The quote reflects the transformative nature of greed, suggesting that an excessive desire for wealth can alter one's very essence. The imagery of sleeping on a dragon's hoard illustrates how being consumed by materialistic ambitions can lead to a loss of one's humanity. It implies that indulging in greed can cause individuals to adopt traits similar to the very thing they covet, in this case, a dragon.

In the context of C.S. Lewis's "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," this statement serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of avarice. It showcases how the pursuit of riches can corrupt and change a person, turning them into something cold and ruthless, much like the dragon itself. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of moderation and the potential consequences of letting greed overshadow one's true character.