According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the definition of the word "friend" means a person, whom one knows, likes and trusts; one who supports, sympathizes with or patronizes a group, cause, or movement. I believe that apart from what has been defined in the dictionary, there are still other possible words to describe friendship. But in fact, in the real world, friendship is not something that can just be easily described or defined; it is not as simple as what everybody might think like the dictionary. .
The novel "The Fried Green Tomatoes" written by Fannie Flag is virtually flawless in illustrating the true meaning of friendship. In the novel, Idgie and Ruth are described to have a totally different personality from each other. Idgie is a rowdy tomboyish girl, stubborn, brave and courageous. Ruth is Idgie's reverse; she is feminine, calm and has every nice thing that a nice woman would have. To me, the friendship between Idgie and Ruth is not as simple as it seems. Idgie is a true friend of Ruth and vice versa. Although their personalities completely differ, their friendship does not have any limit. It keeps flowing until death set them apart. I remember Idgie says to Ruth during the picnic they went to, "All right then, I"d die for you. How about that? Don't you think somebody could die for love?" (86) Moreover, Idgie's courage to protect Ruth from her abusive husband is so sturdy. She gets frustrated whenever she learns that Ruth is being abused by her husband, "Listen, You mealy-mouthed, mole faced, glass-eyed son of a bitching bastard! If you ever hit Ruth again, I"ll kill you! You Bastard! I"ll swear I"ll cut your damn heart out! You hear me, you asshole bastard."(189) Idgie will always be there to defend Ruth and gets Ruth out of situation, taking her back to the Whistle Stop. Afterwards, they begin the Whistle Stop and spend the rest of their lives together. According to the Law, it is an extraordinary action for Ruth to leave her husband at that time.
