The Silver Chair Friendship Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)

Quote #7

"Damsel," said the Prince, bowing to her. "You are of high courage, and therefore, I doubt not, you come of a noble blood in your own world. But come, friends. Here is some wine left. Let us refresh ourselves and each pledge his fellows." (12.185)

Though Rilian is still getting to know Jill, Eustace, and Puddleglum, he's already impressed by them due to their brave deeds. By having this last drink with them before venturing into Underland without the Queen, Rilian is showing his trust in their newly formed friendship.

Quote #8

But when Scrubb shook hands with Jill, he said, "So long, Jill. Sorry I've been a funk and so ratty. I hope you get safe home," and Jill said, "So long, Eustace. And I'm sorry I've been such a pig." And this was the first time they had ever used Christian names, because one didn't do it at school. (12.191)

Friendship can be about so many things: having lots in common, enjoying each other's company, escaping ugly giants together. But it's also hugely important to be able to say you're sorry (and mean it) and to accept your friend's apologies with grace and humility. Jill and Eustace seem to have taken their friendship to a higher plane here, since they've broken away from the custom of Experiment House to call each other by their first names.

Quote #9

And there, on the golden gravel of the bed of the stream, lay King Caspian, dead, with the water flowing over him like liquid glass […] And all three stood and wept. Even the Lion wept: great Lion-tears, each tear more precious than the Earth would be if it was a single solid diamond. And Jill noticed that Eustace looked neither like a child crying, nor like a boy crying and wanting to hide it, but like a grown-up crying. (16.237)

Eustace, Jill, and Aslan become equals as they mourn the death of King Caspian. It's a moment that could go awry if Jill hadn't looked at Eustace with the eyes of a friend and realized that he wasn't displaying childish weakness or fear. She understands that the loss of his dear, old friend makes the tears entirely appropriate.