From being in "the toils of an imaginative existence" a moment ago, Decoud has fallen preciptiously into utter skepticism, in which even sensations and feelings appear to have no fundamental reality. Note that the contrasting statements are made, respectively, when the lighter is moving and when it is still. In the next chapter the relationship between the lighter's movement and Decoud's mindset will continue.

A key line here shows that Decoud chose to love Antonia, and that his skepticism is a more fundamental condition. Compare the earlier evaluation, in which his love for Antonia was presented as his "genuine impulses." Compare also Nostromo, who "resolved" to give this adventure its desperate quality.