While I don't know if I am 100% sure of the connection (just yet, my opinion my change as the semester continues), Hunt's argument is very convincing. I think empathy can be built through novels, to an extent. Like Hunt mentioned, through these books, different social barriers are broken down and examined. To an average, 'normal' person, these stories and characters are relatable. People who have shared experiences are going to have a lot more empathy towards each other and these novels help show us.
However, I do not agree with Hunt that what we learn through these novels can be transferred to elite groups. I personally believe that power, money and peer pressure will always (unfortunately) win over empathy and compassion. We see this in today's world and we can see examples of it during the past.
While empathy gained from novels may not be enough to convince the elite groups (who are not directly affected by the same issues are the common-folk), it appears to be a driving factor in our everyday world.