end. So the title is quite apt. The lesson 'Dear Departed' focuses on the family values that are dwindling fast in the society. Materialism has so much affected the modern man's life that even the respectful relationship between father and daughters has become tainted with it. The lesson highlights this aspect of the tainted relationship with unmatched craftsmanship by weaving a wonderful and absorbing sequence of events. The poetic justice at the end is the real mastery of the playwright. Abel's vengeful response to the selfish daughters leaves them stupefied and stunned.