Comprehension Questions:

1. How does the theme of greed manifest in the actions of Mrs. Slater and Mrs.
Jordan?
Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan exhibit greed through their immediate concern over their
father’s possessions rather than his well-being. Mrs. Slater quickly lays claim to Abel
Merryweather's belongings, such as his bureau and clock, before confirming his death.
Mrs. Jordan, upon arrival, joins in the discussion of inheritance and is equally eager to
secure her share. Their actions are driven by material gain rather than familial love or
respect.

2. What examples of deceit can be found in the play, and how do they affect the
plot?
Deceit is evident when Mrs. Slater instructs Henry to move Abel’s bureau and clock to
their own room, deceiving her sister into believing these items always belonged to the
Slaters. The plot is further complicated when both sisters attempt to outmaneuver each
other for a larger share of the inheritance. The deceit reaches its peak when Abel,
presumed dead, awakens and reveals the true nature of his daughters, highlighting their
moral shortcomings.

3. How does the play portray the complexities of family dynamics?

The play showcases the tensions and underlying resentments between family
members. The Slater and Jordan families’ interactions are marked by competition and a
lack of genuine affection. The sibling rivalry between Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan, their
manipulative behavior, and their superficial concern for their father illustrate a
dysfunctional family dynamic where materialism overshadows familial bonds.

4. In what ways does Mr. Merryweather's death prompt characters to reflect on

their own values?
Mr. Merryweather's supposed death acts as a catalyst for the characters to reveal their
true priorities. Instead of mourning, the daughters quickly focus on dividing his estate.
The unexpected revival of Abel forces the characters to confront their actions and reflect
on their greed and selfishness. Abel's decision to change his will and leave his money to
someone more deserving underscores the moral lesson, prompting the characters to
reconsider their values.

5. How is the theme of mortality explored in "The Dear Departed"?

Mortality is central to the play, beginning with the false assumption of Abel
Merryweather’s death. The characters' reactions to his "death" reveal their
preoccupation with material gain rather than the natural process of grieving. The play
highlights the inevitability of death and how it should lead to introspection and a re-
evaluation of one's values and relationships.

6. Discuss the significance of inheritance in driving the plot and shaping the
characters' actions.
Inheritance is the primary motivator for the characters’ actions in the play. Mrs. Slater
and Mrs. Jordan's eagerness to claim their father’s possessions and their discussions
about the will drive the plot forward. This focus on inheritance exposes their greed and
selfishness, shaping their interactions and decisions. The plot twist of Abel being alive
and deciding to change his will serves as a critique of their greed-driven behavior.

7. How do the characters' reactions to the will reflect the theme of greed?
The characters' reactions to the will, initially unseen, are centered on their expectations
of financial gain. They argue and speculate about its contents, each hoping for a larger
share. When Abel announces his intention to change his will to benefit a more
deserving person, the daughters' greed is laid bare, and their disappointment
underscores their materialistic priorities.

8. What role does humor play in addressing the serious themes of the play?
Humor in "The Dear Departed" serves to highlight the absurdity of the characters' greed
and deceit. The situational irony of Abel waking up amidst his daughters' preparations
for his funeral and their scramble to cover up their selfish actions provides comic relief
while emphasizing the play's critique of materialism and moral decay. This humor
makes the serious themes more palatable and thought-provoking for the audience.

9. How does the resolution of the play address the consequences of greed and
deceit?
The resolution, where Abel decides to change his will and leave his money to someone
outside the family, directly addresses the consequences of the daughters’ greed and
deceit. This outcome leaves Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Jordan with nothing, symbolically
punishing their immoral behavior. It underscores the moral that greed and deceit
ultimately lead to loss and disappointment.

10. In what ways do the family relationships in the play highlight the theme of
moral integrity?
The strained and competitive relationships between Mrs. Slater, Mrs. Jordan, and their
father contrast sharply with the ideal of moral integrity. Their actions, driven by greed
and deceit, highlight a lack of genuine familial love and respect. Abel’s decision to leave
his inheritance to a more deserving individual underscores the importance of moral
integrity over blood relations. The play suggests that true moral values are more
significant than familial bonds tainted by materialism and selfishness.
Reordering Events:

1. Mrs. Slater finds her father, Abel Merryweather, seemingly dead in his bed.
2. Victoria is told about her grandfather's passing, and she reacts with shock and
sadness.
3. Mrs. Slater contacts her sister to inform her of the situation and ask her to come
over.
4. Mrs. Slater plans to take Abel's valuable items, such as his clock and bureau,
before Mrs. Jordan arrives.
5. Henry is reluctantly enlisted to help move the bureau to the sitting room to make
it look like it belonged to the Slaters.
6. Mrs. Slater changes into her mourning attire to prepare for the arrival of the
Jordans and to appear appropriately grieved.
7. Mrs. Jordan and her husband, Ben, arrive to mourn Abel and discuss the
arrangements.
8. Mrs. Jordan notices and comments on how quickly Mrs. Slater put on mourning
clothes.
9. The Slaters and Jordans begin discussing Abel's possessions and who should
inherit them.
10. Victoria, though told to stay in another room, listens in on the adults’ discussions
about the inheritance.
11. While going through Abel’s belongings, they find his will and are eager to read it.
12. Abel Merryweather, thought to be dead, wakes up and enters the room,
surprising everyone.
13. Abel is bewildered by the mourning clothes and the family’s arguments over his
belongings.
14. The will indicates that Abel intended to leave his money to a different relative,
causing shock and frustration.
15. Disgusted by his family's greed, Abel decides to alter his will to leave his money
to a different, more deserving person.

“The Golden Apple” Comprehension Questions:

1. B
2. C
3. B
4. C
5. D
6. Describe the differences between Ethan and William in their attitudes
towards the golden apple.

Ethan views the golden apple as a blessing and a wonder, something to be

appreciated rather than exploited. He values integrity and kindness, refusing to
 sell the apple for gold. In contrast, William sees the apple purely as a means to
increase his wealth and power. His greed drives him to steal the apple, ignoring
Ethan's warning about the consequences of such actions.

7. What events led to William's downfall, and how did the villagers react to his
actions?

William's downfall begins with his obsession with the golden apple, leading him to
steal it from Ethan. When he tries to sell the apple, it turns into pebbles, revealing
his greed. The villagers, upon learning of his theft, shun him. His reputation is
ruined, and his continued pursuit of wealth leads to repeated failures, eventually
resulting in his loss of wealth and departure from the village in disgrace.

8. How does this story relate to the play “The Dear Departed”? Give one
example.

Answers vary.

Sample answer: Both the story "The Golden Apple" and the play "The Dear
Departed" explore the theme of greed and its consequences. In "The Dear
Departed," the Slater and Jordan families are eager to claim Abel Merryweather's
possessions upon his presumed death, showing their greed and lack of genuine
familial love. Similarly, in "The Golden Apple," William's greed drives him to steal
the apple, leading to his downfall. Both narratives highlight how greed can
corrupt individuals and lead to their ruin.