Final answer:
Literature and movies draw parallels to reflect and engage with human experiences, societal conditions, and universal themes, fostering empathy and understanding. Parallel reading in academic contexts deepens historical understanding, while literary criticism enhances empathy and critical thinking skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Literature and movies often draw parallels because they serve as a reflection of human experiences and societal conditions. When we engage with a story, whether through reading or watching, we can find ourselves sympathizing with characters or relating to the predicaments they face.
This connection is fostered by our own personal experiences and the universal themes presented in these narratives. Similarly, when authors and filmmakers craft their works, they typically infuse them with insights and commentary on the human condition or social issues, making literature and film powerful tools for empathy and understanding.
In academic studies, the practice of parallel reading allows scholars to gain a deeper understanding of historical contexts and societal attitudes by examining literary texts alongside contemporary sources like newspapers and political documents.
This enriches our comprehension of both history and literature by highlighting how they interact and influence each other. Engaging in this critical analysis can also help form a thick description of a certain period, shaping our grasp of the past and its relation to the narratives we encounter.
Through literary criticism and discussions, we sharpen our ability to empathize, imagine, and communicate. We gain insight into different perspectives and deepen our capacity for critical thinking, which can have a profound effect on both our personal and academic lives.