reminder that Octavian canonly has delusions and seems to have little grip on reality. reminder that Octavian probably has psychosis. reminder that it was used to demonise him, whether intentionally or not. reminder that in a way he’s written as an ableist stereotype.
I think Rick tried to make it an undertone so we could realize he turned out that way because no one took him seriously or helped him and they just overlooked/ignored his issues so he felt alone and betrayed when the Greeks came because they were almost instantly welcomed and supported even when they (accidentally) bombed New Rome, but they never showed him (someone actually important because “uh, I see the future?”) any affection or made him feel welcome.
But almost all readers overlooked that too because from the POV of the characters he’s just an annoying little shit so the readers treat him like that too.
The undertone is definitely there though, just like with Percy’s depression and Smelly Gabe being physically abusive towards Percy and (probably) Sally.
id love to see it like that but rick has, many times, made it clear that, in his belief, octavian is bad; he has also stated that he doesn’t write mentally ill characters (and that demigods are just “stronger” so they don’t get them as easily. keep in mind this is referring as to why percy and annabeth dont have ptsd after tartarus)
colin: sunflowers, laughing with your friends, petting dogs on the street, a bed covered in pillows, standing in the sunlight during a chilly day, the moments when you realize you’re unbelievably happy, going out of your way to help others, a source of unconditional love
hwan: poetry, paintings of the sky and space, cuddled up with yourself while reading, playing in the rain, weird plants, the curiosity of the unknown, fog, decorations and lights hanging from ceilings, aliens, existing beyond comprehension
jasper: drinking with friends, laying in bed at night while moonlight flows through curtains and cigarette smoke fills the room, cats purring on your lap, going out late at night to play on a playground, moving on, breaking rules, neon signs, sitting under a streetlight
dahlia: going to bed after a long day, realizing that you deserve better, nude makeup pallets, picking flowers, mirrors, the colour of the dawn sky, morning dew on plants, getting up and leaving to explore, the symbolism of bravery held by lions, standing up for what’s right