by Hans Christian Andersen | 1837
Welcome to the ridiculous saga of a fashion-obsessed Emperor who gets absolutely played by two scam-artist weavers. They promise him a “magical” fabric that only smart or worthy people can see. Spoiler: there is no fabric.
Still, everyone nods along like it's couture on parade, terrified to admit they see nothing. Ministers fake it. Townsfolk cheer. The Emperor struts around in his birthday suit. Then a kid, too young to care about politics or job security, calls it like it is.
And just like that, the whole illusion unravels.
Notable Quotes:
- "He was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress."
- "...the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderful property of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office he held, or who was extraordinarily simple in character."
- "What! Is it possible that I am a simpleton? I have never thought so myself; and no one must know it now if I am so."
- "How splendid his Majesty looks in his new clothes, and how well they fit!"
- "But the Emperor has nothing at all on!"
Summary:
- An Emperor obsessed with clothes hires two rogues claiming to weave a magical fabric invisible to fools or those unfit for their positions.
- Court officials and the Emperor himself pretend to see the magnificent cloth, fearing they will be exposed as simpletons or unfit for office.
- The impostors "dress" the Emperor in his invisible new clothes for a grand procession.
- Everyone in the city praises the invisible garments, also fearing to admit they see nothing.
- A small child, speaking innocently, finally exclaims that the Emperor is wearing nothing at all.
- The truth then spreads, exposing the Emperor's vanity and the collective pretense of his court and subjects.
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