ACoK question

[lopezuna-writes.livejournal.com]

I liked this so much more on the third reading than the first! Leaving aside the whole Gen being ill thing, which I don't want to think about, I think we actually get closer to him in some ways than we do in KoA. To Sophos, he is just "Gen" while to Costis, he is the king of Attolia. Eddis also says some really insightful things.

For example, we learn that although he is definitely king, it is not in the way that Eddis, Attolia or the barons anticipated: "Gen leaves the reins in Attolia's hands. Which is not what either I or Attolia recommended, but wisely he ignored us both."

So, to the question, from the same conversation between Eddis and Sophos: "Eddis did not say what she was thinking: that Sophos held Gen's heart in his hand" Why or how does Sophos have the power to destroy the king of Attolia? Is this something we are going to learn about more in a later book?

Comments

[m-chant.livejournal.com]

Didn't think about this much, though the statement was heart-wrenching. I just assumed that it's because he's one of Gen's closest friends; those closest to you are able to hurt you most. If Sophos decided to lash out at him or to end their friendship, a parcel of Gen would be crushed. He's already lost much of his freedom; he doesn't need to lose his friends.
Whether or not I'm saying this clearly, I think it's in the same vein as Attolia's situation, where she ruthlessly executes all those who fail her until she's forced to punish those closest to her--i.e. Relius, and I think Teleus, too. Attolia not only loses a valuable functionary and someone she loves, but also part of her own humanity. I think for Sophos to renounce Gen would also steal away part of Gen's humanity.
Hm. Another thought just occurred to me. The magus, I hope, is also Gen's friend. According to my point above, you could say that the magus, being a friend also, holds Gen's heart in his hand. But I don't think that's quite the same. Sophos is younger and so innocent and ingenuous. You remember how he kinda worshipped Gen. It'd be such a blow.

[lopezuna-writes.livejournal.com]

Interesting, especially the parallel with Attolia. This reminds me now of Attolia's conversation with Relius in KoA, where she says, "I think he is afraid... of failing, of stealing my power from me... afraid of his own desire for power." Maybe he's afraid that Sophos will call him on this, and that's why Sophos has the ability to destroy him. It also reminds me of a part (can't remember whether KoA or ACoK) where Eddis says that Gen will make decisions that are in the best interest of nations. And given what we know about him hating killing people, having to do this may tear him apart.

[drashizu.livejournal.com]

I agree with m_chant. I also think that Gen is afraid more than anything of becoming a heartless, cruel person, because, in a way, he sees in himself the potential to do so. He's afraid of what he'll do with the power he now wields, and in this instance, he is being forced by circumstances beyond his control to make a hard choice regarding Sophos and Sounis. The choice is to manipulate Sophos into giving up sovereignty of his country. Now more than ever, Gen has reason to be afraid that his actions, his assertion of power, are becoming too ruthless. I don't think he wants to dominate his friends this way, but he has to. So it would hurt him even more if Sophos, who is the least ruthless and least dominating person he knows, turned his back on Gen. It would be the confirmation he fears: that he has become a bad person, if people who formerly trusted him, good people like Sophos, will no longer tolerate his actions. And that's what would tear Gen's heart apart, I think.

[kaeyko.livejournal.com]

I also think that Gen is afraid more than anything of becoming a heartless, cruel person, because, in a way, he sees in himself the potential to do so.

I think that's particularly telling, since the Magus mentions before his and Sounis's formal meeting with Attolia, that there's no telling if Eugenides will become more like his wife or vice versa.

[lopezuna-writes.livejournal.com]

This was very useful! As I say above, it sent me back to this quote from Attolia's conversation with Relius in KoA, which helped me to understand what is going on: "I think he is afraid... of failing, of stealing my power from me... afraid of his own desire for power."

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

I can't add anything new to these extremely insightful comments. Good question, lopezuna! And welcome! I love new members and new questions! (if you've been here before, I apologize; lots of people have joined recently!)

[lopezuna-writes.livejournal.com]

I am indeed new (just discovered the books and instantly became addicted). Thanks for the welcome! I didn't know if I should introduce myself, so just jumped right in!

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Aww, such great comments! I love that part in ACoK, and it is so much more powerful that neither Sophos or Gen can see the truth of it. If Gen alienates Sophos, one of the few people who he can call a friend, he really will have hardly anyone left that loves him.