Friendship

Friendship is a major theme in the novel “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi. Friendship involves mutual platonic affections, support, loyalty, and compassion for one or more individuals. Friendship in the novel most heavily revolves around the character of Nailer, and his relations with both Nita and Pima.

Friendship with Pima is ongoing for Nailer. While Nailer and Pima are crew mates, they enjoy a friendship that transcends simply being crew. Indeed, their friendship is so strong that they look after one another, and Pima’s mother, Sadna, looks upon Nailer as her own son. Pima often listens to Nailer’s ideas and advice, and agrees not to kill Nita. She even goes so far as to agree with Nailer that she will help protect and hide Nita. This is not a simple decision she makes. Her entire life is in the balance, and she is risking...