In "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel, a young boy reflects on the star that leads to Bethlehem, expressing a profound realization. Initially, he perceives this celestial body as something ominous, comparing it to an engine for torture. This contrast highlights the boy's innocent perspective, where symbols of hope can be misconstrued as sources of pain. The quote signifies the complexity of interpretations in life, where the same object can represent both guidance and suffering. It captures a moment of enlightenment for the boy, illustrating his struggle to reconcile the dualities of faith and fear, hope and torment, which are recurring themes in the narrative.