“Friendship—my definition—depends on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don’t have trust, the friendship will crumble." (p 552)

By this point of the novel Blomkvist and Salander have experienced a lot together, which has resulted in them becoming closer than they expected when they first met and started working with each other. This moment in particular is a great example of their relationship following the time that has passed, and Blomkvist's desire for an actual friendship with Salander, breaking beyond the motif of isolation that the novel presents throughout.

That said, vote in the poll below with your thoughts on their friendship!