Archetypes In The Princess Bride

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The Princess Bride, created by Rob Reiner, presents love, death, and fate. This movie brings the characters closer together as they go through their own quests and complete their quests. Archetypal criticism reveals that the strength of a relationship can overcome misfortune by reflecting the quest archetype.
In Princess Bride, Westley's quest is to return to his true love, Buttercup, whom he has loved since a young worker on her family's farm. With no money to marry, Westley decides to strike out for his fortune but is taken prisoner; he is mistakenly reported as dead to Buttercup. In his quest, Westley must first survive being taken prisoner by the Dread Pirate Roberts which he is able to do by showing no fear when Roberts announces daily "Tomorrow you will die" (Princess Bride n.p.). Roberts in fact is so impressed that he retires and names Westley as his successor. Upon his return, in the guise of the Dread Pirate Roberts, Westley's second task requires him to use his expertise, his strength, and his wits. Buttercup is kidnapped--a plan created by the Prince himself--by Vizzini and his two henchmen-for-hire, Inigo and Fezzik. In order to rescue Buttercup, he must sword fight with Inigo, overpower Fezzik, and match wits with Vizzini. After completing his task to match with …show more content…
The strength of Buttercup’s confidence in Westley coming back made their relationship stronger, showing it is true love and that Westley will always return. Throughout this whole time Buttercup reminded Prince Humperdink that Westley was going to rescue her every time the Prince tried to take him away. Buttercup was so confident in Westley coming back, she made a deal with the Prince if he does not by the time they get married, she would marry him and stay with him forever. As Westley completes his quest, he comes back for Buttercup, showing that their love can overcome many obstacles and

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