Irony in the Title of the Play "The Dear Departed"
Irony in the Title:
The title of the play "The Dear Departed" is ironic because it refers to the deceased individuals in the story as "dear" when in reality, they were not well-loved or respected by their family members. The term "dear departed" typically conveys a sense of fondness and affection towards the deceased, which is not the case in this play.

Characters' Reactions
In the play, the characters' reactions to the deaths of their family members are far from sorrowful or grieving. Instead, they are focused on the material gains they can acquire from the deaths, such as inheriting the deceased's belongings and property. This highlights the irony of referring to the departed as "dear" when their own family members are more interested in their possessions than mourning their loss.

Situational Irony
The title also creates situational irony as the characters' actions and motivations contradict the sentimentality usually associated with the term "dear departed." The play exposes the greed, selfishness, and lack of genuine emotions within the family dynamics, making the title seem misplaced and sarcastic.

Overall Theme
The irony in the title serves to emphasize the dark humor and criticism of societal values presented in the play. It reflects the superficiality and hypocrisy of the characters who pretend to care for the departed while revealing their true intentions through their actions. The title acts as a subtle commentary on human nature and the often insincere expressions of grief in the face of personal gain.