No matter how clear things might become in the forest of story, there was never a clear-cut solution, as there was in math. The role of a story was, in the broadest terms, to transpose a problem into another form. Depending on the nature and the direction of the problem, a solution might be suggested in the narrative. Tengo would return to the real world with that solution in hand. It was like a piece of paper bearing the indecipherable text of a magic spell. It served no immediate practical purpose, but it contained a possibility.
The essence of a story lies in its ability to transform complex problems into narratives that may offer insights or solutions. Unlike mathematics, where answers are definitive, stories present challenges in a way that allows for interpretation and exploration. This transformation emphasizes the subjective nature of understanding, as each narrative can guide the reader toward different insights based on their own perspective.
In "1Q84," Tengo's journey through the narrative reflects this idea. The "magic spell" he carries symbolizes the potential knowledge gained from his experiences, even if it's not immediately applicable. This suggests that stories provide a deeper understanding of reality—a way to engage with problems through metaphor and imagination, ultimately leading to new possibilities and solutions in real life.
