True Love

The cover of the book tells the reader that S. Morgenstern is presenting a "classic tale of true love." Immediately the reader assumes that the true love refers to that between a man and a woman. However, in The Princess Bride there are several kinds of true love and the point of the story is "true" love. True as used in The Princess Bride refers to purity. The more pure and unadulterated one's love for another is, the more true the love.

Buttercup is a filthy child in her outward appearance. Some readers may feel that she is also blemished inwardly since she torments the Farm Boy for pleasure. Westley sees past the grime and disrespect to the beauty growing underneath. The simple Farm Boy understands that Buttercup is still learning how to be a good person. He patiently waits for her to grow into her body...