The short answer is yes, Westley and Buttercup do get married in the story The Princess Bride. Their love story is central to the plot of the book and film. However, their path to marriage is not straightforward and they must overcome many obstacles before their happy ending.
Who are Westley and Buttercup?
Westley is the male protagonist of The Princess Bride. When we first meet him, he works as a farmhand for Buttercup’s family. Even though Buttercup treats him cruelly, he professes his undying love for her. After Buttercup realizes she returns his feelings, Westley leaves to seek his fortune so they can marry.
Buttercup is the most beautiful woman in the fictional country of Florin. She is initially vain and spoiled but comes to genuinely love Westley. After receiving word that Westley has been killed by pirates, she reluctantly becomes engaged to Prince Humperdinck.
What prevents them from marrying early in the story?
Westley and Buttercup are prevented from marrying early on for several reasons:
– Buttercup initially treats Westley poorly because of his lower social status. She refuses to admit she has feelings for a farmhand.
– When Buttercup realizes she loves Westley, he has left Florin to find work so he can support them.
– Shortly after his departure, Buttercup receives word that Westley’s ship was attacked by the Dread Pirate Roberts and Westley is presumed dead.
– As the princess of Florin, Buttercup has little choice but to become engaged to Prince Humperdinck, though she does not love him.
How do they eventually end up together?
After years apart, Westley returns to Florin in secret as the Dread Pirate Roberts. When he reveals himself to Buttercup, she discovers he had been captured by Roberts but spared because of his intelligence and skill.
On the eve of Buttercup’s wedding to Humperdinck, Westley kidnaps her and admits that he still loves her. Though initially skeptical, Buttercup comes to realize Westley is truthful and she confesses her love as well.
Westley gets captured trying to save Buttercup from the evil Prince Humperdinck. In the end, Westley is rescued by his allies and Humperdinck’s villainous plot is thwarted. Westley and Buttercup finally marry.
The History of Westley and Buttercup’s Relationship
How They Met
Westley first met Buttercup when he was hired as a farmhand for her family. Buttercup was cold and rude to Westley, ordering him around and criticizing him constantly. However, Westley overlooked her unkindness and self-absorption, seeing Buttercup’s true beauty. He tells her directly: “As you wish” as his way of saying “I love you.”
Westley’s Departure
After years pass, Buttercup comes to realize Westley’s true feelings and that she returns them. Before they can act on their love, Westley leaves Florin to find work and make his fortune. He needed money so they could marry. Buttercup waits anxiously for his return.
Buttercup’s Engagement to Prince Humperdinck
After several years with no word from Westley, Buttercup is heartbroken to receive news he has been killed by pirates. As Florin’s princess, she becomes engaged to Prince Humperdinck, though she does not love him.
Westley’s Return as the Dread Pirate Roberts
On the eve of Buttercup’s wedding, a mysterious pirate ship attacks the royal ship. The Dread Pirate Roberts – who is actually Westley in disguise – kidnaps Buttercup and reveals his true identity. Westley had been captured by Roberts but was spared and eventually became Roberts himself.
Declaration of Love and Marriage
Though initially upset by the deception, Buttercup realizes Westley still loves her when he rolls down a hill while uttering “As you wish.” She admits she still loves him too. After rescuing Buttercup again, Westley defeats Humperdinck. Westley and Buttercup quickly marry on his pirate ship.
Overcoming Obstacles to Their Relationship
Westley and Buttercup faced many obstacles on their journey to marriage:
Buttercup’s Vanity
Early on, Buttercup’s vanity and snobbishness prevented her from seeing Westley’s virtues. She matured through their years apart.
Financial Limitations
As a poor farmhand, Westley lacked the money to provide for Buttercup as her husband. He had to leave Florin for many years to seek his fortune.
Believed Death
Buttercup believed Westley had died after hearing false reports about his ship being attacked. This tragic misunderstanding delayed their reunion.
Buttercup’s Engagement to Prince Humperdinck
As the princess of Florin, Buttercup was essentially forced to become engaged to Prince Humperdinck after Westley’s presumed death. This complicated matters when Westley returned.
Capture by the Dread Pirate Roberts
After leaving Florin, Westley was captured by pirates led by the Dread Pirate Roberts. He had to convince Roberts to let him live and train him as a pirate.
Political Pressures in Florin
As royalty, Buttercup faced expectations to marry for political reasons, not just for love. Marrying a commoner and former pirate like Westley was looked down on.
Key Events Leading to Their Marriage
Here is a timeline of the major events leading up to Westley and Buttercup’s marriage:
Westley Becomes Buttercup’s Farmhand
Even though she mistreats him, Westley falls in love with Buttercup from afar and hopes to marry her someday. He works on her family farm.
Westley Leaves Florin to Seek His Fortune
Once Buttercup returns his love, Westley leaves to find work so he can support her properly as her husband. He promises to return soon.
Buttercup is Told Westley Was Killed by Pirates
Years later, Buttercup is devastated to receive news that Westley’s ship was raided and he was presumably killed.
Buttercup Becomes Engaged to Prince Humperdinck
With Westley believed dead, Buttercup reluctantly accepts a marriage proposal from Prince Humperdinck, though she does not love him.
The Dread Pirate Roberts Kidnaps Buttercup
On the eve of her wedding to Humperdinck, Buttercup is kidnapped by a pirate ship revealed to be manned by Westley as Roberts.
Westley Professes His Enduring Love for Buttercup
After revealing himself, Westley explains how he survived and still loves Buttercup. She realizes she still loves him too.
Westley Defeats Prince Humperdinck
With the help of allies, Westley thwarts Prince Humperdinck’s plans to kill him and marry Buttercup against her will.
Marriage on Westley’s Ship
Free from Humperdinck, Westley and Buttercup quickly marry aboard his pirate ship and sail off together to start their new life.
Do They Live Happily Ever After?
Yes, the story ends with Westley and Buttercup finally getting married and the sense they will enjoy a long happy life together. After all the hurdles, they can start a new life and family. However, the book leaves some ambiguity.
Some key points:
They Are Deeply In Love
After so many years and obstacles, Westley and Buttercup’s love for each other remains strong. The story suggests their bond has only deepened.
Prince Humperdinck is Defeated
The villainous Humperdinck who tried to kill Westley and marry Buttercup against her will is overpowered in the end. He will not threaten them again.
The People Support Their Union
Initially opposed to Buttercup marrying a commoner, the people of Florin cheer when Westley and Buttercup share a passionate kiss. The couple seem to have their blessing.
Some Uncertainty Remains
As pirates, Westley and Buttercup may face continued dangers. The book leaves open the possibility of sequels. However, the overall tone suggests they will be fine.
True Love Conquers All
Beyond the specifics, the book follows the classic trope of true love overcoming any obstacles. This implies Westley and Buttercup’s happiness is meant to last.
Comparison to Other Famous Literary Couples
Westley and Buttercup’s romance shares similarities with other famous literary couples:
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice
– Both involve a poor man winning the heart of an upper-class woman.
– There are misunderstandings and false assumptions made along the way.
– The couples slowly realize how perfectly suited they are.
Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre
– In both stories, forces try to separate the lovers against their will.
– The couples reunite after extended time periods apart.
– Passion endures despite all attempts to extinguish it.
Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler from Gone With the Wind
– The couples experience intense chemistry with tumultuous ups and downs.
– Outside parties and events drive the lovers apart for long periods.
– Fates seem determined to keep them from ending up together.
| Couple | Key Similarities |
|---|---|
| Westley and Buttercup | Overcome social class differences, endure forced separation, foil villain’s schemes, reunite and marry |
| Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy | Misjudgements based on class, outside influences try to separate them, finally see they’re perfect for each other |
| Jane and Mr. Rochester | Forced apart against their will for a long time, passion endures, overcome external obstacles |
| Scarlett and Rhett | Intense chemistry and attraction, kept apart by external events and other people, determined to be together |
Conclusion
In summary, despite all the challenges fate throws their way, Westley and Buttercup do ultimately marry. Their enduring love enables them to overcome all the obstacles that conspire to keep them apart. While the ending leaves some ambiguity, the overall tone suggests the two live happily ever after once they are finally united. Their passion withstands every test and they earn their hard-won happiness.