The quote from "Watership Down" reflects deep feelings of sorrow and regret. The speaker expresses genuine compassion towards someone else’s pain but highlights the inevitability of conflict. It suggests that their actions are driven by a sense of self-preservation, indicating that survival often leads to adversarial relationships. This duality emphasizes that blame can be misplaced when survival instincts kick in.

Additionally, the quote underscores a fundamental truth about conflict: the motivations behind actions can sometimes stem from fear or the desire to survive rather than from malice. It prompts readers to consider the complexities of relationships between different beings, underscoring that while one party may act with aggression, the other may simultaneously feel sorrow for the situation. This reflection invites a more nuanced understanding of conflict and compassion.