True Love

Throughout The Princess Bride, we hear the recurring theme of "true love." As Westley leaves, he reminds Buttercup that he has to return because they are experiencing true love. No one can break up true love, so he has to return to her someday.

Although Buttercup never really gives up on true love and always hopes that Westley is returned, she loses hope after she hears that he has been murdered. In addition, she is being forced by the Prince to marry him, and as his subject, Buttercup has no choice. She wishes that her true love would come back for her, but she no longer has any hope.

Westley, however, holds on to the hope of true love. He is angry to discover that she is planning to marry someone else, but even so, he wishes to follow after her. She doesn't recognize him until she...