Sharp eyes, Turnbull!!

However, a theory (interesting as it is) and a sub-theme are two different things.

I think if FFC (and Puzo) had an underlying theme of such importance in mind, they might've made it just a bit less subtle for those of us who are not eyeing the comings & goings on of Neri & Rocco.

Personally, I don't think either Rocco or Neri were EVER trying to push past Hagen.

Apple