The stories “The Metamorphosis,” “Fatso,” “Beast,” and “Mantis” all have the shared element of transformation. In each story the main character experiences or witnesses a drastic physical change. Now, of course, this isn’t possible in real life, which makes it incredibly easy to brush off a story as something that doesn’t feel real or carry any weight. I think what makes all of these particular stories so impactful is that no time at all is spent describing the reason behind the change. None of these tales give explanations for the transformations; we never understand why they happened. Each story states the transformation very matter-of-factly with little to no narration about the panic or feelings of the narrator. Because it is revealed to us this way, we have nothing to doubt, no extra details to pick at and so tear the story apart. There is no fantasy wand-waving or cheap magical potion, but instead an unknown and believable change.
Doing this drastically changes the focus of the story. Without giving us any reasoning behind the change, it forces us to scour the text for reasons. Not telling us directly intrigues us to a point where we have no other option but to dig deeper into the story. This search immediately makes us suspend our disbelief as we look for answers for something we immediately received as fact. The story becomes both about and not about the transformation. Sure, we look for the reasoning behind it, but because there is none we are left with the plots themselves — but more importantly, the characters.
Every one of these stories has notable transformations, but even more so in depth and tangible characters. In “The Metamorphosis,” the transformation is used to show the character of the sister who, in my opinion, becomes the most memorable character in the story. The same is true of the narrators in “Beast” and “Mantis.” In my opinion, these stories become more a study of character rather than the fantastic change itself.
I can see where the point of the story would be lost if there were questions and arguments about why and how these metamorphoses occur. As a reader, we just have to accept it as fact because there are no answers given in the stories. It does seem unnatural not to ask questions.
The point of the story and tone of the story could very easily be altered if there were questioning or arguments. In a way, any disputes would make the story seem less plausible. This is due to the fact that if the characters in this universe don’t believe it, why would the readers. Do you think there should be more questioning about these stories? Or should we leave it as it is and accept the terms of the world created.