The Princess Bride Chapters 4 & 5 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How has Buttercup changed?

She is wealthy. She is becoming powerful. She cares about her personal appearance.

What is the motive behind Buttercup's abduction?

To start war.

Identify the literary device used in this excerpt: 'Her body should be quite warm when the Prince reaches her mutilated form. I only wish we could stay for his grief - it should be Homeric.'

Allusion

'Excuses are the refuge of cowards.' What does this mean?

If you make a lot of excuses you can't handle the truth you are a coward. Signup and view all the answers

How is suspension of disbelief used in the description of the ascension of 'The Cliffs of Insanity'?

Fezzik is making us suspend belief to enjoy the story. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the repeated word 'inconceivable'?

It emphasizes how amazing the Man in Black is. Signup and view all the answers

How is Vizzini more dangerous than the other two?

He has mental strength compared to physical strength. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the quote 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia.'

You would have disadvantage because they have so much land. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the man in black's test with the iocan powder? What type of irony?

He has tolerance for it. It is situational irony. Signup and view all the answers

What was Vizzini's fatal flaw?

He thinks he is smarter; he is hubris. Signup and view all the answers

How does Buttercup figure out that The Man in Black is Westley?

When he falls, he says 'As you wish.' Signup and view all the answers

How does the point-of-view change as Buttercup falls?

From Buttercup's views to Count Rugen's view. Signup and view all the answers

How did Westley escape from The Dread Pirate Roberts?

He tells him about Buttercup and becomes his servant until The Dread Pirate Roberts retires and Westley takes over. Signup and view all the answers

What was Westley's relationship with Dread Pirate Roberts?

He became the new Dread Pirate Roberts. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Buttercup surrender to the prince?

To keep Westley alive. Signup and view all the answers

How have things changed for Westley and Buttercup in the last three years?

Buttercup's becoming the Queen and will become wealthy. Westley became the Dread Pirate Roberts. Westley is strong, a good swordsman, and very intelligent. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Prince have planned for Westley?

He puts him on the 5th floor of the Zoo of Death. Signup and view all the answers

What are the terrors of the Fire Swamp and how do they defeat them?

The ROUS, quicksand, spitting fire, sharks. Wesley ties himself to a vine and dives in to save Buttercup. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Development of Buttercup

Buttercup transitions from a simple farm girl to a wealthy and powerful figure.
She begins to prioritize her personal appearance, reflecting her newfound status.

Motive Behind Abduction

Buttercup is abducted to instigate a war, highlighting the political tensions of the story.

Literary Device: Allusion

The quote about the Prince’s grief contains an allusion to Homeric literature, suggesting epic themes of tragedy and heroism.

Excuses as Cowardice

"Excuses are the refuge of cowards" indicates that those who constantly make excuses cannot face the truth of their shortcomings.

Suspension of Disbelief

The ascension of "The Cliffs of Insanity" evokes suspension of disbelief, allowing readers to enjoy the extraordinary elements of the tale.

Significance of "Inconceivable"

The repetitive use of "inconceivable" serves to emphasize the remarkable abilities of the Man in Black.

Vizzini's Danger

Vizzini's threat lies in his intellectual prowess, making him more dangerous than his physically stronger counterparts.

Land Wars in Asia

The quote warns against engaging in land wars in Asia due to geographical disadvantages, implying strategic wisdom.

Irony in Iocan Powder Test

The Man in Black’s tolerance to iocan powder creates situational irony in his test of wits against Vizzini.

Vizzini's Hubris

Vizzini's overconfidence in his intelligence ultimately leads to his downfall, showcasing his hubris as a fatal flaw.

Recognition of Westley

Buttercup realizes the Man in Black is Westley when he uses the phrase "As you wish," a sign of their deep connection.

Point-of-View Shift

The narrative point-of-view shifts from Buttercup to Count Rugen as she falls, indicating a change in focus and perspective.

Westley’s Escape

Westley escapes from The Dread Pirate Roberts by sharing his love for Buttercup, eventually becoming his loyal servant.

New Dread Pirate Roberts

Westley assumes the role of Dread Pirate Roberts after the original retires, symbolizing a transformation in his character.

Buttercup’s Surrender

Buttercup chooses to surrender to the prince to protect Westley, demonstrating her selflessness and dedication.

Changes in Westley and Buttercup

In three years, Buttercup is on the verge of becoming Queen, while Westley evolves into a formidable swordsman and captain.

Prince's Plans for Westley

The prince intends to imprison Westley on the fifth floor of the Zoo of Death, reinforcing the stakes of their rivalry.

Perils of the Fire Swamp

The Fire Swamp is fraught with dangers including rodents of unusual size (ROUS), quicksand, fire spouts, and sharks; Westley saves Buttercup by using a vine for support during their escape.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 4 and 5 from 'The Princess Bride' with these flashcards. Explore character transformations, motives for abduction, and literary devices used in the text. Perfect for fans and students of literature alike!