Friendships in fiction can survive time and distance. The insights and lessons offered by these literary friendships go well beyond their adventures, creating a long-lasting connection and forming their own family. As we read our favorite characters finding new companions, we can also learn something about friendship for ourselves, even applying it in real relationships.
In honor of National Best Friend Day, we will examine five literary friendships in classic books and the lessons they teach us. This is the time to learn how to be the greatest friend in the world based on advice from your favorite characters!
1. Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen):
Lesson: The importance of friendship as a form of support
The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice exemplifies the value of friendship during every event in our lives. Despite their very different personalities and perspectives, their friendship is a rock throughout the story. Charlotte always gives Elizabeth an attentive ear and a secure atmosphere to unburden her feelings. This part of their connection exemplifies the value of having someone to depend on in times of difficulty.
They show us the importance of having a friend who provides a safe environment and stays supportive even in hard times. We should be there for our friends in those challenging moments; there is power in listening to someone as this person trusts you by sharing their feelings. As Elizabeth and Charlotte, we must support our friends, letting them know that our door is always open for them.
2. Anne Shirley and Diana Barry (Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery):
Lesson: The happiness found in unconditional acceptance
Anne Shirley and Diana Barry’s relationship from Anne of Green Gables is a beautiful example of the benefits of having a best friend who will accept you for who you are and participate in all your crazy little adventures. They learned the value of friendship and the joy of sharing experiences. Together, they enjoy the simple joys of companionship and the excitement of discovering new things while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Anne and Diana’s relationship also exemplifies the value of accepting others as they are. Anne’s flaming imagination and Diana’s more restrained demeanor make for an interesting contrast, but they accept and celebrate each other’s differences. Both girls teach us the importance of loving and accepting one another for who they are, flaws and all.
3. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle):
Lesson: The power of complementary strengths and trust
In Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, the friendship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson shows how important it is for people to have skills that complement each other. Holmes, an intelligent detective, and Watson, his loyal and sensible friend, make a great team that shows how amazing things can happen when people with different skills work together.
When they work together, their different skills show how powerful they can be. Holmes’s logical skills, Watson’s realism, and unshakable loyalty make them a powerful team. Through Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson’s friendship, we learn how important it is to accept and value the strengths of others. It teaches us how important it is to work together, to trust each other, and how powerful it can be to combine different points of view to face obstacles and solve complicated problems.
4. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien):
Lesson: The strength of undying loyalty
Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee’s friendship shows the power of dedication, suffering, and unbreakable friendship. One of the most important lessons from their friendship is that they are always there for each other. Sam swears his loyalty to Frodo and promises to guard and help him during their journey. Even though their problems are huge and scary, Sam stays by Frodo’s side and never doubts his loyalty. Their friendship shows us how important trust is for maintaining relationships and overcoming hard times.
Also, the fact that Frodo and Sam’s friendship never changes shows their closeness. They depend on each other for power, support, and guidance. Their friendship gives us hope in the dark and reminds us that having someone who believes in us can make all the difference on our journey.
5. Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood (Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan)
Lesson: The impact of teamwork and collaboration
Each member of the iconic trio has different skills and strengths. They are aware of and respect these differences and know that by blending their various skills, the small team can become an unstoppable force.
They work together, emphasizing less their own goals and more on the overall plan that will benefit all. Their friendship shows us that when people on a team have a common goal or vision, it makes working together easier and more effective. They cheer each other on, give advice, and reassure each other when things are hard. Their friendship shows us that making the team more upbeat and helpful makes it easier for people to work together and helps everyone reach their full potential.
While getting lost in the fictional world, we can study extraordinary friendships and apply their lessons to our lives, strengthening our bonds with those around us and enhancing our capacity for empathy and compassion.
These relationships show us the value of friendship, compassion, shared experiences, and the permanence of human bonds.
If you want to read more about strong friendships, click here!