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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Vizzini try to outsmart the Man in Black?

2. Who is Prince Humperdinck?

3. When Roberts takes Westley aside to explain that he is not the real Dread Pirate Roberts, what does he say about the original Roberts?

4. What did the author realize about the manner in which his relative shared the story with him?

5. The initials R.O.U.S. stand for what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Buttercup leave Westley and go with Humperdinck outside the Fire Swamp?

2. Describe Prince Humperdinck's personality and physical attributes.

3. How does Goldman try to connect with his son, Jason, through "The Princess Bride"?

4. How does Fezzik feel when he sees the Man in Black approaching after his fight with Inigo?

5. Does the author's account of his father reading "The Princess Bride" seem credible to him?

6. During a fancy dinner, why does the Prince storm out in a huff shouting that he will not marry Princess Noreena, a dinner guest?

7. What is the outcome of the sword fight between Inigo Montoya and the Man in Black?

8. Describe Inigo's childhood.

9. Is there any love in the courtship between Buttercup and Humperdinck?

10. What obstacles do Westley and Buttercup face in the Fire Swamp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Unlikely friendships develop as the plot thickens. Discuss how unlikely alliances are shaped based on the following:

1. Personal need.

2. Mutual respect or admiration.

3. Genuine, selfless love.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast William Goldman's relationship with his son, Jason, and with his father.

1. Which man appears to have a closer relationship with his son? Why?

2. Despite their flawed relationships, how do love and caring show through in the relationship between Goldman and his son? Between Goldman and his father?

3. How does "The Princess Bride" serve as a bridge between the three generations?

4. Are any of these individuals real, or are they merely additional characters in the story? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Explain why the actual author, William Goldman, creates a fictitious author, S. Morgenstern, for "The Princess Bride", trying to pass him off as the real author.

1. How does this narrative device present opportunities for Goldman to take creative liberties with the story?

2. What tools and techniques does the author use to make his premise of another author believable?

(see the answer keys)

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