Question

How is hypocrisy of the two sister's bought out in the play 'The Dear Departed'?

Answer 1

The two sisters in the play lived by double standards. Each of them tried to surpass the other. Amelia tried to . steal the bureau before Elizabeth’s arrival whereas Elizabeth was late because she wanted to reach there in mourning dress. She was in no hurry to reach her father’s house even after hearing the news of his death. Both of them laid more stress on getting materialistic gains from Abel’s death as Amelia wanted to steal the clock whereas Elizabeth wanted grandfather’s watch. Their hypocrisy reached its height when at tea, they discussed about newspaper announcement even before confirming his death. But when Abel came down, both of them were shocked. Further they got a terrible blow when their father announced his marriage to Mrs. Shorrocks and the change of his will.

Answer 2

Though the sister never get along with each other they come together to lay claim on the wealth that grandfather has left Behind .Mrs Slater steals his Bureau and clock  before her sister arise they wear morning dresses in style in order to outdo Each Other they even want to announce the death  in the newspaper in style but when they came to know that he had not pay the insurance premium they feel cheated and angry with him