The Dear Departed : Extra Questions

1.    What is the most surprising announcement made by Mr Abel in the end? How does it affect the other characters? [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: Abel makes a very dramatic announcement in the end that he is going to marry Mrs. Shorrocks who keeps the ‘Ring-O-Bells’. Moreover he is going to take away his things and leave nothing for his daughters.

2.    Mrs Jordan, “we want a verse that says how much we loved him and refers to all his good qualities and says what a heavy loss we’re had.” Point out the irony in this remark.

Ans : Mrs. Jordan, the daughter, wishes to show to the world how much they all loved their father, by choosing such words for his obituary. But the irony is that in reality, they do not love him nor do they care for any of his good qualities.

3.    Discuss the significance of the title of the play. Bring out the irony inherent in it? [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]

Or

In what way is the play satirical? Comment on the nature of its characters. [C.B.S.E. 2011 (T-1)]

Ans. The title is very appropriate and packed with great irony and wit that makes a farce of all relationships that are most intense and pious. Children like the Slaters and the Jordans are a blot on humanity and on the bonds of love and affection. Both Amelia and her sister consider their father Abel Merryweather a burden and his death is no loss to them. The father is taken lightly.

Immediately after Abel’s supposed death, the elder daughter pinches his slippers, clock and his bureau. For both the daughters, father’s death is a kind of competition to outshine each other. There is no mourning in their hearts, but both the daughters vie with each other to wear the best mourning dress. Mrs Jordan wants to have her tea and snacks rather then looking at her dead father. Accusations are hurled at each other, death announcement is planned but no one spares a thought for the father. An obituary should reflect their feelings, that are non-existent. It is only the grand daughter

Victoria, who is a sole witness to this game of pinching things and benefits. In a lighter tone, Abel Merryweather had sensed the mercenary nature of his daughter so he outwits them in their planning. He finds a widow to marry who would look after him better. The lesson ends on a humorous note but outlines a very tragic and pathetic concern – care of the elderly that is a glaring and ugly reality of today’s world.

4.    Compare and contrast Henry’s character with his wife:

Ans. Henry is timid and honest by nature. Soft at heart, he tends to get bullied by his dominating wife. Initially he protests against stealing the grandfather’s slippers and bureau but when Mrs Slater forces him, he gets carried away. He is a worried looking man who believed what his wife says and ends up supporting her. Mrs Slater by contrast is vain, pretentious and greedy. She makes the plans and he executes them with his wife’s help of course.

5.    Henry says, “I suppose it’s in the family.” Why does Henry make this comment and what does it reflect about the two sisters?

Ans : Henry is well aware that both the sisters Mrs Slater and Mrs. Jordan are very mean and calculative, so they will not lose any chance to pinch things belonging to their family. When his wife brings the new slippers of her father and gives to Henry, he makes this humorous comment.

6.    “After all I’ve done for him, having to put up with him in the house these three years. It’s nothing short of swindling” who makes this remark and what does this reflect about the speaker’s attitude?

Ans : Mrs. Slater makes the above remark in great agitation when Abel states that his entire property will go to the person with whom he would be staying, at the time of his death, Mrs. Slater feels cheated. She believes that looking after her father for these years has not benefitted her at all.