Here's what I got based on the previous 2 paragraphs: These reactions: (1) show how one responds as the character and line [of the poem] (2) show how the thoughts/decisions/actions [of the characters in the poem?], seem accidental, replaceable, and less definitive (3) allow Torless to be attached to [a fictional prince that he has created] beyond all rational judgement However, these reactions, ultimate and unmoving [while he is writing the poem], had completely dissipated within Torless [after he finished writing the poem.] The one I'm not sure about is (2). I don't know what the "their" in "their thoughts, decisions, and actions" is referring to. Apparently, the novel was originally written in German, so maybe you'll have more luck with the original German text if you can read German or know someone who can read German. I really don't know how far off I am because I haven't read the entire novel before.[The feelings Torless get while writing a poem] are reactions of the brain.