Irony In The Princess Bride

In literature, satire allows readers or viewers to recognize how ridiculous things come about. Satire permits a reader or viewer to express a certain feeling. Usually this feeling evolves around hilarity. Within the satire category, exaggeration and irony exist. Exaggeration usually emphasizes something beyond the original intention. Irony expresses the opposite of the original meaning.

Examples of exaggeration:

• Caricature: an illustration that distorts a person’s features

• Parody: a piece of work that exaggerates a person, song, or film in an amusing way

• Hyperbole: a figurative language device

Examples of irony:

• Verbal irony: describes a word(s) different from the original meaning

• Dramatic irony: exists when the reader or viewer understands something that the character does not

As the reader reads, he or she will begin to identify the uses of satire.

The Princess Bride, written in 1973 incorporates satire. This technique occurs numerous times in the novel in the form of irony. Irony takes place in the novel when Vezzini laughs after telling Westly the goblets have been switched. Here Vizzini believes Westly drank the poisoned goblet. Verbal irony occurs when Dread Pirate Robert captures Buttercup. Dread Pirate Robert turns out to be Buttercup’s love, Westly. Dramatic irony takes place when Inigo and Westly set fire to

Fezzik.
As a reader and researcher, I noticed Goldman loved incorporating satire. Before reading chapter five, I watched the assigned video on satire. This video did not allow me to leave with a good feeling. I had lots of confusion. After reading chapter five and researching, the use of satire made sense. I am glad Goldman incorporated this technique in the novel. It allowed me to have a good laugh. I believe this technique was used to help readers to have a better understanding of the background of each character.