Public Mourning: How Does Society Mourn the Loss of Public Figures

Public Mourning: How Does Society Mourn the Loss of Public Figures? 

Identify a public figure whose death you remember. Give some background on this individual. This individual can be a politician, religious leader, entertainer, or other prominent individual.

1. Describe the public mourning ritual that surrounded this person’s death.
2. Do you have flashbulb memories— very clear, detailed memories—of the time, place, and circumstances of the death.
3. Did the public figure’s image change after death?
4. How is the anniversary of the death memorialized?
5. Were you surprised at the depth of your grief or the grief of others at the loss of the public figure? Why or why not?