The protagonist experiences a moment of frustration as he encounters the word "Mesozoic," recognizing it in his mind yet feeling a disconnect where he cannot fully grasp its meaning or context. This troubling sensation of losing touch with words reflects a deeper theme of isolation and cognitive dissonance that seems to plague him during this time.

This struggle symbolizes a broader disconnect in his understanding of the world, as he observes his previously treasured vocabulary losing significance. The drifting of these words signifies a loss of clarity and understanding, mirroring his internal chaos and the complexities of his existence within the narrative.