Understanding 'Ensnared' in Context

In the novel, the protagonist, Samuel, often found himself ensnared in the intricacies of his own thoughts. One afternoon, while gazing out at the turbulent sea, he reflected on the fragility of human existence. His musings were interspersed with moments of clarity, where he felt a profound connection to the universe, yet he was also burdened by an overwhelming sense of insignificance. As the storm clouds gathered above, he pondered whether one's life could ever achieve meaningful permanence or if all was destined to dissolve into the ether.

Within this narrative, the word 'ensnared' most closely conveys which of the following meanings?