How do the depictions of grief in The Odyssey and An Ancient Gesture develop a universal theme?

In both "The Odyssey" and "An Ancient Gesture," grief is portrayed as a profound and universal experience that transcends time and culture. In "The Odyssey," characters like Odysseus and Penelope express their sorrow over lost loved ones and the pain of separation, highlighting the emotional weight of longing and the struggle to find closure. Similarly, "An Ancient Gesture" captures the enduring nature of grief through the lens of personal loss, illustrating how memories and rituals shape our understanding of love and loss. Together, these works underscore that grief is a shared human experience, reflecting our deep connections to one another and the enduring impact of absence.