6 timeless books that explore friendship in literature
Friendship is one of the most important and universal themes in literary fiction. Throughout history, authors have expressed how friendships influence identity, serve as a source of comfort, and serve as a source of strength in difficult times. Some evergreen novels about friendship will show you how friendships in life can be a source of strength, development, and survival in life. Some of the evergreen novels about friendships are as follows:
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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The novella delves into the strong association that exists between George and Lennie, two migrant workers struggling through the Great Depression. The association or friendship that George and Lennie share is based on loyalty and shared visions, which provide them with a haven in an otherwise lonely world. Steinbeck points out that friendship provides sanctuary as well as an experience that brings pain.
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The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
“The Kite Runner” can be seen as a "coming of age" novel that explores the theme of friendship in childhood years through the vistas of guilt, betrayal, and redemption in the lives of the two protagonists. In the story of Amir and Hassan’s friendship, the author portrays the strength of friendship in the face of power, class differences, and fear.
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Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
This popular novel portrays the happy, supportive, and nurturing friendship between Anne Shirley and her bosom friend Diana Barry. This friendship is replete with imagination, trust, and openness. In Anne’s life, friendship is celebrated as a domain for expression and a sense of belonging, particularly during one’s younger years when companionship assists with building one’s esteem.
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The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Even as this series is celebrated for its adventure element, it also stands as a philosophical exploration of friendship. By exploring the relationship between Frodo and Sam, Tolkien emphasises the power of loyalty, sacrifice, and support. The author also postulates that there can be a heroic element in friendship. Image Credit: Wikipedia
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
This is a classic children’s book that examines the unusual but profoundly moving relationship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider. The relationship is rooted in kindness, selflessness, and nurturing qualities. Using simple vocabulary, E. B. White expresses profoundly true messages about friendship in relation to how love and devotion can change lives despite their differences.
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A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Set in a boarding school during World War II, this novel examines the fragile friendship between Gene and Finny. It explores jealousy, unspoken rivalry, and admiration showing how friendship can be complicated by inner conflict. Knowles presents friendship as a mirror through which individuals confront their fears and insecurities.
The timeless novels that follow expose the fact that friendship is never a two-dimensional construct. It can be exuberant and difficult, easy or complex, but friendship is always formative as a component of the person we become. By the power of loyalty, sacrifice, imagination, and forgiveness, friendship is among the most potent forces in life, which transcends the boundaries of time, culture, and circumstances.Image Credit: Wikipedia
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