“[Lizzie] was only seven. Why did things have to be so hard for her?”

Gregor’s concern and empathy for his younger sister, Lizzie, highlights their life’s hardships. His rhetorical question conveys his frustration and helplessness, emphasizing the unfairness of her struggles at a young age, such as dealing with their ailing father, their grandma’s dementia, and poverty. In addition, the question underscores Gregor’s introspective voice, since he’s burdened by responsibilities and is acutely aware of his sisters’ suffering. His thoughts reveal his protective instinct, the importance of familial love, and the emotional weight he carries as a provider.

“‘I can’t believe it,’ thought Gregor. ‘I can’t believe I have to go back down—there!’ Back into the strange dark land of giant roaches and spiders and, worst of all, rats! The thought of seeing one of those six-foot sneering, fanged creatures filled him with dread.”

Gregor’s reluctance and fear reflect his internal struggle as he returns to the Underland. His thoughts reinforce the portal fiction trope, wherein the protagonist is pulled into a dangerous, unfamiliar world. Gregor’s musings effectively show his discomfort and reluctance, not just physically but emotionally, adding depth to his character as he grapples with the challenges ahead. The mentions of “giant roaches and spiders” and “six-foot sneering, fanged creatures” are evocative bits of world-building, reminding readers of the series’ dangerous environment.