Question

the princess bride
chapter four: preparations active reading guide
vocabulary
abridging - to shorten a piece of writing without losing the sense of it.
terrific - something that causes terror, or something that is very big or there is a lot of it.
nabobs - rich people coming to visit from abroad
satiric - using humor, exaggeration, irony or ridicule to criticize stupidity or vices.

1. this is the first major interruption of the story we see on the part of the narrator. what does it tell you about his values in regards to the story so far?
2. this is also one of the first times the narrator mentions morgenstern, who is the fictional, original writer of the princess bride. what can we infer is the narrator’s attitude toward morgenstern?

Explanation:

Question 1

The narrator's major interruption implies he values clarity and relevance. By interrupting, he likely wants to ensure the story is presented in a way that aligns with his (or the audience's) priorities, maybe emphasizing parts he deems important and abridging less relevant ones (using the "abridging" concept from vocabulary). He might value a concise, engaging narrative over a strictly faithful, unedited retelling, showing he prioritizes what he thinks is meaningful for the reader.

When the narrator mentions Morgenstern (the fictional original writer), his tone (and the act of abridging/commenting) suggests a mix of respect and critical engagement. The narrator takes liberties (abridging, adding his voice) which implies he sees Morgenstern’s work as a foundation but one he can adapt, showing a tone of playful criticism or affectionate mockery (hinting at satire, from the "satiric" vocabulary). He might respect Morgenstern’s creation but feel free to modify it for his audience, indicating a humorous, critical yet admiring attitude.

Answer:

The narrator’s interruption shows he values clarity, relevance, and a concise narrative. He likely prioritizes presenting the story in a way that aligns with his (or the audience’s) interests, using abridging - like techniques to focus on meaningful parts and avoid unnecessary details, indicating he values engagement over strict, unedited storytelling.

Question 2