The title" the dear departed " literally means that the person who is dead is much loved by the family members and hence the person is called "the dear departed" but actually in the drama we see the underlying irony of the title. Abel lies down because he feels dazed Amelia Slater thinks that he has died. Amelia doesn't bother to call a doctor to confirm this. The only matter on her mind is stealing his possessions before her sister Elizabeth arrives , and outshining her by wearing mourning clothes. When Elizabeth does arrives , she prefers to have tea. The two sister quarrle over his possessions. Finally , Abel realises that he is not at all "dear "for them and since he is not a departed soul , he decided to depart from their lives. .

**Justification of the title "The Dear Departed"**

The title of the play "The Dear Departed" is justified through the exploration of various themes and the central conflict that revolves around the departure of a loved one. The play is a social comedy written by Stanley Houghton, which was first performed in 1908. It sheds light on the prevalent hypocrisy and materialistic values within a family when confronted with the death of a family member.

**1. Departure of a Loved One:**
- The title "The Dear Departed" indicates the departure or death of a family member. In the play, the character of Grandfather passes away, leading to a series of events that unfold within the family.

**2. Emotional Attachments:**
- The term "Dear" in the title signifies the emotional attachment the family members had with the departed individual. It suggests that the deceased person was cherished and held dear by the family.

**3. Irony and Hypocrisy:**
- The title also carries a sense of irony as it highlights the hypocrisy of the family members who claim to be grieving and mourning for the loss, but are more concerned about material possessions and inheritance.
- The play exposes the hidden motives of the family members, who are more interested in acquiring the deceased person's belongings than genuinely mourning their departure.

**4. Family Dynamics:**
- The title reflects the central conflict of the play, which revolves around the family dynamics and the aftermath of the grandparent's death.
- The departure of the grandfather serves as a catalyst, revealing the true nature of the family members and their relationships.

**5. Critique of Society:**
- The title also serves as a critique of the society's materialistic values and the lack of genuine emotions when confronted with death.
- It exposes how people are more concerned about personal gain and inheritance rather than honoring the memory of their loved ones.

Overall, the title "The Dear Departed" effectively captures the essence of the play, highlighting the departure of a loved one and the subsequent unveiling of hypocrisy, materialism, and societal critique.