Alice is pondering whether creating a daisy-chain is worth the effort on a hot day. She is feeling sleepy and sluggish, which makes her consider if the task is worthwhile. Her mind is preoccupied with the idea of the pleasure she might gain from making the daisy-chain versus the effort needed to gather the flowers.

She reflects on her situation with a sense of reluctance, noting that she has "no pictures or conversation" to keep her engaged. The heat makes her feel drowsy and dull, leading her to question if the small joy of making a daisy-chain is worth the trouble she would have to go through to pick the flowers.