Cultivating empathy through narratives on sexual assault : a multimedia examination

Abstract

The profound role of empathy within the realm of narrative fiction is often considered as one of the cornerstones in the intrinsic value of literature. In dealing with particularly sensitive topics, such as sexual assault, by navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and sensitivity, storytellers wield a powerful tool for promoting understanding and compassion in their audiences. Grounded in the intersection of affect theory and various facets of narrative theory, this dissertation delves into the mechanisms through which storytelling influences the development of empathetic responses in individuals. The study also investigates how technology-mediated narratives may bridge or widen the empathy gap in comparison to face-to-face encounters. The research encompasses both theoretical frameworks and analysis of the selected case studies, to construct a nuanced understanding of the dynamic relationship between narratives and the ensuing empathy in their audiences. Through the case studies, namely the novel Lessons in Chemistry, the feature film Promising Young Woman and the stage play Prima Facie, the dissertation examines the impact of various narrative forms, particularly literature, film, and theatre, on fostering empathy in people confronted with fictional accounts on sexual assault. Additionally, the study considers the role of the writer in crafting narratives that purposefully engage and enhance empathetic capacities through characterisation, referencing theorists Suzanne Keen, Jane Stadler, and Rita Felski and their studies on narrative empathy techniques. Finally, the role that character identification plays in ‘feeling for’ fictional characters is examined through the insights of Patrick Colm Hogan and Jenefer Robinson, and the ways in which this process of empathy might differ in real life interactions.