None of the other options could be used, even if the context were different. The verb "commence" has the following definition: to have or make a beginning. It's a synonym to the following: begin, start, open, embark, kick off, and launch, among others.
Thus, the sentence could be rewritten as: "All functions of your body not needed for the struggle about to begin are shut down."
It is clear there is tension in this passage because of the way Grete handles Gregor's food. The fact that she is using a rag and not her bare hands shows that she is slightly uncomfortable in the situation and is not willing to touch something he might have touched directly. </span>
This historical novel was well written as the author describes the journeys of many orphaned children in New York City that were sent by train to other states
