Using Graphic Novels to Illustrate Empathy
Lee Okan
Simmons University, USA
Abstract. The graphic novel has long-served instructors as powerful teaching tools. Through graphic novels, students can pair visual images with words to examine how interdependent images and words can create a narrative. Graphic novels are essential for teaching students to think critically about personal experiences in the visual form, thereby teaching empathy. Graphic novels require visual learning to appreciate how the form addresses empathy. Graphic novels can be used to examine complex concepts. Artists can simultaneously depict stories internal and exterior conflicts of characters. This allows readers to become more empathetic to the characters. The visual form, as well as the accompanying narrative, provides an intimate medium to engross readers in parallel experiences. As educators struggle to engage students, the accessibility of graphic novels and their visually-rich narratives teach students both literacy and visual literacy. Through the images and the texts, students make connections and develop compassion for characters’ experiences. It is the connection of text and image interplay that conveys a greater sense of empathy with readers. This book chapter will analyze creators’ works in how readers learn compassion through the medium.
Keywords: Graphic novels, visual literacy, empathy, immigration, intercultural teaching and learning