Friendship

Friendship is one of the three, major, and overarching themes in the novel "The River at Green Knowe" by L. M. Boston. Friendship is prevalent in every chapter in the book, and serves as the foundation for the adventures of the three children, Ida, Oskar, and Ping. Friendship, which consists of camaraderie, belonging, mutual admiration and liking, and mutual respect and understanding, serves also as the glue that holds together Ida, Oskar, and Ping, who come from very different circumstances.

Ida is from England; Oskar is from Russia; and Ping is from China. They all speak English and their friendship overcomes their differences in gender, race, and upbringing. Though Ida emerges as the leader of the trio, each child considers the others important and worthwhile. Indeed, over the course of the summer, the children become friends with Dr. Maud Biggin and Miss Sybilla Bun, whose company they come...