Final answer:
The change in routine at the cap was frightening because it symbolized the loss of control and stability, amplifying fears and making the characters confront the harsh unreality of their situation amidst chaos and war.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in routine at the cap was so frightening because it represented a stark and sudden alteration in the known and the predictable, which sent shockwaves through those affected. The characters are dealing with an extreme sensory experience in which their expectations are upended, making the world seem surreal and terrifying. It's a metaphorical representation of loss of control and the fear of the unknown, as routines often provide a sense of stability and normalcy especially in chaotic circumstances. In the excerpt provided, facing defeat and the terror of malnutrition, disease, and the chaos of war, the characters encounter a deep psychological dread. The alteration of the cap or the routine is symbolic of the upheaval of their world. The text vividly captures the intensity of the moment through the characters' psychological state, acting as both an individual and collective response to extreme stress and the breakdown of familiar structures. These passages highlight how the routines provide a semblance of order amidst chaos. When these routines are disrupted, it leads to a sense of unreality and the amplification of fears, as safety nets are seemingly pulled away. It's a moment where the veil of denial or hope that may have been sustaining morale is suddenly torn, confronting them with harsh realities which is inherently frightening.