In literature, there are a plethora of themes that can be found within a story. Some of literature's finest novels like "David Copperfield" contain complex themes within the plot development. For students and readers of any age, reading a book, novel or even watching a film can give people a better understanding on complex issues of life. Daniel Snyder of Delta College outlines some major themes found in literature and film, such as the loss of innocence ("David Copperfield"), a long journey where characters find themselves ("The Odyssey") and the fall of man ("Frankenstein") to name a few.
Many studies have shown that a narrative text helps people understand situations through empathy or how the text can relate to their lives. For example, a study by the University of Memphis showed that fourth grade students had an easier time understanding a text that was in a narrative based form than a book that explained topics outright. This may be because expository works, such as nonfiction works, require a certain level of knowledge to understand the works. This is in contrast with narrative works where the children were able to understand the situations involved in the books. This may be because the works helped them relate to the subject matter through character development or fictional writing styles.
The Florida Center for Reading Research found that narratives helped students learn sequential events better. This is because a narrative progresses from a beginning, middle, climax and end. The common education assignment of book reports and re-telling stories strengthens a student's ability to remember and connect events together. This skill of connecting events helps with logical sequencing and critical thinking skills in students and in adults as well.
For a narrative to work successfully, character development must be seen throughout the work. Character development is done through events and actions in the narrative; as the story progresses, many of the characters have to make choices that helps in their development and shows many of the characters' unique characteristics as individuals. Because of this, students who read a narrative are able to gain insight in human characteristics and gain a deeper understanding on why people make the choices they make.