When Zuko said that he hoped Ozai’s time in prison might cause him find repentance just like Zuko did when he was banished, is he being completely sincere or is there an element of sarcasm? Does Zuko really think being powerless in a cell is comparable to what he experienced when he traveled the world in search of the avatar? Even pretty much all of the fans who write redemption arcs for Ozai don’t think he’ll find it while being locked up in a cell. Is what Zuko said evidence that he doesn’t understand what caused him to change? Is Zuko merely repeating what Ozai said about suffering building character?
I think it was meant sarcastically. I don’t think Zuko has any genuine reason to believe Ozai would ever change how he feels about anything, and honestly, who would? He mutilated Zuko and tried to carry out a genocide without remorse. When Zuko brought up his abuse Ozai only doubled down and told him he deserved it. He’s basically just telling Ozai to rot, and good for him honestly.
To me, it’s a follow on of Zuko’s confrontation with Ozai during the solar eclipse. It’s Zuko’s way of telling Ozai that Ozai was wrong to treat him the way he did, and that his war is also wrong. The first confrontation is Zuko standing up against his abuser and telling him what he’s going to do. The final one is Zuko again standing up to his abuser, only this time, Zuko achieved exactly what he said he would. I think that’s powerful for him, so again, good for Zuko. I wish every abuse victim had that opportunity.
Also, the show cuts it off, but the final thing Zuko says in that scene is “where is my mother?” which implies his main reason for that visit was trying to find her. Which again makes sense; Ozai hinted that Ursa was alive previously so of course Zuko would be desperate to find her again.
