How does fiction help us understand and deal with reality?

Reading fiction allows us to explore different perspectives and experiences, which can give us a broader understanding of human nature and the complexity of the world we live in.

Period fiction helps us understand history by painting a vivid picture of the past. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', we can see the social hierarchies, marriage customs, and daily life in early 19th - century England. The details in the story, like the clothing, the balls, and the way people interact, all give us insights into that era.

It makes history more accessible. By creating stories around historical events, it engages readers who might not be interested in dry historical facts.

Historical fiction in books helps us understand history by bringing the past to life. For example, it can show us how people lived, what they wore, and what their daily routines were like. It makes the past more relatable.

Historical fiction fills in the gaps. We know some facts about Nefertiti from historical records, but not everything. Fiction can create a more complete picture. For example, it can imagine her daily life, her emotions.

WW2 fiction helps by filling in the gaps that historical records might miss. While history tells us about the big events, fiction can show how those events affected ordinary people. In 'The Nightingale', we see the struggles of two sisters in occupied France, their acts of resistance, and the sacrifices they made. Fiction also has the power to humanize the enemy. We can read about German soldiers as more than just the 'bad guys' in some WW2 fiction, understanding that they were also individuals with their own stories, families, and sometimes, moral conflicts.

Wartime historical fiction helps by bringing the past to life. It gives us a more personal view of historical events. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', we can feel the fear and despair of soldiers. It makes history more relatable than just reading dry facts in a history book.

Political historical fiction can show us different perspectives of historical events. For example, a novel set during a war might show the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and politicians. This gives a more rounded view than just reading a dry historical account. It also helps us understand the emotions and motives of people at that time.

It often fills in the gaps in historical records. Fiction based on diaries can take real events and add fictional elements to create a more complete picture. For instance, in a historical diaries fiction set during a war, it might describe the daily life of civilians which official records may not cover. Also, it can humanize historical figures. By presenting their thoughts and feelings as in a diary - like form, we can see them not just as historical names but as real people with emotions.

WW1 historical fiction helps by putting a human face on the events. For example, in books like 'Regeneration' by Pat Barker, we see the real - life experiences of soldiers in the war. It shows their mental states, how they coped with trauma and the camaraderie among them.