There are many ironys.1)The two sisters criticized each other while they follow same selfish attitude.2)The daughter's feel that they are the only family for the grandfather while, he has other plans for himself.3)It is ironical that the grandfather who was looking for a second marriage should be taken for dead while there were other physically weak people in the family.4)It is ironical that a doctor was not called in and the mistake actually became fatal for both sisters.5)The grandfather is not dear to anyone...and last...6)The grandfather is Hale and hearty far from being deadFourth point is ironical as whenever someone is ill, a doctor is always called in but in this case the grandfather "died" but the doctor was not called in...it's really strange#hope it helps..

Well... the title itself means tht the person who is dead is much loved by the family members and hence the person is being called 'the dear departed',but actually in the drama, we see the underlying irony of this title. Abel lies down because he feels dazed and Amelia thought tht he was dead. She even doesn't bother to call a doctor to confirm this . She jzzt wants to pinch his possessions before Elizabeth arrives and tries to outshine her even in such mournful situation. Elizabeth too was no less money minded, shrewd , greedy and petty as her sister.