Here's why:
* Internal Monologue: The sentence reveals the character's thoughts and feelings directly to the reader. We hear the character's voice, their attempt to be practical, and the internal conflict they might be experiencing.
* Stream of Consciousness: The sentence feels like a snippet of the character's ongoing thoughts, not a carefully constructed sentence for an audience. It's raw and unfiltered, giving the reader an intimate glimpse into the character's mind.
By using this narration style, Hughes allows the reader to understand the character's inner struggle and the complex emotions at play.