Pollock has divided his article into two sections. The first cites historical examples of the universality of ritualized homicide and suicide in the past: in certain societies servants or wives or special pets of the deceased have been killed or have permitted themselves to be killed. Thus, in their reunion with the deceased, their own immortality as well as that of the deceased was preserved. The second section provides many examples from modern news media showing how the suicides of certain individuals had "anniversary" significance, which indicates that the need to be reunited with the deceased and the avoidance of the mourning process are factors in the suicide. In addition, there are narcissistic determinants.