Final answer:
If a narrator were not to comment, the story would become more ambiguous and open to interpretation, with a heavier reliance on the reader to deduce characters' thoughts and the tone of the story. The narrative might also become less engaging due to a lack of emotional connection facilitated by the narrator's commentary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the narrator in storytelling is crucial as it shapes the reader's understanding and engagement with the story. If the narrator were not to comment or provide their perspective, the story would change significantly. The reader might only see the actions and dialogues without the emotional, reflective, or interpretative framing that a narrator's commentary provides. This lack of subjective insight could render the story more ambiguous and open to interpretation, affecting the reader's connection to the characters and events.
A story told without a narrator's commentary would rely heavily on dialogue and action to convey meaning, potentially making the narrative feel detached or impersonal. In a third-person limited point of view, the narrator's comments provide insight into the thoughts and feelings of one or several characters. In contrast, an omniscient narrator has knowledge of all characters’ thoughts and actions. Without these perspectives, the reader would have to deduce this information solely from the characters' interactions and behaviors.
Tone is also significantly influenced by the narrator's commentary. Without it, determining the story's tone—whether it be nostalgic, proud, sarcastic, or bitter—would be more challenging. The narrator's tone can guide readers to interpret the story in a specific way. Without this guidance, readers may find varied meanings and potentially lack interest due to lessened emotional connection.