The poet most likely includes the words "for an instant” to show that the man forgot something at the laundry. the man’s life ends so suddenly. the boy’s action is illegal. the boy is young compared to the man.

I would say it’s the second one

Answerdormitories;

Number 3 is the logical, go-to answer for the classical school of thought as they strongly believe that an individual commits a crime of their own free will and fully understands the  consequences, making them liable to whatever punishment is dealt to them.