the emperors clothes

by lillythehtcat

A wonderful story written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837 tells the story of an emperor who lived many years ago. He was an average fairy-tale ruler, except for the fact that he was very much identified with his fine clothes.

One day a couple of smart hustlers came to town. They spread the word that they could make a cloth and garments that were so fine that they could not be seen by anyone who was stupid or incompetent. The emperor was quite taken by this idea, because not only would he have some very fine clothes to wear, but he could also learn who was stupid and incompetent in his court and kingdom.

As you probably remember, the hustlers pretended to weave and sew, and the word went out into the kingdom about the emperor’s magical clothes. The ruler was a little unsure that he would be able to see the clothes himself, so he sent his trusted aides first. Of course, there was nothing there, but they would not admit they were stupid or incompetent, so they agreed that everything was so very beautiful. When they reported to the emperor, he agreed to dress in his new finery and join a procession through the town to show off his clothes.

Everyone in town was anxious to learn who among their neighbors was stupid and incompetent, so they lined the streets in anticipation. Seeing the emperor in his underwear, regally posing in his carriage, they all forced themselves to exclaim, “How lovely are the emperor’s new clothes.” Nobody wanted to be thought of as stupid by his neighbors.

Finally, a young boy looked up at the emperor, saw the truth, and shouted out, “The emperor has no clothes!”

to be continued…..

lilly