TL;DR
A whimsical fairytale involving true love, revenge, and adventure, 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman follows the romance of Buttercup and Westley amidst a backdrop of deceit and peril.
What is The Princess Bride about
'The Princess Bride' is a unique fairytale that intertwines adventure, romance, and satire. It narrates the story of Buttercup, who falls deeply in love with a farm boy named Westley. When Westley leaves to seek his fortune and is reportedly killed by the infamous Dread Pirate Roberts, Buttercup's heart shatters. Unwillingly, she becomes engaged to the evil Prince Humperdinck. The tale is filled with fencing, fighting, and fantastical elements, creating a comedic yet touching narrative. William Goldman's storytelling explores the artistry behind the fairytale, making the book a delightful and layered read.
The Princess Bride 7 Key Takeaways
Buttercup and Westley's Love
Buttercup, a beautiful farm girl, falls in love with Westley, a humble farm boy. Their love sets the stage for the entire narrative.
Westley's Disappearance
Westley leaves to seek his fortune but is reportedly killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts, breaking Buttercup's heart.
Buttercup's Engagement to Humperdinck
Prince Humperdinck, seeking a bride, chooses Buttercup, who reluctantly agrees to marry him despite her lingering love for Westley.
The Kidnapping
Buttercup is kidnapped by Vizzini, Inigo Montoya, and Fezzik, setting off a series of thrilling and humorous adventures.
Westley's Return
Disguised as the Dread Pirate Roberts, Westley returns to rescue Buttercup, leading to epic battles and clever escapes.
The Climax
The climactic confrontation between Westley, Inigo, and Prince Humperdinck results in intense action and the resolution of multiple plot threads.
The Uncertain Ending
Goldman's narrative concludes with an ambiguous ending, suggesting that the characters face ongoing challenges but ultimately survive and thrive together.
Top The Princess Bride Quotes
- 'As you wish.'
- 'Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.'
Who should read The Princess Bride?
'The Princess Bride' is ideal for tweens, teens, and adults who enjoy adventure, romance, and humor. Its satirical take on traditional fairytales makes it appealing to those who appreciate layered storytelling.
The Princess Bride Best Reviews
- 'Goldman's writing is brilliant and exhaustive, creating a world where an elaborate, ridiculous fairy tale is entirely plausible.' – New York Times
- 'A satire that is as amusing and poignant as it is enchanting.' – The Guardian
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The Princess Bride FAQs
What age is 'The Princess Bride' book appropriate for?
'The Princess Bride' is suitable for tweens and older. It contains intense cliffhangers and some scarier scenes compared to the film version.
Does 'The Princess Bride' book have a happy ending?
While the book concludes with some ominous crises, Goldman suggests that the characters do escape and live happily, albeit imperfectly, ever after.
Did William Goldman's father read him 'The Princess Bride'?
Goldman's father read him the exciting parts of 'The Princess Bride,' omitting almost 700 pages of boring Florinese court history.