Question

What is the irony in the story 'the dear departed'?

Answer 1

The irony in the story 'The Dear Departed' is that Mrs Slater and Mrs Jordan, the selfish and unethical daughters of the protagonist treat their father as if he was a poor, wretched, helpless, dependent, old father. They make the readers pity the poor man. But Mr. Abel Merryweather turns all the tables on his daughters at the end. He comes to know about their wicked intentions and takes such decisions as make them appear poor, wretched, helpless and sorry.  

Answer 2

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. Even Mrs. Slater with whom he has been living fetches his clock and bureau from his room where he is lying 'dead'. Even they can't wait for the last rites of his burial. Even their husbands Ben and Henry do not love grandfather. So, no one is grieved at his departure. In this way, we can say that the title of this play 'Dear Departed' is an ironical statement of dying love and absence of filial obligations.