The word “mess” in literature carries multiple meanings, shifting between literal disorder and metaphorical turmoil. It may describe tangible chaos or untidiness, as when characters lament a disorderly room or a physical mess ([1], [2]), or it can denote a challenging situation or personal predicament—illustrated by references to a “mess of trouble” or mishandled plans ([3], [4], [5]). In military or communal settings, “mess” frequently labels a dining hall or a regiment’s eating area, lending an air of formality even amidst confusion ([6], [7]). Through these diverse uses, authors effectively evoke both the physical state of disarray and the deeper emotional or situational chaos their characters endure.