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Buttercup and westley from princess bride11/18/2023 ![]() ![]() In addition to immediately establishing Westley’s character as a hero fated to succeed despite all odds, the setting of the Cliffs of Insanity as a dangerous and deadly place (as indicated by the eloquent name) is consistent with the facet of adventure which consists of overcoming deadly trials and challenges, as seen in many of the texts that we have read. This juxtaposition of Westley’s climb with Fezzik’s sets up a comparison between the two, revealing that Westley is an exceptional hero to be able to climb up a dangerous and extremely high cliff at a speed and agility that competes with Fezzik’s. ![]() Westley’s own climb is described in unison with Fezzik’s, as the crew is astonished at Westley gains on them and manages not to fall off, even after Vizzini cuts the rope. Fezzik’s character is immediately portrayed as a man of super-human size and strength, which is demonstrated by his ability to pull himself, Buttercup, Inigo Montoya, and Vizzini up the cliff’s edge with great speed and agility. ![]() Thirdly, Westley is depicted as an exceptional protagonist (not unlike the exceptional protagonists depicted in Chretien de Troyes’ The Story of the Grail, Sir Thomas Malory’s The Noble Tale of the Sankgreal, Wolfram Von Eschenbach’s Parzival, etc.) through his impressive climb up the cliff, and emphasized through his foil, Fezzik. Secondly, this scene is clearly a test of both physical strength and mental fortitude, as Westley must demonstrate the strength and agility to climb the cliff, but also the mental willpower to persist despite his own exhaustion and the setback of losing the rope. Firstly, the slow and exhaustive climb up the dangerous cliff’s edge foreshadows the slow and perilous journey that Westley will have to endure if he is going to achieve his goal of rescuing Buttercup. This scene is important for many reasons. Westley’s climb up the Cliffs of Insanity in pursuit of Buttercup and her captors is the first of many trials that we see Westley undergo throughout his quest. But, then again.perhaps I have the strength after all.Quest Expectation: Exceptional/fated protagonist Trials/Tests It's conceivable, you miserable, vomitous mass, that I'm only lying here because I lack the strength to stand. ![]() Westley: It's possible, Pig I might be bluffing. Prince Humperdinck: I think you're bluffing. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in freakish misery forever. Every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out, "Dear God! What is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. So that every shriek of every child at seeing your hideousness will be yours to cherish. Westley: Wrong! Your ears you keep, and I'll tell you why. Prince Humperdinck: And then my ears, I understand. The next thing you will lose will be your left eye followed by your right. A mistake I don't mean to duplicate tonight. Prince Humperdinck: And then my tongue, I suppose. To the pain means the first thing you will lose will be your feet below the ankles. Prince Humperdinck: That may be the first time in my life a man has dared insult me. Westley: I'll explain, and I'll use small words so that you'll be sure to understand, you warthog-faced buffoon. Prince Humperdinck: I don't think I'm quite familiar with that phrase. Prince Humperdinck: First things first, to the death. ![]()
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