"The Dear Departed" is a one-act play written by Stanley Houghton. It is a satirical drama that highlights the greed and hypocrisy of family members after the supposed death of an elderly man, Abel Merryweather. The play exposes how selfishness and materialism dominate relationships, making it a thought-provoking piece for students.
For Class 8 and Class 9 students, understanding the key themes, characters, and important dialogues is essential. Below are important questions and answers to help grasp the essence of The Dear Departed.
1. What is "The Dear Departed" about?
"The Dear Departed" is about two sisters, Amelia and Elizabeth, who gather after believing that their father, Abel Merryweather, has passed away. Instead of mourning, they argue over who will take his belongings. However, Abel soon wakes up, revealing he is alive. Upset by his daughters’ greed, he decides to change his will and marry a woman who truly cares for him.
The play is a criticism of materialism, showing how family members value inheritance more than love and respect.
2. What is the main theme of the play?
The play revolves around the theme of greed and hypocrisy. Other important themes include:
- Materialism in families – The daughters care more about their father’s possessions than his well-being.
- Disrespect for elders – Abel’s children are more concerned about inheritance than showing love.
- Irony and humor – The play is humorous but also carries a serious message about family values.
3. Who are the main characters in "The Dear Departed"?
The key characters in the play are:
- Abel Merryweather – An elderly man believed to be dead but later wakes up.
- Amelia Slater – A selfish daughter who wants to take her father’s possessions.
- Elizabeth Jordan – Another greedy daughter who competes with Amelia over the inheritance.
- Ben Jordan – Elizabeth’s husband, who supports her greed.
- Henry Slater – Amelia’s husband, who reluctantly helps his wife take Abel’s things.
- Victoria Slater – Amelia’s young daughter, who is innocent and honest.
4. What is the irony in "The Dear Departed"?
The biggest irony in the play is that Abel is still alive, but his daughters are already dividing his belongings. They pretend to be mourning, but their true intentions are revealed when they start fighting over his property.
Another irony is that Abel, who was considered useless, becomes important again when he decides to change his will.
5. What does the title "The Dear Departed" mean?
The title is ironic. "Dear Departed" is a phrase used for someone who has passed away, but in this case, Abel is not actually dead. The title mocks the daughters’ fake grief and their selfish behavior.
6. How does the play criticize human nature?
The play shows that people often value money over relationships. Instead of caring for their father, Amelia and Elizabeth see his death as an opportunity to gain wealth. This reflects how some families treat elderly members as a burden rather than a blessing.
7. What lesson does "The Dear Departed" teach us?
The play teaches that:
- Greed can destroy family relationships.
- Elders deserve love and respect, not just their wealth.
- Materialism leads to selfishness and unhappiness.
- Honesty and kindness are more valuable than money.
8. Why does Abel Merryweather decide to change his will?
Abel realizes that his daughters do not truly care about him. They are only interested in his property. Feeling disrespected, he decides to marry Mrs. Shorrocks, a woman who genuinely cares for him, and leave his wealth to her instead of his selfish daughters.
9. How does Victoria Slater contrast with the other characters?
Victoria is the only innocent and honest character in the play. Unlike her mother and aunt, she does not try to steal Abel’s possessions. She represents the voice of truth and morality, showing how greed is taught and passed down in families.
10. What are some humorous elements in the play?
Although the play has a serious message, it uses humor and irony to make its point. Some funny moments include:
- Amelia and Elizabeth’s fake sorrow – They pretend to be sad but fight over inheritance.
- Abel waking up – The daughters panic when they realize he is still alive.
- The argument over the clock – Amelia tries to take Abel’s clock before Elizabeth arrives.
These moments make the play entertaining while also highlighting human flaws.
11. What does the clock symbolize in the play?
The clock represents greed and selfishness. Amelia tries to take it before Elizabeth arrives, showing her desperation for material possessions. It also symbolizes time, reminding us that material wealth is temporary, but relationships last longer.
12. What is the significance of the ending?
The ending is powerful because Abel takes control of his own fate. Instead of being treated like a burden, he decides to remarry and leave his wealth to someone who truly cares for him. This shows that elders deserve respect and should not tolerate mistreatment.
13. How does Stanley Houghton use satire in the play?
Satire is used to mock human greed and hypocrisy. The daughters pretend to be caring, but their actions expose their true nature. By making the play humorous, Houghton ensures that the message is clear and memorable.
14. Why is "The Dear Departed" still relevant today?
The play remains relevant because:
- Many people still value wealth over family relationships.
- Some children neglect their elderly parents.
- The issue of inheritance disputes is common.
- It reminds us to treat elders with love and respect.
Even though the play was written long ago, its message applies to modern society.
15. What is the moral of the story?
The moral of The Dear Departed is that money and possessions should never be valued more than family and love. Greedy people may try to gain wealth, but they lose respect and relationships in the process.
"The Dear Departed" is a powerful and thought-provoking play that exposes the greed, hypocrisy, and materialism in families. Through humor and irony, Stanley Houghton teaches an important lesson: money comes and goes, but love and respect are what truly matter.
For students, understanding these questions and answers will help grasp the deeper meaning of the play and its valuable life lessons.