When using fiction to teach about historical events, what is a key benefit?

Using fiction to teach about historical events offers a significant benefit by helping students connect emotionally with history. This emotional engagement allows students to better understand and empathize with the experiences of individuals from the past. Through characters and narratives, fiction can convey the human side of history, making it more relatable and impactful. As students immerse themselves in the stories, they can grasp the complexities of historical events and the feelings of those who lived through them, fostering a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political contexts of the time.

In contrast, while some may argue that fiction is primarily for entertainment, this approach can actually enhance engagement rather than disengage students. Complicating the understanding of historical facts doesn't accurately reflect the intent of using fiction; rather, it aims to enrich comprehension and promote critical thinking about those facts. Finally, using fictional narratives doesn’t diminish the relevance of history to current issues; instead, it often highlights connections and lessons that are applicable today, demonstrating the ongoing impact of historical events on modern society.