You probably think of fairies, if you think of them at all, as wonderful little creatures

Question

flying happily through the forest, dancing and singing and making merry. Let me tell
you something: Fairies might look lovely on the outside, but inside they are ugly, real
ugly. Fairies are mean and vicious. They've got teeth like tiny needles. One bite
wouldn't hurt much. But I'm pretty sure they wouldn't stop at one; they'd keep biting
and chewing until they hit something vital. Fairies aren't good news. I know. Let me
tell you about my fairy in a jar.

Why does the author use the word “vital” instead of “necessary” or “important”?

Answer 1

The author uses the word "vital" instead of "necessary" or "important" to emphasize the seriousness or critical nature of the potential harm caused by fairies. "Vital" suggests that the fairies would continue to bite and chew until they reach a part of the body that is necessary for survival or functioning, possibly implying that fairies have the potential to be deadly.