Carter changes the narrative forms and type of narrator throughout the tales, in line with the theme of metamorphosis.

Carter employs Gothic features such as powerful emotions, the supernatural and medieval settings, but often to explore and challenge our assumptions.

Carter uses a wide variety of bodily, animal and natural imagery to explore what it is to be human.

The most striking and frequent metaphors involve Gothic elements like journeys, transformations and threats, to create an imaginative world that invites questions.

Carter weaves into the stories multiple allusions to other literature and art. This complexity invites multiple meanings and ambiguity.