In Anne Fadiman's work "The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories," she reflects on how society often idealizes the deceased, placing them on pedestals that obscure their true complexities. This tendency stems from grief and reverence, causing a loss of the multifaceted nature of individuals. The portrayals become overly simplistic, reducing the unique traits that made them who they were.

This phenomenon highlights how the communal experience of mourning can lead to a shared narrative that doesn't capture the reality of a person's life. As admiration and nostalgia take over, the authentic characteristics and imperfections of those who've passed often fade away, leaving behind a glorified version that lacks depth.