by Jonathan Campbell

Created on: June 27, 2008

The most central characters in Tarantino's Pulp Fiction are arguably "Butch", played by Bruce Willis, and "Jules" played by Samuel L. Jackson. Not only does the plot depend on and revolve around these two men, but also the underlying themes of chivalry, spirituality, and love are woven throughout their actions. Both characters are given choices throughout the film, which, if not carefully made, could very well be the end of either of them.

On the surface this film is nothing more than a bloody, screaming, grotesque look at the lives of a handful of social extroverts. Every few minutes a popular brand name is flashed on screen or a quote from somewhere outside of the time and space contained within Pulp Fiction is used. It would be impossible to miss every piece of allegory or every "cinematic trope." However obvious these references are, they are intended only to prove a point, as well as act as a bridge for those hoping to cross the relentless, existential river flowing under the surface.
Butch's role in the film is perhaps the most heroic. He defies the mobs intentions, defends his father's honor, and returns to a horrible place to save his former enemy's ass. It may seem like a spur-of-the-moment decision for most viewers, however upon further inspection it is apparent that he was set-up from the beginning to take on such a role. As was said in the question prompt, he takes on the same situation as Jake Lamotta (Raging Bull) and On the Waterfront's Joey. However the difference for Butch is that he won't take a dive for the mob, he instead puts all his money on himself, and wins (and not only wins but kills his opponent). That alone may seem like a selfish act, but moments later the viewer is shown why he chose to put himself in danger. The most crucial theme of love in Pulp Fiction, is the love that Butch has for his girlfriend Fabienne, threatening his own life, to give her a better one. In fact Butch risks his life on more than one occasion, and in each case it is for the honor or love of another. When his father's watch is missing, he returns to his house, where the mob is waiting, to retrieve it. It is the honor of his father that he puts far above his own regard for self-preservation. Finally he is given his greatest test, after bumping into the man who wants him dead, Mob leader Marcellus Wallace (Ving Rhames) Butch must also save his life. In perhaps the most well suited scene of epic heroics, Butch chooses the appropriate weapon with which to slay

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