Question

Justify the term dear departed

Answer 1

Dear Departed is a satire that criticizes the peripheral relations and showy love between parents, siblings and children. Though the title itself appears to be an emotional one, it soon becomes clear that the dear departed is not Mr. Abel, father of Amelia and Elizabeth. What departed them dearly was their father’s assets and belongings. What the two daughters and their husbands had waited for was the death of Mr. Abel, not his well being. They never loved him. The two daughters fought with each other not for making their father feel at home, but to get him rid off. The poor old man learnt the true nature of his children’s love too late but was able to escape their cruel hospitality and cunning care for him.