E.M. Forster makes a bold statement when he declares that he would rather betray his country than betray his friend. Forster takes a very moral stand on the issue and states that a friendship is often more important than a government's actions or society's beliefs. His opinion regarding the value of friendship is a common theme shared by many authors throughout history, including Mark Twain, and Alexandre Dumas. Mark Twain's classic novel, The Adventures …showed first 75 words of 443 total…

…showed last 75 words of 443 total…to maintain their close ties of friendship help them in resisting an immoral government. Had they chosen to remain in adherence to the Cardinal's oppressive rule, they would have been unsuccessful in effecting change. The value of friendship has been a prevalent theme throughout both literature and history. Authors representing several eras have addressed the moral dilemma of friendship versus loyalty to one's country. Governmental leaders and their policies are transient; friendships last a lifetime.