The Princess Bride

Baffled

Confused, bewildered

Examples: (for "Life is not fair...it's just fairer than death") 1. Buttercup would rather die than live without Westley. 2. Westley would rather die than live knowing that his love is marrying his murderer while he's helpless (this was when Westley's body was immobile). 3. Inigo Montoya would rather die than be defeated by the man who killed his father. 4. Fezzik is deathly afraid of being alone and especially is deathly afraid of losing Inigo. Examples: (for "Life isn't fair, you don't always get what you want.") 1. Buttercup finally realizes she loves Westley...and he leaves/apparently dies. 2. The prince wants to start a war...he fails. 3. Westley and Buttercup finally accept they love one another. . .and are separated for five years. 4. Inigo kills the man who killed his father. . .and he now has nothing to live for.

List as many events or instances (at least two!) as you can think of that illustrate the major theme of the book.

Example: the prince looks like a barrel.

List at least two examples of direct characterization in this novel. Explain how they are direct characterizations.

Impetuous

Sudden or rash action or emotion

Arbitrary

Not based on reason or evidence but on personal convenience

Quibble

To argue about trivial matters

Vex

To irritate, annoy, or provoke

Taunt

To jeer or mock in a cruel way

Thwart

To oppose successfully

Abridge

To shorten something by leaving out some parts

The main theme of the book is: "Life is not fair...it's just fairer than death"/"Life isn't fair, you don't always get what you want."

What is the main theme of this book?

Example: Damsel in Distress would be Buttercup, throughout the novel and the film, constantly needs help - especially from Westley. Even at the beginning of the story, she needs Westley to do work around the farm for her. It is not until the end of the book, that she is able to save herself by directing the guards to move out of her way.*

Which archetypes are in The Princess Bride? How are they archetypes?

Confidant

A close friend or associate to whom secrets are confided

Dullard

A stupid, insensitive person

Wistful

Characterized by longing or yearning

Relentless

Continuing without becoming weaker or less severe, or letting up intensity

Ruthless

Cruel and merciless

In the book, the author starts the novel by telling us about his life. He chimes into the story several times to tell us things, and then ends the novel by telling us about his life. In the film, the movie begins with an elderly man reading the novel to his grandson. They also chime in throughout the story. The film ends with the grandfather and grandson making plans to reread the story the following day.

Explain how The Princess Bride is a frame narrative.

Prodigious

Extraordinary in size, amount, extent, or degree

Undaunted

Not intimidated or discouraged by difficulty