12. A New Friendship

In chapter 12 Bill and Jake commenced their week of fishing. During this time they really seemed to bond and become great friends. Their new friendship differs greatly than that of Jake's relationship with Robert. They began to have long conversations, not just short, blunt dialogue. They also joked around with each other, like on page 118 when Jake harassed Bill saying, "You lazy bum!" when Bill was not willing to get out of bed. They even discussed some personal situations in a light manner like Jake's war wound, on page 120, comparing it to the story of "Henry's Bicycle". Jake seems thoroughly more comfortable in Bill's presence than he did in Robert's. Perhaps this is because Jake and Bill could relate more with one another, seeing as how they were both veterans while Robert was not.