Definition: cause to feel or show inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something
Synonyms: prejudice, sway, influence
The speaker sounds disappointed, as he was so close to finally grasping but they keep leaving him. It also says he chases them madly but is unable to catch them. Showing disappoint in himself.
Theme is the main message, try to look into the story more or see what’s repeated
It's c because he had a whole lot of followers he had