The definition of the word loyal states: "1: faithful in allegiance to one's government 2: faithful esp. to a cause or ideal" (Webster, 279). Loyal and trustworthy friends are those who can be trusted to be honest whenever called upon. Loyalty is a quality many people search for in a good friend.

In the novel Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding, is an expert example of the loyal and genuine friendship that Piggy displays to Ralph throughout their adventure. Ralph was the blonde and handsome, the ideal twelve year old boy. He was the novel's protagonist. Stranded on a tropical island with a group of boys, Ralph is elected leader and attempts to build a miniature civilization. The one they called Piggy was somewhat Ralph's sidekick. Piggy was Ralph's lieutenant. Piggy represented the scientific, rational side of civilization.

When the story first opens in the book, Ralph is not exactly pleasant to

New Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary. New York: Pocket

In the beginning of the Steinbeck's novel, Lenny and George find work on a ranch. At that time we are introduced to all of the characters. They meet a character Candy whose somewhat ancient dog had just given birth (again). Some of the men from the ranch agree that they should put the dog out of its misery, being so old and in so much pain. Candy gives one of the pups to Lenny then agrees to let them kill his dog. The dog is shot painlessly in the back of the head in an act of mercy. This scene illustrates Candy being a loyal and true friend and owner to his dog by letting the men put the dog out of it's misery instead of having it live on and suffer. This scene's relevance is that people all have friends that they are loyal to and whom are loyal back to them no matter if it is human or not. Animals have hearts and personalities also. Some animals are proving to be better companions than people are at times. Weather Candy realizes or not, it was the healthiest choic!

George is described as a small, wiry, quick-witted man who travels and takes care of his good friend Lenny. Although he speaks often how his life would be better without the retarded man, George is obviously devoted to Lenny and tries desperately to keep him out of trouble. However, at times George does get annoyed of his companion and remarks are made that are not truly meant. An example of this is when George is tired and Lenny would not go to sleep. "You can jus' as well go to hell. Shut up now" (Steinbeck, 16)

In today's world there are people that take other people's loyalty for granted. We are reminded in such heart touching books such as Chicken Soup for the Soul that we need to cherish and remember them. "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts. And we are never, ever the same." (Hansen, 35)

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lenny George, De Lacey, Piggy Besides, Columbine Shooting, Friendship Day, Companion People, George George, Chinua Achebe, Lenny's Lenny, William Golding, loyal friend, loyal friends, lenny george, lord flies, george lenny, fall apart, ralph piggy, person friends, friendship loyalty, getting acquainted,
Approximate Word count = 2480
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)