How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Their personalities remain the same," Grandpa said. "Shallow and self-absorbed. The change in appearance reveals the tragic side of that mind-set. Vanity curdles into misery. They become spiteful and jealous, wallowing in wretchedness." (8.94)
Imps are like the flipside of fairies, not just in terms of appearance, but also their personalities. According to Grandpa, they go from being fun-loving and frolicking to miserable and wretched, but both mindsets are rooted in how vain and shallow they are at heart.
Quote #5
Muriel extended a hand over Seth […] His blubber rippled as if he were boiling inside. It looked like thousands of worms were under his skin, squirming to find a way out. Putrid vapor fumed up from his flesh. His fat appeared to be evaporating. His misshapen body convulsed. (8.175)
This is not a pretty sight. Seth looks pretty strange after the fairies take revenge on him for transforming one of them into an imp—and while we get why the fairies are bummed, this seems like a pretty extreme response. We don't learn if it hurts Seth or not, but we're guessing it doesn't feel pleasant.
Quote #6
"Some of the most insidious tricks employed tonight will involve artifice and illusion. Without the milk you could be even more susceptible. It would only broaden their ability to mask their true appearance." (9.169)
Right before Midsummer Eve, Kendra asks Lena whether they should've skipped the milk that morning—that would mean they wouldn't be able to see any of the magic creatures for what they are. Lena disagrees with that thought, saying that the magic creatures will already be trying to fool the humans into doing, well, whatever—probably not good things. So any insight the humans can have into the creatures' true appearances may be helpful.