February may be considered as the most romantic month of the year. But people tend to fail to recognize the one love that tend to last longer than most romantic relationships: friendship.
Celebrating friendship may not line the pockets of many businesses and retailers, but it is a worthy relationship that should be celebrated. Having meaningful friendships is not only a joy, but a huge benefit to our health. After all, boyfriends and girlfriends come and go, but friends are for life. So since Valentine’s Day is so near, instead of focusing on the most romantic relationships, why not highlight the great friendships literature has given us? No need to be on the edge of your seat for these relationships. These always end with a happy ending:
Darcy and Bingley from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
He may have been a snob and he didn’t really warm to Elizabeth’s and Jane’s family, but that really wasn’t Darcy’s reason for keeping Jane and Bingley apart. Darcy didn’t think Jane truly loved Bingley, so he really was trying to protect Bingley from getting his heart-broken.
Sherlock and Watson from the many stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
This dynamic duo is the best epitome of a great friendship. Dr. Watson is more than a sidekick or a biographer to the great defective Sherlock Holmes. He is an emotional clutch for Holmes’ manic but rational mind.
Jane Eyre and Helen Burns in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
With Helen’s pious attitude and Jane’s stubbornness, a friendship between these two would be a surprising nature. However, for these two little girls it worked and because of this unique friendship, it gave Jane Eyre a different outlook on life. Jane was in awe of Helen’s knowledge and piety. And her devotion to her remained, even up to Helen’s death.
Elizabeth and Jane from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Yes, they are sisters. But, their close relationship and confidence in one another proves how great unconditional love really is. Whatever was thrown at them, whether it be unrequited love or family misfortunes, their strong bond is what gets them through it all.
The Four March Sisters from Little Women Louisa May Alcott
Sometimes the best relationship are the ones that you were born with. The closeness and unbreakable bond of the sisters are literary proof of what a real friendship is like. No matter what life throws at you, you always have each other.
Cathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
These two childhood friends had an intense romantic bond which was built on their close friendship. Now it may have had its consequences and troubles, but their bond allowed them to know each other fully and deeply.
Harry, Hermoine and Ron from the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The ultimate Three Musketeers. Their close relationship is really the test of time. With all the danger that they are involved in, some friendships would break apart. But not theirs. Harry, Hermoine, and Ron’s friendship only just grew stronger.
Cath and Wren from Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
These lifelong BFFs (and also sisters) do drift apart in the beginning of the story. But their sister bond brings them back together. Their relationship may have its ups and downs but that is what makes their relationship so authentic. No friendship is perfect.
Verity and Maddie from Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
When a World War II spy, code name Verity, crashes in France, she is captured by the Gestapo. Her pilot, Maddie, is left in the wreck. While being imprisoned by the Nazis, Verity, along with the readers, question whether their bond is strong enough to survive this turmoil.
Emma and Mrs. Weston from Emma by Jane Austen
Even after her marriage to Mr. Weston, Mrs. Weston is still always there to give her sound advice. Her generous nature and being a mother like figure towards Emma makes this relationship a friendship of taking care of one another.
What are your favorite friendships depicted in books? Please post your pick in the comments below!
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Holmes and Watson is one of the most fascinating literary relationships! I really love seeing it interpreted in the various film and T.V. versions as each creator seems to have a slightly different take on their dynamic. Their relationship has fascinated me for years!
Mallory @ The Local Muse
I had a similar theme this week – can’t believe I forgot Jane Eyre and Helen Burns! I love Darcy and Bingley’s friendship too 🙂
My TTT: https://basedonthebook.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/top-ten-tuesday-love-freebie-favourite_13.html
This is such a lovely list! I might have to choose Verity and Maddie as my number one, although all of these are wonderful friendships.
What a great list – and I’m totally with you, good friendships provide a lifetime of love. I find it quite heart breaking that Brontë based Helen Burns on her own sister Maria, who died during her own time at school 🙁
I like your list! I really enjoyed reading about Jo and Laurie from Little Women, Anne and Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables, the Fellowship of the Nine from Lord of the Rings, and the Pevensies from the Chronicles of Narnia 🙂