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’. Even 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.

Irony in the Title 'Dear Departed'

The title of the play 'Dear Departed' carries a significant amount of irony. Irony can be defined as a literary device that involves a contradiction between appearance and reality, or what is expected and what actually occurs. In the case of this play, the irony lies in the title's portrayal of a sentimental and affectionate tone, which sharply contrasts with the actual events and themes depicted within the play.

1. Superficial Familial Relationships

The title 'Dear Departed' suggests a sense of affection and closeness within a family, implying that the characters have strong emotional bonds with each other. However, the play itself reveals the opposite. The relationships among the family members are revealed to be superficial, filled with hypocrisy, and lacking genuine love or concern. This irony highlights the deceptive nature of the familial connections portrayed in the play.

2. Neglected Relationships

Another layer of irony lies in the title's use of the word "departed." Typically, this term is associated with someone who has passed away. However, in the context of the play, it becomes apparent that the relationship between the family members is already dead or non-existent. The characters are emotionally detached, neglectful, and show little regard for each other. This contradiction between the title's connotation of loss and the actual absence of genuine relationships adds depth to the irony.

3. Materialistic Priorities

The word "dear" in the title implies a sense of value and importance. However, in the play, the characters prioritize material possessions over human connections. They are more concerned about the inheritance and monetary gain resulting from the death of their family member than expressing genuine grief or acknowledging their loss. This irony highlights the misplaced priorities and shallow nature of the characters.

4. Lack of Genuine Emotion

The title 'Dear Departed' suggests a certain level of emotional attachment and grief towards the departed family member. However, throughout the play, the characters demonstrate a lack of genuine emotion or sorrow. They are more focused on their personal interests and engage in petty arguments rather than experiencing true grief. This irony emphasizes the superficiality and insincerity of the characters' emotions.

Overall, the title 'Dear Departed' encapsulates the ironic contrast between the appearance and reality of familial relationships depicted in the play. It highlights the superficiality, lack of genuine emotion, and materialistic priorities prevalent among the characters. This irony serves to critique and expose the flaws and hypocrisy within the family dynamic portrayed in the play.