The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride

by

William Goldman

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The Princess Bride: Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Goldman tells the reader that he never knew this chapter even existed until he started abridging, as Goldman's father always just said that three years passed. In the original Morgenstern, however, this is the longest chapter and details how Prince Humperdinck declares Buttercup a princess to appease some persnickety nobles. The new miracle man works on King Lotharon, and then there are 72 pages detailing Buttercup's princess training.
The simple fact that Buttercup spends three years going to princess school makes it clear to the reader that, though Buttercup isn't emotionally intelligent, she is capable of learning the proper way to behave. This reminds the reader that there are multiple different kinds of intelligence, and most people are capable of learning.
Themes
The Value of Cleverness and Humility Theme Icon