• The Dear Departed

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10th Class - English

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10th Class - English
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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Literature Chapter 13 The Dear Departed
TextBook Questions

Question 1.
Read an excerpt from the diary of a man of 72 years?

As I sit here alone and waiting
I gaze at people passing me by.
I try to smile and reach out to them But no one notices; no one waits.
They look to me like I am nothing-
Are they afraid to be seen saying "Hi" to an old man like me?
Once my life, it like a flower,
I had bloomed into a child.
Now, like the dying flower
Waiting for my one day to come-
It will be then that I am gone,
And yet, I still would not have heard that simple word, "Hi"
That for so long my heart had desired

What do you think is he feeling
What situation do you think leads to people feeling so
Can such people be helped ? How

Answer:
He is feeling lonely and sad
Uncaring attitude of family and friends lead to this gloomy feeling
Yes, we can certainly help a lonely and elderly feel wanted again. Curative, presentative and rehabilitative measures should be the major concern while implementing any programme for the elderly. Clubs for the elderly should be set up where they can engage themselves in various activities that would be helpful in keeping them energetic and boost their stamina

Question 2.
Read the news story given below?
Discuss in groups
What are the reasons for the old people being "abused, harassed and abandoned" in India
What are the problems faced by the old people as a result

Answer:
The news is really an eye-opener in a country like India, where children are expected to take great care of their elderly so as to express gratitude to them. An extended family was the norm where parents and grandparents were revered by their children. However, western influence and dwindling moral values have led to an unpleasant situation where old people are being "abused, harassed and abandoned". Social and economic development has caused the extended family system to change into a single family system. Old people, generally, find it hard to adjust their way of thinking that results in a clash between them and the somewhat rigid and insensitive younger generation.
Due to this lack of emotional, moral and even financial support, old people are facing many problems a feeling of loneliness and being neglected physical and mental impairment emotional trauma resulting in sleeplessness and anxiety feeling of insecurity and loss of dignity.

These problems are: loneliness, neglect, absence of communication among their own, lack of sympathy, no medical help, growing independence on others, absence of interacting with others at social level, not sharing of grief etc.

Question 3.
Given below are the main incidents in the play. They are in a jumbled order. Arrange them in the sequence in which they occur in the play?

Victoria is asked to fetch the bunch of keys to the bureau to look for the insurance receipt
Mrs. Slater instructs Victoria to put her white frock on with a black sash
Mrs. Slater discovers that grandfather is dead
The Slaters fetch the bureau and the clock from upstairs
The family sits down to have tea
Henry wears the new slippers of grandfather
Grandfather comes to know how his daughters were in a hurry to divide his things between them
Grandfather announces his intention to change his will and to marry Mrs. Shorrocks
Grandfather comes down and is surprised to find the Jordans
They discuss the obituary announcement in the papers and the insurance premium payment
The Jordans arrive and learn the details of grandfather demise from the Slaters

Answer:
Mrs. Slater discovers that grandfather is dead
Slater instructs Victoria to put her white frock on with a black sash
Henry wears the new slippers of grandfathers
The Slaters fetch the bureau and the clock from upstairs
The Jordans arrive and learn the details of grandfathers demise from the Slaters
The family sits down to have tea
They discuss the obituary announcement in the papers and the insurance premium payment
Victoria is asked to fetch the bunch of keys to the bureau to look for the insurance receipt
Grandfather comes down and is surprised to find the Jordans
Grandfather comes to know how his daughters were in a hurry to divide his things between them
Grandfather announces his intention to change his will and to marry Mrs. Shorrocks

Question 4.
Answer the following questions briefly?
I.How does Mrs.Slater plan to outshine the Jordans? What does it reveal about her character

Answer:
Mrs. Slater is doubtful about her sister and her husband, Jordans arrival at grandfathers demise. Mrs. Slater is also anxious about grandfathers insurance premium and looks for it. She also brings grandfathers bureau down from his room. Before her sister arrived, she tried to have every asset of grandfather in possession. She is a ruthless and self-centered person.

II.Why does Mrs. Slater decide to shift the bureau from grandfather room before the arrival of the Jordans? How does Henry react to the suggestion

Answer:
Mrs. Slater wants to shift the bureau down because this was a recent purchase and was eye-catching. Moreover, she did not want her sister to even have a look at it. Henry suggested that she should divide the grandfather assets mutually between herself and her sister

III.What is the reason for the Jordans taking a long time to get to the house of the Slaters? What does it show about the two sisters attitude towards each other

Answer:
Jordans took a long time in getting to reach the Slaters because they had to arrange for the mourning dresses for themselves. Since the readymades did not work for Elizabeth, she might have to get them - stitched. Both the sisters had rivalry between them for every worthless thing. They could not stand each other.

IV. What does Mrs. Jordan describe as a fatal mistake ? What is the irony in the comment she makes on Mrs. Slater defence

Answer:
Mrs. Jordan meant by fetal mistake that Slater had not called another doctor to examine when grandfather was lying with his eyes closed. She called this as professional etiquette. But Mrs. Jordan is a hypocrite as she is chiding Mrs. Slater for not calling the doctor but she herself could not make it on time for such a grave occasion.

V. Ben appreciates grandfather saying its a good thing he did. Later he calls him a drunken old beggar. Why does he change his opinion about grandfather

Answer:
Ben learnt that grandfather went in the morning to pay his insurance premium, he said it a good thing he did but later when he came to know from Victoria that he had not gone to pay premium but went to meet Mrs. Shorrocks, he commented that he was a drunken beggar

VI.What change does grandfather make in his new will? What effect does it have on his daughters

Answer:
The grandfather announced that he would bequeath his wealth to Mrs. Shorrocks whom he was going to marry on the coming Monday and that he would look after him in old age. He also reminded both his daughters about how eager they were to divide his assets when he was still alive. His daughters were aghast to hear this.

VII. What are the three things that grandfather plans to do on Monday next

Answer:
Three things he planned to do are that he would go to his lawyer and change his will, he would go to insurance company and pay his premium, he would also go to St. Philips Church and marry Mrs. John Shorrocks.

Question 5.
Answer the following in detail?
I.Bring out the irony in the title of the play

Answer:
The title of the play The Dear Departed literally means that somebody dear has departed/ died and is no more with us. It makes everyone closely connected with the departed person sad and upset. Everyone is at a loss and tries to cope up with the situation. In this case, the title is ironical because nobody in the family loved grandfather. He was dear to no one. They all are relieved that he is no more. They talk of everything from mourning outfit to what all he has left behind but nobody is in a hurry to even go and see him. He is supposed to be dead and lying in his room. They all decide to have tea, discuss the obituary that should go in the newspapers but no one either has tears in his/ her eyes or is missing the grandfather. They are very businesslike and their business seems to be what each one of them will get now that the old man is dead. In no way was he dear to his daughters or their husbands. Mrs Jordan had not even visited her father in the last three years since the time he had moved to Mrs Slater home. So much for a dear father! If she was there today, it was to show off in the society and to ensure that she gets her share of whatever he has left behind. Ironical, isnt it?

II.How does the spat between his daughters lead to grandfather discovering the truth

Answer:
Both the sisters are discussing about their share and Mrs Slater spills the beans when she tells grandfather that it was her husband who was wearing his slippers and they had brought his bureau downstairs. She also tells him that she was the one who had declared that he was dead. Grandfather is shocked when he comes to know all this. He is upset that his daughters want him to die. He also sees his clock downstairs. He understands that his daughters do not love him. They only want his wealth and belongings. They have no interest, whatsoever, in his well being. For them he is nothing more than a nuisance and they wish that he is out of their lives at the earliest. They are very happy that he is dead. Mrs Slater does not even call the doctor to confirm. She decides, informs her sister and even gives the tailor order for the mourning outfits.

III.Compare and contrast Henry character with that of his wife. Support your answer with evidence from the play

Answer:
Mrs and Mr Slater are seen as a couple who complement each other. But this is on the surface. Mrs Slater is a domineering lady and always wants to have the last word. Henry follows her instructions diligently. When she asks him to wear the grandfather slippers, as his are torn, he does not say a word. When it comes to shifting the bureau from grandfather room it is her decision. He walks behind her like a lamb. Mrs Slater does not allow him to give his opinion on any issue. He is a meek character who is scared of saying anything in front of his wife.

Question 6.
Bring out the traits in Mrs. Slater personality quoting evidence from the play?
Trait Evidence from the play Greedy # Overpowering/dominating # Blunt/straight talking # impolite # impolite #

Answer:
Trait Evidence from the play Greedy Henry, Ive been thinking about that bureau of grandfaher that in his bedroom. You know I always wanted to have it after he died Overpowering/dominating Ill fasten the front door. Get your coat off. Henry; well change it Blunt/straight talking Promised to your Jimmy/I never heard of that impolite After all Ive done for him, having to put up with him in the house these years, it nothing short of swindling Insensitive Well, will you go up and look at him now or shall we have tea

II.Answer the following with reference to the context?

A. "Are we pinching it before Aunt Elizabeth comes
What does it refer to here

Answer:
It here refers to grandfather bureau which Mrs Slater plans to keep for herself.

B. How does Vicky conclude that her parents are pinching it

Answer:
Vicky parents wanted to get the bureau before Mrs Slater sister arrived for the funeral.

C. Mention the two reasons that Mrs. Slater gives for her action

Answer:
According to her, she wanted the bureau because she liked it very much. Second reason for wanting it was out of jealousy. She did not want her sister to get it.

D. What does it reveal about the difference between the attitude of the elders and that of Vicky

Answer:
Vicky genuinely loved her grandfather. She did not like the way elders are fighting over petty things. They are all money-minded and there is no sensitivity.

"7 dont call that delicate, stepping into a dead man shoes in such haste."

E. Who makes this comment

Answer:
Mrs Jordan makes this comment.

F. What prompts the speaker to say this

Answer:
She says this because Henry had started wearing grandfather slippers even before he was medically declared dead.

G. Bring out the significance of this statement

Answer:
It reveals the pettiness of all the adult characters. They all are trying to show the others, in bad light. Also, here, it is truly in haste as the grandfather is very much alive and not dead

3. "Now, Amelia, you mustnt give way. Weve all got to die some time or other. It might have been worse."?

I. Who is the speaker of these lines

Answer:
Ben is the speaker of these lines.

II. What prompts the speaker to say these words

Answer:
The speaker says these words when he meets Mrs Slater. He is trying to console her.

III. What does he mean when he says It might have been worse

Answer:
Grandfather had died without giving any trouble to anybody. If he had been bedridden, it would have been worse for everybody.

IV. What does it reveal about the speaker character

Answer:
These lines reveal that the speaker is able to talk about death without getting upset.

Writing Task

Question 8.
Victoria Slater is truly attached to her Grandpa. As she sees the elders in her family quarrel over the inheritance, she is bewildered and upset by their attitude. As Victoria write a diary entry outlining the incident and your feelings. (150 words)?

Answer:
Jaunary 9, 20XX 11:00 p.m.
Today, I am feeling really heartbroken to see how money can overpower emotions even among the blood relations. Grandpa was considered dead and my aunt, who had not visited us for ages, rushed on hearing the news presumably out of love but actually out of greed for grandpas property. And mother is also not in any way, different from her. The way she eyed grandpas belongings and the eagerness with which she tried to pocket all the things before aunt arrival was really absurd and shocking to me.
This showy concern is really annoying and painful. But I am happy that grandpa is alive and has come to realise Sie mercenary nature of all and outwitted them in their planning. I pray to God to give some sense to these people and they mend their ways. Victoria

Speaking Task

Question 9.
Grandfather says, "It seems to me that neither of you has any cause to feel proud about the way youve treated me." While it is true that the daughters disregard modesty, decency and filial obligation, grandfather cannot be fully justified in practically disowning his family. Besides, Victoria loves him and he seems to have spared no thought for her feelings?
.

Divide yourselves into groups of four or five and discuss the statement: Grandfather is not entirely right in moving away from his daughters.

After the discussion, a representative from each group will present the views of her/his group to the class in about 3 minutes?

Answer:
Topic Grandfather is not entirely right in moving away from his daughters.
View 1 Grandpa in the play The Dear Departed was considered dead by family members.
Instead of mourning, they got engaged in arguments over the belongings of Mr Abel.
The discovery that Mr Abel was hale and hearty was a bolt from the blue.
The old man was aghast to see them in mourning dresses and I think it was natural on his part.
It did not take him long to realise their true motives.
He played a joke that he would leave all his belongings to whoever he was living with when he died.
In fact, that was just a trick to unveil their greedy nature.
At that very moment, Abel made a shocking announcement that he would alter his will and get married to Mrs. Shorrock. But, if we look at the matter from a practical point of view, we will realise that Mr. Abel was not fully justified in breaking all ties with his family. He should have behaved in a mature way and spared some thoughts for her granddaughter Victoria who loved him too much. He could even try to make his daughter realize their mistake.

Important Question

NCERT CBSE for Class 10 English Literature Chapter 13 The Dear Departed Important Questions

The Dear Departed -By Stanley Houghton
Summary

‘The Dear Departed’ is dedicated to the old people who are neglected due to the increasing materialism of their families. Abel Merry weather is an old man who had two daughters, Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan. One day, Mrs. Slater ‘found him dead’. She informed Mrs. Jordan and her husband Ben and started waiting for them. Meanwhile she discussed with her husband about a clock and the bureau - a writing desk with drawers, which she always liked and wanted to possess. Suddenly an idea struck her mind and she decided to bring the clock and the bureau down to her room before the arrival of Mrs. Jordan. Henry did not approve of it but later helped in getting the bureau down. It was at the moment of shifting that the Jordans arrive. But they never realized what had happened. All of them sat to have tea. They discussed the obituary announcement in the papers and insurance premium payment. The little daughter of Slaters - Victoria put them in a doubt that she saw grandfather going to ‘Ring-O-Bells’ instead of the insurance office. She was told by her mother to bring the keys so that they could find the premium receipt in the drawers. Victoria went up reluctantly but the next moment she was back when she saw grandfather rising from his bed. She informed everyone downstairs. By the time they came out of their shock, grandfather came down. He told them that he had a headache and so was a bit dazed. It was here during the discussion thatfhe noticed his clock and bureau in Henry’s room. He got annoyed and asked for the reason. Then Mrs. Jordan informed him that Mrs. Slater was perhaps deceiving everybody by trying to steal the clock and the bureau before anybody arrived. Grandfather got angry. He told them that he had decided to change his will. He further added that he would give away everything to somebody who cared for him and not his daughters who took him to be a burden. The sisters were unable to digest this. They apologised but grandfather didn’t listen to them. Then he told them his plans that he was going to marry Mrs. John Shorrocks, the keeper of ‘Ring-O-Bells’ and alter his will in her name. He invited them to attend his marriage on Monday, twelve o’clock at St. Philip’s Church and left the house.

Extract Based Questions (3 marks each)

Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow:

Question 1.
"It didn’t take you long to start dividing my things between you."
Year of Question: (Board 2014, Set 8L1922Q)

(a) Who speaks these words and to whom ?
(b) What things are being referred to ?
(c) Why did they start dividing the things ?

Answer: (a) These words are spoken by Abel Merry weather to his family members.
(b) He is referring to the bureau, clock, slippers, etc.
(c) They started dividing the things because they presumed Abel to be dead.


Question 2.
‘Are we pinching it before Aunt Elizabeth comes ?’
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2013, Set 5007)

(a) Who is asking this question and to whom ?
(b) What has happened before this incident ?
(c) What reaction of the speaker is evident from the given lines ?

Answer: (a) Victoria is asking her parents.
(b) The parents have brought down the bureau from the grandfather’s room.
(c) The girl understands that her parents are stealing the bureau (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014)

Question 3.
They’ll stretch, won’t they ? I am not going to have them wasted.
(a) What is they ?
(b) What does the speaker want the listener to do ? Why ?
(c) What will happen when ‘They’ will stretch ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2013, Set 8SRR)

Answer: (a) Abel Merryweather’s slippers.
(b) She wants him to wear them as they are new and his own are old and worn out.
(c) The slippers are small for Henry. She says they will stretch once he starts wearing them.
(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014)

Question 4.
"Mrs. Slater : I’m not satisfied but it’s the best we can do till our new black’s ready and Ben and Elizabeth will never have thought about mourning yet, so we’ll outshine them there.
(a) What is Mrs. Slater dissatisfied with ?
(b) What is the reference to ‘new black’ and why is it required ?
(c) What does her speech reveal about her character ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 44)

Answer: (a) She is not satisfied with her mourning dress yet.

(b) She needs a new mourning dress as her father has died.
(c) She is a hypocrite, competes with her sister and doesn’t have any regret of her father’s death.


Question 5.
"Are we pinching it before Elizabeth comes ?"
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 43)

(a) What does ‘it’ refer to here ?
(b) How does Victoria conclude that her parents are pinching ‘it’?
(c) Mention two reasons that Mrs. Slater gives for her action.

Answer: (a) It refers to the bureau here. Henry tells Victoria that he and his wife are going to bring the grandfather’s bureau down.
(b) Victoria concludes because they want to bring it down before Aunt Elizabeth comes.
(c) She tells them that she has always wanted to havejthe bureau after grandfather’s death. She tells them that
‘Elizabeth is sharp and will drive a hard bargain.’

Question 6.
That was a near thing. Open the door, Victoria. Now, Henry, get your coat on. (She helps him).
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 61)

(a) What was a near thing ?
(b) Why has Victoria been asked to open the door ?
(c) Why has Henry been asked to wear a coat ?

Answer: (a) The speaker and her husband being caught in the act of stealing.
(b) To usher in her aunt and uncle.
(c) Because it is black in colour and it would make him appear to be in mourning.


Question 7.
No, for myself it’s such a relief to get into the black. And now perhaps you’ll tell us all about it. What did the
doctor say ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 41)

(a) What is a great relief for the speaker ?
(b) What does the speaker mean by telling us all about it ?
(c) Who is the speaker of these lines ?

Answer: (a) To get into the black mourning dress is a relief.
(b) They want to know how the old man died.
(c) Elizabeth or Mrs. Jordan.

Question 8.
Chut! Be quiet! It’s ours now. Come Henry, lift your end.

(a) Identify the speaker.
(b) Why is the speaker insisting on being quiet ?
(c) What ‘our now’ is being talked about ?

Answer: (a) Mrs. Slater. .
(b) As they are stealing grandpa’s bureau before others come.
(c) The bureau of grandpa.


Question 9.
"Victoria, if that’s your aunt and uncle you’re not to open the door."
(a) Whose instructions are these for Victoria ?
(b) Why should her aunt and uncle not be allowed ?
(c) What was being done in their absence ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 50)

Answer: (a) Amelia, her mother.
(b) As they are shifting the bureau containing a locked desk and they don’t want to be caught red-handed.
(c) Both Amelia and Henry were in grandfather’s room shifting an old-fashioned bureau.

Question 10.
"I don’t call that delicate, stepping into a dead man’s shoes in such haste."
Year of Question: (Board Term-I 2011, Set 38)

(a) Who is the speaker ?
(b) When does the speaker say these words ?
(c) What does the speaker mean by ‘stepping into a dead man’s shoes’ ?

Answer: (a) Mrs. Jordan. 1/2
(b) When she notices Henry wearing grandfather’s slippers.
(c) Stepping into a dead man’s shoes is to take the position of the dead man although one might not be capable
of it. She remarked that he was in a hurry to step into the grandfather’s shoes and didn’t even wait for his funeral. 1+1/2

Question 11.
No, if I’m not to have him you shan’t either. We quarrelled because Elizabeth said she wouldn’t take you off
our hands at any price. She said she’d had enough of you to last a life time, and we’d got to keep you.
(Board Term-I 2011, Set 42)

(a) Who is I ?
(b) Why is there a quarrel ?
(c) Who had got to keep the old man according to the speaker ?

Answer: (a) T stands for Mrs. Slater.
(b) They quarrel over Elizabeth’s attempt not to keep the old man with her at any price.
(c) Mrs. Slater and Henry.

Question 12.
I’ll tell you what I’ve got to do. On Monday next I’ve got to do three things.
(a) These words are spoken by to..’
(b) The listeners’ reaction to the speaker’s declaration is that they are
(c) has made the speaker decide on three things.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 18)

Answer: (a) Abel; his family.
(b) taken aback.
(c) Family’s negligent attitude towards the speaker.

Question 13.
‘She’s never been here since grandfather bought it. If it was only down here instead of in his room, she’d
never guess it wasn’t our own.

(a) These words are said by
(b) The word ‘it’ referred to here is
(c) The speaker is planning to
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 12)

Answer: (a) Amelia. .
(b) the bureau.
(c) bring the bureau down.

Question 14.
"He’s done it on purpose, just to annoy us".

(a) Who is the speaker ?
(b) Who is ‘He’ ?
(c) What has he done to annoy the others ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 40)

Answer: (a) Mrs. Jordan.
(b) Grandfather - Abel Merryweather.
(c) He had not paid the premium - instead had gone to a public house.


Question 15.1 may be wrong. But I don’t think father will fancy living on with you after what’s happened today.
Year of Question: (Board Term-I 2011, Set 38)

(a) Who speaks the above lines ?
(b) What is the argument about in the conversation ?
(c) Why wouldn’t father want to stay with the listener ?

Answer: (a) Mrs. Jordan.
(b) The argument is over the place where Mr. Abel Merryweather should be staying.
(c) Mrs. Slater had behaved in a very mercenary manner and she wanted to take over her father’s belongings as
soon as he died.

Short Answer Type Questions (2 marks each)

Question 1.
What are the three things that grandfather plans to do on next Monday ?
Year of Question:(Board 2014, Set PRE2N18,8L1922Q, NCT 2014,2013 Set 8SRR)

Answer: (i) To go to the lawyer to alter his will.
(ii) Pay insurance premium
(iii) Get married at St. Phillips church to Mrs. Shorrocks (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014)

Detailed Answer:
Grandfather plans to do three things on next Monday. He decides to consult a lawyer and alter his will in favour of Mrs. John Shorrocks. Secondly he decides to marry Mrs. Shorrocks and third he has to pay his insurance premium which is due.

Question 2.
Justify the title ‘The Dear Departed’.
Year of Question:(Board 2014, Set PRE2N18, 2012 Set 64)

Answer: (i) The play revolves around the father. Fathers are loved by their children, but here he is not dear/truly loved by them as they are more interested in dividing up his belongings and are upset when they are informed that he is getting married and that they will not inherit.
(ii) The father has not departed, they presume he is dead without checking or calling a doctor.

Question 3.
Why did the two sisters fight with each other ?
Year of Question:(Board 2014)

Answer: Grandfather decided that in his new will, he would leave all his money and things to the person he would be living with when he died. This led to another spat between the daughters. Since both of them were very keen to get his money and things, they wanted that he should stay with them. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2014)

Question 4.
Why was black the dress code for the day ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2013, Set 5007)

Answer: Amelia had come to the conclusion that Abel Merryweather had passed away. So, the entire family had gathered to mourn the death of the grandfather. Black is the colour for mourning so they all had wome black.

Question 5.
Why is Mrs. Amelia Slater so edgy and nervous in the beginning of the play ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2013, NWKYS)

Answer: In the beginning of the play, Mrs. Amelia Slater is very edgy and nervous. Actually, she wants to steal grandfather’s bureau as she likes it very much but she wants to shift it to her room before the Jordans come and for that she has to do it quickly. She doesn’t want the Jordans to know about her theft.

Question 6.
Bring out the irony in the title of the play, ‘The Dear Departed’.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2013, Set 7PZ8) (Board Tenn-I 2012, Set 38)

Answer: Grandfather, the departed in this play, was not dear to his daughters and son-in-laws. Though they did not anxiously wait for his death, they actually did not regret even his sudden passing away.

Question 7.
What decision did Abel Merry weather take regarding his will ? What were his future plans for himself ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 49)

Answer: He decided to make a new will and leave all his belongings to whomever he was living with when he dies. First, he would visit his lawyer,to alter his will. Second, he would go to the insurance office and pay his premium. Third, he would marry Mrs. John Shorrocks who kept the ‘Ring-O-Bells’ in Philip’s church.

Question 8.
What does Mrs. Slater want to possess from the grandfather’s room ? What were her plans after his death ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 55)

Answer: Mrs. Slater has her eye on grandfather’s bureau and the clock. She intends to grab her share of her grandfather’s property. She and her sister Mrs. Jordan are after jewellery, insurance, etc.

Question 9.
Mrs. Slater represents a great materialistic character in the play, ‘The Dear Departed’. Give two evidences in support of the statement.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 59)

Answer: When she is sure about the death of her father, she tries to grab all the essentials of her father first. Then she turns her attention to his insurance policy. She doesn’t want anyone to come there before she takes everything in her possession. She has no sympathy for anyone.

Question 10.
Why does Elizabeth wish to draw up a list of Grandpa’s things ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 60)

Answer: Both the sisters, being calculative and selfish, did not want to be in any loss. Hence, Elizabeth wanted all the things to be listed so as to be able to get more than her share of inheritance.

Question 11.
Why did Victoria think that the behaviour of her parents was callous ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 16)

Answer: Victoria thought the behaviour of her parents was callous as after the so-called departure of Grandpa’s soul, they were only bothered about money and other materialistic things.

Question 12.
Briefly describe the character of Victoria in ‘The Dear Departed’.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 18)

Answer: Victoria, the granddaughter, has been depicted as a compassionate and loving character who loved her grandfather and was very upset at the materialistic behaviour of the elders after the so-called death of her grandfather.

Question 13.
In what way is ‘The Dear Departed’ satirical ? Comment on the nature of human beings.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 21)

Answer: ’The Dear Departed’ brings out children’s greed; they are more interested in what they will inherit and try to grab a lion’s share. The play shows how children sometimes care more for what they will receive from their parents than for their welfare and happiness.

Question 14.
What change in the grandfather’s will lead to another spat between his two daughters ? Why ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 39)

Answer: Grandfather decided that in his new will, he would leave all his money and things to the person he would be living with when he died. This led to another spat between the daughters. Since both of them were very keen to get his money and things, they wanted that he should stay with them.

Question 15.
Why was the family surprised /shocked to see the grandfather awake ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 25)

Answer: The family was shocked to see the grandfather alive as all of them wanted to share his belongings which they would not be able to do then.

Question 16.
What was the reason for delay in opening the door when Mr. & Mrs. Jordan came ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 28)

Answer: The Slaters wanted to bring the bureau down but did not want the other couple to know about it. So they delayed the opening of the door as at that moment they were in the process of bringing the bureau down.

Question 17.
Why does Mrs. Slater decide to shift the bureau from grandfather’s room before the arrival of the Jordans ? (Textual)
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 28)

Answer: Abel, the grandfather, is ‘found dead’ in the room by Mrs. Slater. She informs her sister and then starts waiting for her to come for the mourning. At that time it strikes her that grandfather’s things will be divided between the two of them. She loves the grandfather’s bureau. So she decides to shift it to her room before the arrival of Jordans so that she can tell them that the bureau is their and not grandfather’s. That way she will be the sole owner of it.

Question 18.
Ben appreciates grandfather saying ‘It is a good thing he did’ later he calls him a ‘drunken old beggar’, why does he change his opinion about her grandfather ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2011, Set 28)

Answer: Ben changes his opinion about grandfather and calls him a ‘drunken old beggar’ later because he realises that he has not paid his insurance premiums and so they will not get any benefit of money from his insurance.

Long Answer Type Questions (4 marks each)

Question 1.
Victoria Slater is truly attached to her grandfather. She is confused by the behaviour of the elders at home, their attitude towards the old man.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 39)

As Victoria write a diary entry in not more than 150 words, outlining the incidents and the elders’ feelings towards the misfortune.

Answer: 28 February, 20xx
Tuesday .
10 pm.
Dear Diary
I am quite confused by the behaviour of the elders towards my grandfather. As soon as they found him to be dead, it was as if mother was in a hurry to divide Grandpa’s belongings. She informed aunt Elizabeth who arrived alongwith uncle. To my shock, none of them were feeling sad about the departed soul. Rather they started fighting for Grandpa’s properties. Is this what we call love and affection ? Bureau, grandpa’s slippers and many other things were gaining priority at that moment. My mother and aunt forgot that their father was dead. They were being so materialistic. It was a terrible experience. Thank God! Grandpa is still alive. Now I wonder would they accept if I pay them back in the same coin.
Victoria

Question 2.
You are Abel Merryweather. Express your ideas/feelings after you wake up and come to know about your daughters’ feelings, greed and intentions in the form of a letter to your friend.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 30)

Answer: 3 March, Thursday 10 p.m.
Dear John
After an unbelievable experience of watching the selfishness of my family members, I have made my final decision. Let me first narrate you the incidents that led to this decision. One day I woke up only to find them fighting for my property. Both my daughters and son-in-laws were discussing this matter. They were being blunt and impolite. I saw them in their true colours that day. They were outdoing each other in considering me as a burden for them. They made me realize that they had only been tolerating me for five long years. Though all of them were in black mourning dress it never appeared that they were really sad. All of them were greedy, impolite, insensitive, dominating and what not. It was only my granddaughter who was an exception. So I’ve decided to marry Mrs. Shorrocks who seems to be quite humane. This was a horrible experience of my life which I wanted to share with you.
Abel

Question 3.
How is hypocrisy of the two sisters brought out in the play, ‘The Dear Departed’ ?
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 29)

Answer: The two sisters in the play lived by double standards. Each of them tried to surpass the other. Amelia tried to . steal the bureau before Elizabeth’s arrival whereas Elizabeth was late because she wanted to reach there in mourning dress. She was in no hurry to reach her father’s house even after hearing the news of his death. Both of them laid more stress on getting materialistic gains from Abel’s death as Amelia wanted to steal the clock whereas Elizabeth wanted grandfather’s watch. Their hypocrisy reached its height when at tea, they discussed about newspaper announcement even before confirming his death. But when Abel came down, both of them were shocked. Further they got a terrible blow when their father announced his marriage to Mrs. Shorrocks and the change of his will.

Value Based Question (4 marks)

Question 1.
You are Victoria and you are really angry and disturbed at the way your parents, uncle and aunt have behaved with your grandfather. Express your thoughts and feelings about the value of the love of grandparents in a person’s life in the form of a diary entry in about 150 words.
Year of Question:(Board Term-I 2012, Set 30)

Answer: Thursday
27 April, 2014 9:30 p.m.
Dear Diary
I am very upset and disappointed today. I was informed by my parents in the morning that my grandfather is dead. It was a terrible news. I was shocked as it was an unexpected news. But more shocking was the behaviour of my parents especially my mother. She turned out to be a materialistic lady who was more concerned about the bureau and the clock in grandfather’s room rather than the dead grandfather. I had never thought that my parents, uncle and aunt are greedy. Today I found that each one of them was interested in benefits that they could get after grandfather’s death rather than the old man himself. I am disillusioned by their materialistic attitude. Why don’t they realise the importance of fatherly affection and love ? I love my grandfather and thank God that he is not dead. I always look towards him whenever I’m troubled. His experience and knowledge always helps me come out smoothly from my problems. I hope ma, pa and others will soon understand the value of parents’ love and give grandpa his due regard and respect in the future.
Victoria

Important Questions and Answers for "The Dear Departed"
Question1.
How does Mrs. Slater plan to outshine the Jordans? What does this reveal about her character?

Answer:

  • Outshine the Jordans:
  • Mrs. Slater procures a black mourning dress to look better than her sister, Mrs. Jordan
  • She believes that her dress will make her appear more formal and respectful during mourning
  • Character Traits:
  • Pretentious and Materialistic: Mrs. Slater is more concerned about her appearance than her fathers death
  • Insensitive: She is not truly grieving but rather competing with her sister in terms of material display
Question2.
Why does Mrs. Slater decide to shift the bureau from her fathers room? How does Henry react to the situation?

Answer:

  • Reason for Shifting:
  • Mrs. Slater wants to steal her fathers bureau before the Jordans arrive. She is afraid that her sister might claim it
  • Henrys Reaction:
  • Initially Reluctant: Henry is hesitant and suggests that they should discuss the matter with Elizabeth first
  • Submissive: Eventually, Henry gives in to Mrs. Slaters wishes because she is dominating and persuasive
Question3.
What change does Abel Merryweather make in his will? How does this affect his daughters?

Answer:

  • Change in the Will:
  • Abel declares that all his money and possessions will go to the daughter in whose house he dies
  • Effect on the Daughters:
  • Both daughters, Amelia and Elizabeth, become competitive and argue over who will keep their father
  • They are motivated by greed, eager to secure their inheritance.
Question4.
Compare and contrast Henrys character with his wifes character?

Answer:

  • Henry Slater:
  • Timid and Submissive: He is dominated by his wife and often follows her lead, even when he disagrees
  • Soft-Hearted: Henry does not support stealing the bureau but is too weak to stand up to his wife
  • Mrs. Slater:
  • Dominating and Greedy: She takes charge of the situation, manipulating Henry to fulfill her selfish goals
  • Materialistic: Mrs. Slater is more interested in gaining possessions than in mourning her fathers death
Question5.
What is the significance of Abel Merryweathers announcement at the end of the play?

Answer:

  • Announcement:
  • Abel reveals that he plans to change his will, pay his insurance premium, and get married to Mrs. Shorrock, a widow
  • Significance:
  • His announcement shocks everyone, especially his daughters, who were hoping to inherit his wealth.
  • Abels decision to marry someone else shows that he has outwitted his selfish daughters, as he seeks happiness elsewhere
Question6.
Why does Mrs. Jordan call it a "fatal mistake" not to call the doctor when their father was found dead?

Answer:

  • Mrs. Jordans View:
  • She believes that not calling a doctor when their father was found "dead" was a serious error, as it could have confirmed his death
  • Irony:
  • The situation is ironic because Abel wasnt actually dead, and the sisters concern is more about appearances than genuine care
Question7.
Why were the Slaters and Jordans shocked when Abel Merryweather walked into the room?

Answer:

  • Reaction of the Families:
  • Both families were stunned and speechless to see Abel alive because they were preparing for his funeral and had already started dividing his belongings
  • Their Shock:
  • Their shock is not out of joy, but out of disappointment, as they had hoped to inherit his possessions quickly
Question8.
What are the three things Abel Merryweather plans to do on Monday next?

Answer:

  • Abels Plans:
  • Change his will to benefit the daughter with whom he lives when he dies
  • Pay the insurance premium that everyone thought he had missed
  • Marry Mrs. Shorrock, a widow, who is happy to take care of him
Question9.
Describe the attitude of Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan towards their fathers death?

Answer:

  • Insensitive and Greedy:
  • Both Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan are more concerned about their fathers possessions than his actual death
  • They show no real grief and instead focus on wearing the best mourning clothes and dividing his belongings
  • Selfish Motives:
  • The sisters view their fathers death as an opportunity to gain material wealth, rather than a personal loss
Question10.
What does Victorias character reveal about the younger generation in the play?

Answer:

  • Caring and Innocent:
  • Unlike her parents, Victoria displays genuine care and concern for her grandfather
  • Confusion about Adult Behavior:
  • Victoria is shocked by the adults manipulative behavior and their lack of respect for her grandfather
  • Symbol of Hope:
  • Victoria represents a contrast to the older generation and symbolizes hope for a more compassionate future

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