Final answer:
Following the theft of the melon, the narrator feels a turbulent mix of guilt, shame, resentment, and a profound sense of isolation, recognizing that his actions have irrevocably changed his relation to the world and himself.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the narrator has stolen the melon, his range of emotions is complex and conflicted. Initially, the word theft sickens him, indicating a feeling of guilt and self-reproach. He contemplates the action deeply, his internal struggle evident as he faces the reality of his actions while the surrounding life of the market continues, unfazed by his turmoil. This introspection shows a sharp contrast between his troubled conscience and the normalcy of the world around him. As he peers out and observes the mulatto girl, he is momentarily distracted by her cheerful demeanor, but once recognized, his haggard face seems to impart his sense of shame onto her.
Furthermore, the quote referring to a man's emotions toward his children and dissipating property encapsulates the feeling of resentment alongside a melancholic helplessness, suggesting that the negative emotions arising from poverty can encompass not only one's sense of self but also affect relationships with loved ones. Lastly, the comparison to the dog in the market underscores the narrator's sense of envy and loss of freedom, emphasizing his deep sorrow and isolation after the deed is done. He realizes his actions have forever altered his place in the world, which is irredeemable and isolating.