The passage delves into the nature of hatred and its implications on human relationships, particularly in the context of war. Agnes reflects on whether her father could harbor hatred for the passengers on the ship. Despite her own feelings of animosity towards certain individuals, she cannot envision her father being capable of such emotions, as they bind people too closely to their enemies. This thought leads her to a deeper understanding of her father's character.

Agnes believes that the brutality and raw intimacy witnessed in war disgust her father, who would rather succumb to drowning than confront such close violence. His views stand in stark contrast to the relationships formed in conflict, highlighting the twisted connection created between adversaries. This repulsion towards hatred underlines the tragedy of human suffering in war and the complex emotions it evokes in individuals.