What are the motifs in Whittington by Alan Armstrong?

Friendship manifests itself in several ways throughout the novel, primarily in relationship to its other primary themes. Several times over the course of the work's three layered stories or plot lines (the Whittington plot, the Dick plot, the Ben plot), friendships that develop between the various characters change their lives for the better - helping them find the courage to face difficulties and teaching them compassion and the value of interdependence. For example, and as previously discussed (see "Characters - Whittington"), the physical improvement Whittington experiences as the result of acting on his friendship with, and regard for, The Lady ends the lameness in his leg at the same time as the threat posed by Havey and faced by The Lady comes to an end.