The quote from Henning Mankell's "The Dogs of Riga" highlights a confusing societal shift where traditional roles of predator and prey have become blurred. The metaphor of mice and cats suggests that the expected power dynamics are being upended, with authority figures no longer clearly distinguishable from those typically seen as vulnerable.

This reflects contemporary issues of trust and power, where people may feel uncertain about who truly holds control. As roles change, individuals are forced to question their understanding of strength and weakness, making it harder to navigate relationships in both personal and broader societal contexts.