Others' Island (spoilers all books incl RWC)

[Farseer]

I think the kittens might stand for Althea who was nearly drowned when Kennit pulled her from the sea, possibly combined with cruelty towards a child? What if the connection between Kennit and Thick is that they both suffered as a child? Thicks mother seemed nice but what's with this male figure in the troope who was never to be called "dad"? Did he rape Thicks mother and abuse his son?
The teacup could maybe stand for Bingtown high class that Kennit escaped (actually, his father did, but Kennit never returned of course).

Am loving it !!!!