Theme of the play the dear …

The theme is very appropriate and packed with great irony and wit that makes a farce of all relationships that are most intense and  pious. Children like the Slaters and the Jordans are a blot on humanity and on the bonds of love and affection. Both Amelia and her  sister consider their father Abel Merryweather a burden and his death is no loss to them. The father is taken lightly. Immediately 
after Abel’s supposed death, the elder daughter pinches his slippers, clock and his bureau. For both the daughters, father’s death is 
a kind of competition to outshine each other. There is no mourning in their hearts, but both the daughters vie with each other to 
wear the best mourning dress. Mrs Jordan wants to have her tea and snacks rather then looking at her dead father. Accusations are 
hurled at each other, death announcement is planned but no one spares a thought for the father. An obituary should reflect their 
feelings, that are non-existent. It is only the grand daughter Victoria, who is a sole witness to this game of pinching things and 
benefits. In a lighter tone, Abel Merryweather had sensed the mercenary nature of his daughter so he outwits them in their 
planning. He finds a widow to marry who would look after him better. The lesson ends on a humorous note but outlines a very 
tragic and pathetic concern – care of the elderly that is a glaring and ugly reality of today’s world.