This question is about the essays “The Value of Teaching History Through Fiction” and “The Dangers of Fictionalizing History”
Answer and Explanation:
Both essays address the use of the book "The boy in the striped pajamas" by teachers who wish to discuss the holocaust in the classroom.
The author of “The Value of Teaching History Through Fiction” states that this is a beneficial action, as the book is a science fiction, capable of arousing young people's interest in topics that do not attract them such as the holocaust. In addition, the author states that this attitude stimulates students' reading and can stimulate their curiosity, leading them to research more about the subject and increase the degree of understanding of this historic moment, raising discussions about what happened.
The author of "The Dangers of Fictionalizing History", on the other hand, claims that this is a dangerous action, since "The boy in the striped pajamas" is a fable created by an author, who does not need to be committed to the veracity of the historical facts, presenting a history full of bias, which presents only one dimension and influences students to believe in only one idea about the holocaust.
Although the two authors present specific arguments about their positions, I believe that the author of “The Value of Teaching History Through Fiction" was more coexistent. In fact, the use of science fiction in history classes stimulates students' interest and in subjects like the Holocaust, there should be no different views on this event, with "The boy in the striped pajamas" showing the only view that can be defended, that the holocaust was a cruel and bloody event that caused pain and suffering to many people.
