Friendship

Throughout Good Night, Irene, Urrea thematically examines friendship through Dorothy and Irene’s relationship. In Chapter 14, when Irene asks Dorothy, “Do you think about Smitty?”, Dot is frustrated with her friend (149). Dorothy avers that she does not have time for romantic intrigue because she is focused on ensuring that she and Irene survive. She states, “We are all we have right now. You and me. I think about us getting through this” (149). She would “walk through fire for [Irene]” and needs to know that her friend will do the same (149). When the friends prioritize one another, they form a system of emotional and physical support. Despite the raging violence around them, the women feel a sense of comfort and home because they know they have one another to rely upon. Urrea suggests that friendship offers the individual respite despite turmoil.

Later, in Chapter 30, Urrea broadens his...