Plot Summary (Junior Cert English): Revision Notes
Plot Summary
Introduction to the story
The Princess Bride is a beloved fantasy adventure film that uses a clever storytelling technique called a framing device. The story unfolds in two layers: the present day (1987) where a grandfather reads a book to his sick grandson, and the magical story contained within that book.
The framing device creates a unique viewing experience where the audience experiences the story on two levels - both as observers of the grandfather-grandson interaction and as participants in the magical tale being told.
The film begins with a young boy who is initially reluctant to listen to his grandfather's story, preferring to play video games instead. However, as the tale progresses, both the boy and the audience become completely captivated by the adventures within the book.
The main love story
Buttercup and Wesley's romance
The heart of the story centres on Buttercup, a beautiful young woman who lives on a farm with her farmhand Wesley. Their relationship develops through a unique form of communication - whenever Buttercup asks Wesley to do something, he responds with "As you wish". Over time, Buttercup realises that when Wesley says "As you wish," he's actually saying "I love you".
The phrase "As you wish" becomes the central motif of the entire story, appearing at key emotional moments throughout the film and serving as a secret language of love between the main characters.
The two characters fall deeply in love, but their happiness is short-lived. Wesley, who has no money to support Buttercup, decides to sail away to seek his fortune. He promises to return and marry her, but tragedy strikes when Buttercup learns that Wesley's ship was attacked by the notorious Dread Pirate Roberts, who never leaves survivors. Believing Wesley to be dead, Buttercup is devastated and vows never to love again.
Buttercup's unwanted engagement
Five years pass, and Buttercup finds herself engaged to Prince Humperdinck, despite still loving Wesley. The engagement is not born from love but from political necessity. However, this arrangement sets the stage for a much larger conspiracy that Buttercup is unaware of.
The kidnapping and pursuit
The three kidnappers
During one of her regular horse rides, Buttercup is kidnapped by three distinctive outlaws, each with their own motivations and skills:
The Three Kidnappers and Their Motivations:
- Vizzini: A Sicilian mastermind who believes himself to be incredibly intelligent and serves as the leader of the group
- Fezzik: A gentle giant with enormous strength who was hired for his physical abilities
- Inigo Montoya: A skilled Spanish swordsman seeking revenge against a six-fingered man who killed his father
The kidnapping is part of Prince Humperdinck's secret plan to frame a rival nation and justify starting a war, though the three kidnappers are unaware of this larger scheme.
The mysterious man in black
As the kidnappers flee with Buttercup, they are pursued by a mysterious figure dressed entirely in black. This creates tension and excitement as the audience wonders who this pursuer might be and what his intentions are towards Buttercup.
The challenges and revelations
The Cliffs of Insanity
The pursuit leads to a series of thrilling encounters, beginning at the Cliffs of Insanity. Here, the man in black demonstrates remarkable climbing abilities, pursuing the kidnappers up seemingly impossible cliff faces. The tension builds as each character uses their unique skills to either escape or continue the pursuit.
The sword fight with Inigo
One of the most memorable scenes occurs when the man in black faces Inigo Montoya in a sword fight. This battle showcases incredible skill from both fighters and reveals more about Inigo's character and his quest for revenge against the six-fingered man who murdered his father.
The battle of wits with Vizzini
The encounters continue with a battle of wits between the man in black and Vizzini, involving a deadly game of logic and poison. This scene demonstrates the man in black's intelligence and cunning, matching Vizzini's supposed brilliance.
The shocking revelation
The most dramatic moment comes when Buttercup realises the true identity of the man in black. When he calls out "As you wish" as he rolls down a hill, Buttercup discovers that the mysterious pursuer is actually Wesley, alive and well.
This revelation transforms the entire story, as the audience learns that Wesley survived his encounter with the Dread Pirate Roberts and actually inherited the title himself. The phrase "As you wish" serves as the key that unlocks the mystery of the man in black's identity.
The rescue and obstacles
Reuniting and escaping
Once reunited, Buttercup and Wesley must work together to escape various dangers, including the treacherous Fire Swamp with its flames, quicksand, and enormous rodents. These obstacles test their renewed relationship and force them to rely on each other for survival.
Capture and separation
Despite their efforts to escape, Wesley and Buttercup are eventually captured by Prince Humperdinck's forces. The prince, revealed to be cruel and vindictive, separates the lovers and subjects Wesley to torture using a device that drains years from his life.
The torture chamber
Prince Humperdinck's cruelty reaches its peak when he uses Count Rugen (the six-fingered man Inigo seeks) to operate a torture machine on Wesley. This scene connects multiple storylines, as Count Rugen is revealed to be both Wesley's torturer and the man who killed Inigo's father.
The connection between Count Rugen and multiple character storylines demonstrates the film's skilful weaving of seemingly separate plot threads into a cohesive narrative.
The final rescue and resolution
Assembling the team
The climax brings together the remaining characters as Fezzik and Inigo reunite to save Wesley. They seek help from Miracle Max, a miracle worker who can revive Wesley from his mostly dead state. With the help of Max's wife Valerie, they manage to restore Wesley to fighting condition.
The final confrontation
The three heroes - Wesley, Inigo, and Fezzik - infiltrate Prince Humperdinck's castle for the final showdown. Each character gets their moment of triumph: Inigo finally confronts and defeats Count Rugen, avenging his father's death, while Wesley outsmarts Prince Humperdinck and wins back Buttercup.
The happy ending
The story concludes with the lovers reunited and their enemies defeated. Wesley suggests that Inigo could take over as the new Dread Pirate Roberts, providing a satisfying conclusion to all the character arcs.
Return to the frame story
The film ends by returning to the present day, where the grandfather finishes reading the story to his grandson. The boy, now completely engrossed in the tale, asks his grandfather to read it again tomorrow, to which the grandfather happily replies, "As you wish".
The circular ending brings the story full circle, with the grandfather using the same phrase that defined the central love story, suggesting that love and storytelling are timeless traditions passed between generations.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- The Princess Bride uses a framing device where a grandfather reads a story to his grandson, creating a story within a story
- The phrase "As you wish" serves as a secret way of saying "I love you" between Buttercup and Wesley
- The three kidnappers each have distinct motivations: Vizzini seeks money, Fezzik follows orders, and Inigo wants revenge
- Wesley survives by becoming the new Dread Pirate Roberts, inheriting the title from his supposed killer
- The story connects multiple character arcs, with each major character achieving their goals by the end
- The film combines romance, adventure, comedy, and fantasy elements to create a timeless story about true love and heroism