Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The line sets up the film's best running contrast: Buttercup, who has watched hopeless things happen, against Westley, who has made a career of impossible odds. His reply, that she says it only because no one ever has, is the half fans quote, usually just before someone tries something absurd. It is comfort and a dare in one breath.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Princess BrideShow the scene
Westley and Buttercup have escaped Prince Humperdinck's pursuit and plunge into the Fire Swamp, a marsh of flame spurts, quicksand and giant rodents that nobody is supposed to leave alive. As the swamp closes in, Buttercup, the pessimist of the pair, is sure it is hopeless. Westley brushes her fear aside with a joke: she says that only because no one ever has survived it. The flame spurts, the quicksand and the Rodents of Unusual Size then test his confidence, and Humperdinck captures them at the far edge.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: The Princess Bride (film)Plot sectionReference checked
- GradeSaver: The Princess Bride (film) study guide, quotesFire Swamp sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
