Question

Dose the drama the dear departed justify its title

Answer 1

The title 'The dear departed ' literally means that the person who is dead is much loved by the family members and hence the person is being called the dear departed , but actually in the drama we see the underline irony of this title. Able Merryweather lies down because he feels dazed and Amelia does not even bother to call a doctor to confirm this. Only matter in her mind is pinching his possession before Elizabeth arrives and outshining her by wearing mourning dress. When Elizabeth does arrive instead of going to see her father she prefers to have tea. The two sisters quarrels over his possession. Finally Able realises that he is not at all 'dear' to them and since he is not a departed soul and he decides to 'depart' from their lives.

Answer 2

  The term ‘dear departed’ is an idiomatic phrase literally meaning that someone who was dear and loved by everyone has departed or dead. But in the drama, the title is used as a satirical irony which expresses the underlying wish of the father who wishes to depart from his dear ones as he is not loved by them.  

  The drama expresses how old people wish for being loved and younger ones are only bothered about materialistic things in this world like money, property, dressing etc.