Daphnis and Chloe/the Princess Bride

A Comparison of The Princess Bride and Daphnis and Chloe

Whitney Wilson – 1201249

Dr. Stephen

Classics 2E03

March 11, 2015

Rob Reiner and Longus produced their works in very different times for very different people, but both The Princess Bride and Daphnis and Chloe are considered classics within their respective domains. Both stories tell the tale of two lovers that will stop at nothing to be together while they battle outside forces that pry them apart. The similarities between the two stories have led people to believe that Reiner’s film is based off of Daphnis and Chloe. Whether or not Reiner had the ancient story in mind, The Princess Bride does not attempt to repeat or outdo Longus. Rather, it explores the same traditional theme with a modern perspective that examines a different type of love. More importantly, its irony-loaded plot makes it more appealing to a contemporary audience. The Princess Bride and Daphnis and Chloe examine similar themes of love through different artistic approaches.

Both The Princess Bride and Daphnis and Chloe share an overarching theme that love conquers all. In The Princess Bride, Buttercup and Westley are so deeply in love that they conquer obstacles like the fire swamp and a torture machine. Throughout the entire movie, “true love” is repeatedly mentioned by Westley and the other characters. This idea of true love is the driving force of the plot and the only reason that throughout the film, seemingly impossible events are made possible. When Buttercup discovers that Westley is alive after she had believed him to be dead, she is shocked. Westley tells her “death cannot stop true love; all it can do is delay it for a little while.” Buttercup accepts the answer because she believes that love truly is strong enough to overcome death. With the belief that love is on their side, Westley and Buttercup become fearless to the point of recklessness – even arrogance. Before entering the fire swamp, Buttercup becomes worried that...