Final answer:
The girls are likely mesmerized by Hannah's stories because they offer escapism, allow for identification with characters, and cater to humans' intrinsic love for stories and curiosity about life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mesmerizing effect of Hannah's stories on the girls can be attributed to various factors, such as the escapism they provide, allowing the listeners to immerse themselves in a different reality. Similarly, this encourages identification with characters and reflection on how one might respond in similar situations.
Moreover, stories have always been a fundamental way that humans seek answers and understand the world around them. This thirst for knowledge, coupled with the innate human curiosity, makes storytelling a compelling and engaging activity.