Final answer:
Turning points (option C) are pivotal events in history or narrative that result in significant change, influencing the course of individuals and societies. Understanding causation behind these events is essential in historical analysis to comprehend the forces shaping history. A climactic moment in a story also serves as a narrative turning point, shaping the storyline and themes.
Step-by-step explanation:
All good stories and research have moments that alter the direction or ideas of people or communities. This can be encapsulated in the term 'turning points,' which are significant events in a narrative or historical sequence that have a decisive impact on the course of action or the unfolding of events. Turning points mark a time at which a significant change occurs, often resulting in lasting effects on individuals and societies.
In the study of history, turning points are emphasized because they help explain the causation behind events, giving us insight into the transformative forces at work at different moments in time. Additionally, in the context of literature, the climax in a story typically serves as a turning point, which leads to resolution and contributes to the overarching message or theme of the narrative.
Historians and readers alike view these events through their own experiences and value systems, which sometimes can lead to bias. However, when it comes to historical analysis, the aim is to consider all information available and choose those causes that are most significant after a comprehensive evaluation. This reflective approach allows for a more intricate understanding of past events and has the potential to resonate emotionally with readers, thereby deepening the historical or literary experience.