To Friend or Not to Friend: Frenemies Throughout History

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we're about to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of frenemies! These enigmatic relationships, which straddle the line between BFF and arch-nemesis, have been wreaking havoc on unsuspecting pals since the dawn of time. 

But what exactly is a frenemy, and why do they keep popping up in history and literature like a bad penny? Let's find out!

Defining the Elusive Frenemy

First, let's get one thing straight: there's no one-size-fits-all definition of a frenemy. Some folks might tell you they're the polar opposite of a friend, while others swear they're just pals with a side of rivalry. 

The truth is that frenemies are as complex and multifaceted as a Rubik's cube.

These so-called friends are usually motivated by a toxic cocktail of envy and competitiveness. They might smile to your face, but behind closed doors, they're secretly seething over your latest achievements or plotting ways to one-up you. 

It's an exhausting game of cat and mouse, and the cracks in the foundation start to show sooner or later.

But boy, do they captivate us.

Historical Frenemies: A Tale as Old as Time

If you think frenemies are a modern invention, think again! History is littered with examples of friend-foe relationships that make your high school drama look like a walk in the park.

Take Caesar and Brutus, for example. These two were thick as thieves until Brutus decided to pull a 180 and join forces with Cassius to assassinate his BFF. Talk about a backstabbing of epic proportions!

And let's not forget about poor Mary, Queen of Scots, who had the misfortune of befriending John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Knox might have played the part of her loyal hunting and falconry buddy, but deep down, he was a misogynistic jerk who couldn't stand the idea of a woman in power. 

When Mary fell from grace, Knox was right there to celebrate her demise. Some friend, huh?

Literary Frenemies: A Page-Turner's Delight

It's no surprise that frenemies have also wormed their way into the pages of literature. After all, what's a good story without a little tension and betrayal?

In Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, we see former besties Helena and Hermia become bitter rivals, wielding their intimate knowledge of each other like weapons. And in Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, Tom's obsession with his pal Dickie takes a deadly turn, proving that even the closest of friends can become the most dangerous of enemies.

But not all literary frenemies are quite so clear-cut. In Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend, the complex and ever-shifting relationship between Elena and Lila leaves readers wondering if a bit of competition and comparison isn't just par for the course in some friendships.

The Frenemy Next Door: A Case Study

Of course, frenemies aren't just confined to the pages of history and literature. They're lurking around every corner, ready to pounce when you least expect it.

In Gill Paul's biographical fiction, Another Woman's Husband, we see the decades-long friendship between Wallis Simpson and Mary Kirk put to the test time and time again. Mary might be in awe of Wallis's glamorous lifestyle, but that doesn't stop Wallis from wielding her power like a weapon.

In Rebecca F. Kuang's Yellowface, Juniper makes no secret of her disdain for her "friend" Athena, even as they party and hang out together. It's a classic case of keeping your friends close and your frenemies closer.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, frenemies are just another reminder of how complex and messy human relationships can be. They keep us on our toes, challenge us to improve, and make for some good stories.

So the next time you find yourself locked in a battle of wits with your own personal frenemy, just remember: you're in good company. From Caesar and Brutus to Bertha and Ava, history and literature are full of friends-turned-foes who capture our imaginations and steal our hearts.

And who knows? Maybe one day, your own frenemy tale will be the stuff of legends. Just don't forget to thank them in your acceptance speech when you win that Pulitzer.