Final answer:
The literary excerpts focus on the theme of revelation and consequences of uncovering secrets, often symbolized by objects like boxes or letters. Samuel's realization, in relation to not opening the wooden box mentioned by Catherine, likely relates to understanding the potential harm in revealing certain secrets or forcing open what should remain closed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary excerpts provided seem to revolve around the theme of discovery and the revelation of secrets, involving objects like boxes, letters, and hidden compartments. In each scenario, characters confront situations where opening or revealing something could have significant consequences. Though the context for what Samuel realizes after Catherine explains why he should not open the wooden box is not included in the provided excerpts, one can deduce that it relates to a moment of understanding the potential impact or danger of uncovering a secret or using force to open what should remain closed, paralleling the sentiments in the passages provided.
This kind of literary analysis involves understanding characters, narrative development, and thematic elements that are comingled with the physical objects in the plot. These are crucial elements in English literature, where items like boxes or letters often symbolize deeper truths or secrets within the story.