Explore the ways in which Stanley Houghton criticises certain human characters in The Dear Departed

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Explore the ways in which Stanley Houghton criticises certain human characters in "The Dear Departed"

Stanley Houghton uses various literary devices to criticise basic human characteristics, in "The Dear Departed". He uses a mixture of irony, dramatic irony, sarcasm, simultaneous speech, humour and a twist in the plot to criticise human traits. The characters in the story are very two-dimensional and there is no development. This allows us to easily see through their character and understand their actions.

In this short play, Houghton manages to portray irony in many different ways. Firstly, the title is already ironic. The departed, Abel Merryweather, is not one bit dear and precious to them. The only thing the sisters are interested in is the money or valuables he owns. The ironic statements make the readers think. While the more they think the more they realise the irony criticises our basic human characteristics.

Another instance of irony is between the sisters. When they thought Abel was dead, they were complaining of what a burden he was to them. The moment Abel mentions his new will, in which he will leave everything to the person he is living with when