Literary Fiction and Empathy

When you read fiction you are introduced to a world completely unique from yours, or possibly one that you find very similar to your own.  Either way reading fiction broadens your horizon when it comes to understanding people or situations.  In fiction you are able to read the thoughts and actions of the character which lets you see two different perspectives into an issue or a subject. In Hamlet we are able to see the facade that Hamlet has when he is in the company of others and his deepest thoughts and feelings when he is alone. This technique allows us to see every angle of the story, letting us interpret the story whatever way we please.