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'. 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.

The Irony in the Title of the Play "A Doll's House"

Introduction:
Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House" is a masterpiece of dramatic irony, as the title itself presents a stark contrast to the themes and events depicted in the play. The use of irony in the title not only captures the attention of the audience but also foreshadows the significant societal and gender-related issues that are explored throughout the play.

1. "A Doll's House": An Illusion of Domestic Bliss
The title "A Doll's House" initially gives the impression of a cozy and idyllic home, where everything is perfect and harmonious. The term "doll" typically refers to a toy or an object that lacks agency or independent thought. Thus, the title suggests a portrayal of a seemingly perfect household, where the characters are trapped in their roles and expected to conform to societal expectations.

2. The Disempowerment of Women
2.1. Nora as a Doll
The protagonist, Nora, is initially presented as the epitome of the ideal Victorian wife: beautiful, charming, and submissive. She is portrayed as a doll-like figure who exists solely to please her husband, Torvald, and fulfill societal expectations. The title "A Doll's House" reflects the disempowerment and objectification of women within the domestic sphere.

2.2. The Illusion of Happiness
The title also highlights the facade of happiness and contentment that Nora portrays to the outside world. Just like a doll, she is expected to put on a show and maintain a flawless image, concealing her true feelings and desires. The irony lies in the fact that the supposedly perfect "doll's house" is merely a façade, masking the underlying dissatisfaction and oppression experienced by Nora.

3. The Quest for Identity and Autonomy
3.1. Nora's Awakening
As the play progresses, Nora begins to question her role as a doll and experiences a gradual awakening. She realizes that she has been living a lie and that her own desires and aspirations have been suppressed. The title "A Doll's House" becomes ironic as Nora strives to break free from the confines of her societal role and establish her own identity.

3.2. The Symbolic Door
The title also alludes to the pivotal moment in the play when Nora decides to leave her husband and children, metaphorically opening the door to her liberation. The doll's house, which once represented entrapment, now becomes a symbol of escape and independence. The irony lies in the fact that the title initially suggests a sense of stability and security, but ultimately reveals the oppressive nature of societal norms.

Conclusion:
The irony in the title "A Doll's House" encapsulates the central themes of the play, including the disempowerment of women, the illusion of domestic bliss, and the quest for personal freedom. It serves as a powerful tool to engage the audience and provoke critical reflection on the societal norms and expectations that restrict individual autonomy and self-expression.