Question

what is the irony if the lesson dear departed ​

Answer 1

The title of the play 'Dear Departed' is ironical. In the beginning of the play, we come to know that grandfather Mr. Abel has departed from this world. He is not dear to his own daughters though they pretend that he is dear to both of them. They are eager to divide his belongings between them.

Answer 2

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 called 'the dear departed', but actually in the drama , we see the underlying irony of this title. Able

lies down because he feels dazed and Amelia Slater thinks that he is dead.Amelia doesn't even bother to call a doctor to confirm this . the only matter on her mind is stealing his possession before her sister Elizabeth arrives, and outshining her by wearing mourning clothes. When Elizabeth does arrives, instead of going to see her father , she prefers to have a tea. The two sisters quarrel over his possessions. Finally, Abel realises that he is not at all ' dear' to them and , since he is not a departed soul, he decides to ' depart ' from their lives.