We've always gotten the impression that revenge isn't necessarily a good thing. But in The Princess Bride, it's all the good guys who are out to get some of it. Hm. Maybe we need to rethink the matter.
First and foremost, of course, is Inigo and his lifelong quest to repay his father's killer by introducing him to the business end of his sword. We're talking an obsession that makes the people on Hoarders look mildly sentimental.
But Westley wants revenge against Humperdinck for imprisoning (and killing) him, Buttercup wants revenge against the prince for keeping Westley away from her, Max wants revenge against the prince for firing him…Sheesh. An awful lot of people want revenge against Humperdinck. That guy really should watch his back.
Questions about Revenge
- Even if the thirst for revenge is understandable, as in Inigo's case, is it ever healthy? Should he have just gotten over it and moved on?
- It would have been easy for Westley to take the ultimate revenge on Humperdinck after the prince dropped his sword, but he let him live. Why?
- Humperdinck, who seems like a pretty vengeful guy, wants to start a war against Guilder, but we're not told a lot of the details. Do you think his reasons for wanting to engage them are revenge-related?
Chew on This
In this film, when the good guys get their revenge, the world seems back in balance.
Humperdinck will be too ashamed of his cowardice to ever attempt getting revenge on Westley for the humiliation he endured because of him.