“It was much pleasanter at home,” thought poor Alice, “when one wasn’t always growing larger and smaller, and being ordered about by mice and rabbits.”
Mid-adventure, Alice admits she misses steadiness. The images of size-changing and bossy animals stack into gentle homesickness. Loneliness fits because the wonder doesn’t erase the ache of dislocation. Thematically, growing up mixes excitement with loss. She wants adventure and also a lap to rest in. Readers recognize this split heart during any big change. The line honors the tug toward home without canceling courage.