Humility: The Emperor's New Clothes

Abstract

The adaptation of this 16-page pamphlet from the 20-page booklet of 1997 brings several changes. The cover-picture is different; in fact it is one of the two 1997 illustrations eliminated from the story, namely those showing the elephant in his underwear. The text has several changes. The biggest change, in the title and on the last page, is the substitution of humility here for honesty there. This version of the story again features an elephant as emperor. The imposters' claim is changed. There it was "Only wise people will see this fabric. It will be invisible to fools." Here it is "Only the wisest people in the land will see this fabric. It will be invisible to fools and to those who are unfit for their office." I find the earlier version on both counts better. Again the wife is the first to be allowed to see the fabric. The boy again cries out that the emperor is wearing nothing but his underwear. This version is weaker again when the emperor waits until the end of the parade to return home and it is not here to put on simple clothes but to put on "some clothes." Editing can be a curious business!