Question

What is the summary of the drama- The Dear Departed by Stanley Houghton?

Answer 1

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Stanley Houghton's drama, 'The Dear Departed', is a satire. It describes children attitude towards their old parents. Abel Merryweather, a 72 years old man is neither dear to his daughters nor departed. He has two married daughters with whom he lived by turns since his wife died. At the time when he assumed to death he was with Amelia ( younger daughter ). she saw him lying in bed and assumed he was dead. She didn't inform the doctor but only informed her sister Elizabeth Jordan ( Elder daughter ) about his death.Amelia took aways his slippers, artistic bureau and wall clock. When Elizabeth arrived she was not interested to see her father's body. All were not interested to look the old man but interested in announcing his death in newspaper. Elizabeth was quarrelling with Amelia for the her share in old man's things. Suddenly the old man woke up and came down. He announced that he would change his will and give his things to the one who was going to be at the time of his death. Hr shocked them by informing that he was going to marry and live with new wife widow of John Shorrocks.

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Answer 2

$\large{\bold{THE \: DEAR \: DEPARTED}}$

In The Dear Departed, written by Stanley Haughton, poet uses vary literally devices to criticise basic human characteristics. He uses a mixture of dramatic irony, sarcasm, simultaneous speech, humour and twist in the plot to criticize human traits. The characters in the story are two - dimensional and there is no development. This allows us to easily see through their character and understand their actions.

In this short play, Haughton manages to portray irony in many different ways. Firstly, the title is already irony. The departed, Abel Merryweather, is not one bit dear and precious to them. The only thing the sisters are interested in is the money or valuables he owns.