In this quote from "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas," a character examines a boy as if he is unfamiliar with children, displaying confusion or uncertainty about how to react. The description suggests a lack of understanding or a sense of alienation, as the character considers extreme reactions like eating, ignoring, or mistreating the boy.
This moment highlights a theme of dehumanization and the disturbing detachment from empathy. The character's cold, almost instinctual thoughts reveal a bleak perspective on innocence and the moral blindness present amidst the darker elements of the story.