The Emperor's New Clothes
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Authors
Neil, H.C. Andersen;
Morris, Ting
Issue Date
1988
Volume
Issue
Type
Book, Whole
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Abstract
This pudgy little emperor strides naked across the dust jacket, front cover, title-page, and third-last page of this 8" square book, each time wearing a cap with feathers on his long blond hair, a necklace, gloves, and boots. This version includes the elements that he was vain, that he did not care about his country or his people, that he had a different suit for every hour, and that he was regularly in his dressing room. Two swindlers show up claiming that the cloth they weave is invisible to fools and those unfit for their office. Is it logical for the emperor to think that if he has such clothes, he can tell wise people from fools? Among the best illustrations is the busy full-page picture of the emperor in his court surrounded with people. Everyone in town hears about the cloth and they are all curious to find out how stupid other people might turn out to be. The prime minister upon seeing the "cloth," thinks "Is it possible that I am a fool? If so, nobody must ever find out." A captain knows that he is not a fool and so figures that he must be unfit for his office. The decorations and illustrations take different forms on every page. The emperor gives them the title "Gentlemen Weavers." The swindlers mention as they dress the emperor that their cloth is so light that "one might almost feel one had nothing on." A hat feather and mirror function as the fig leaf required as the emperor admires his new clothes. Here it is a little girl who cries "But the Emperor has nothing on!" People laugh. The emperor blushes, feels angry, and is ashamed. "But I am still the Emperor, and the parade must go on." He tries to look more majestic than ever. It is not easy! I find this ending engaging. Do we all try to look more majestic than ever when we know we have been found out? Does he learn something? What happens to the thieves?
Description
Citation
Publisher
Ideals Publishing Corporation
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Volume
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PubMed ID
DOI
Identifier
10807 (Access ID)