Which best describes the author at this point in his life? he comprehends the situation but is trying to remain optimistic. he reveals the torment he feels while riding the train to the unknown. he is too young and naive to truly understand what is happening. he is troubled by how quickly the others have accepted the current condition.

I believe that the option that describes the author at this point in his life is that he is too young and naive to truly understand what is happening.
The author is sitting and thinking about the world he is living in - about the exile of Jews and how an important historic event that is. He still doesn't understand the horrors that it entails - he is not afraid, but rather curious as to what is going to happen next.

He does this as a prank because he loves playing tricks on mortals and and fairies alike.