Possibly none in the first sentence: His purpose in this case is to prepare the reader for a future arrest and interrogation by this soldier. I'd offer the following solution to the second one: It ties into the reality of life and death, in that everyone has his/her own fate, one which he/she cannot escape despite his/her attempts.
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.