Thanks for the brain-fodder, I definitely see where you're coming from.
Estraven does indeed love Karhide, and he himself says that the king is Karhide, ergo.. though on the other hand, perhaps he doesn't believe himself that the king is Karhide.
I know Estraven says Argaven is insane and stupid, but that is SUCH a blunt statement - by Estraven's standards - that it reads to me that there is a great affection behind it.
I had not thought of it that way, thinking the bluntness was for Ai's benefit when Estraven began to see that Ai cannot pick up on the subtleties typical to Karhidish dialogue. But I think yours is a plausible interpretation...sometimes people do take the greatest liberties in speech when it comes to those closest to them.
And yes, I always thought that Argaven was quite fond of Estraven. Argaven seems personally offended and distressed when he speaks with Ai by his fireplace...all of it makes me think that his belief in Estraven's betrayal just drove Argaven madder. One must wonder how Tibe managed to convince him of it...probably banking on his fear of the mysterious Envoy and the vast, unknown power he represents.
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Estraven does indeed love Karhide, and he himself says that the king is Karhide, ergo.. though on the other hand, perhaps he doesn't believe himself that the king is Karhide.
I know Estraven says Argaven is insane and stupid, but that is SUCH a blunt statement - by Estraven's standards - that it reads to me that there is a great affection behind it.
I had not thought of it that way, thinking the bluntness was for Ai's benefit when Estraven began to see that Ai cannot pick up on the subtleties typical to Karhidish dialogue. But I think yours is a plausible interpretation...sometimes people do take the greatest liberties in speech when it comes to those closest to them.
And yes, I always thought that Argaven was quite fond of Estraven. Argaven seems personally offended and distressed when he speaks with Ai by his fireplace...all of it makes me think that his belief in Estraven's betrayal just drove Argaven madder. One must wonder how Tibe managed to convince him of it...probably banking on his fear of the mysterious Envoy and the vast, unknown power he represents.