VIGNETTE 2: THE PRINCESS BRIDE In the 1987 classic movie The Princess Bride, there is a conflict between Inigo Montoya and the "Man in Black," who, later to be learned, is Westley, the farmboy and love of Princess Buttercup The conflict is over how Inigo Montoya is going to fight the Man in Black, who is stuck hanging on the side of a cliff after Inigo's employer, Vizzini, cut most (but not all) of the rope from the top of the cliff, forcing the Man in Black to start climbing the rocks. Inigo has been told by Vizzini to kill the Man in Black. Inigo, however, wants to kill the Man in Black in a sword fight, not by letting the Man in Black fall off the side of a cliff to the ocean below. Here is the dialogue of the scene: Inigo Man in Black: [clinging to the rock] You could give me a tree branch or something. I could do that. I've got some rope up here, but I do not think you would accept my help, since I am only waiting around to kill you. That does put a damper on our relationship. Man in Black: Inigo: Man in Black: Inigo: Man in Black: Inigo: Man in Black: Inigo But I promise I will not kill you until you reach the top. That's very comforting, but I'm afraid you'll just have to wait. I hate waiting....[pause]... I could give you my word as a Spaniard. No good. I've known too many Spaniards. Isn't there any way you'd trust me? Nothing comes to mind. I swear on the soul of my father Domingo Montoya, you will reach the top alive. Man in Black: Throw me the rope. [Inigo throws the rope and helps the Man in Black to the top of the cliff] Discussion Questions 1. What is this negotiation about? What concepts are central to this upcoming negotiation? 2. Why is this a negotiation? What is negotiated here? 3. What concepts explain why Inigo decides to throw the rope down to the Man in Black? 4. What concepts explain why Westley decides to trust Inigo Montoya that he will help him up instead of cutting the rope once Westley begins to use it? 5. Why would these two characters who are bound to fight (and perhaps kill) one another be willing to trust each other first? NEGOTIATION