The Misanthrope’s Corner

IT is not in the nature of ghouls to get a grip on themselves, but the grief junkies and sidewalk mourners of the English-speaking world seem to have lost interest in both Princess Diana and JFK Jr.

In view of the close death dates in- volved I expected them to mark the end of summer with a final commemorative immolation on the twin pyres of hysteria—a double header, so to speak. Mohamed Al-Fayed would fill Harrod’s with portraits of Diana, Dodi, John- John, and Carolyn, all together in Paradise; and some enterprising American toy maker would come out with four teddy hears joined at the hip. But it didn’t happen. The August 31 anniversary of Diana’s death passed almost unnoticed, and JFK Jr.’s demise on July 16 was forgotten so fast it was as if it had never been.

About the Author

Florence King

Florence King was a contributing editor of National Review.

Featured Tags

IT is not in the nature of ghouls to get a grip on themselves, but the grief junkies and sidewalk mourners of the English-speaking world seem to have lost interest in both Princess Diana and JFK Jr.

In view of the close death dates in- volved I expected them to mark the end of summer with a final commemorative immolation on the twin pyres of hysteria—a double header, so to speak. Mohamed Al-Fayed would fill Harrod’s with portraits of Diana, Dodi, John- John, and Carolyn, all together in Paradise; and some enterprising American toy maker would come out with four teddy hears joined at the hip. But it didn’t happen. The August 31 anniversary of Diana’s death passed almost unnoticed, and JFK Jr.’s demise on July 16 was forgotten so fast it was as if it had never been.