Your Fractured Fairy Tale - Understanding Fairy Tales: The Emperor's New Clothes

On this page you can find out more about the story of the Emperor's New Clothes.

This fairy tale site, compiled by Pittsburgh University, includes Hans Christian Andersen's version of The Emperor's New Clothes.

You can also find a number of fairy tales which are similar to the story of the Emperor's New Clothes.

You can read Hans Christian Andersen's version of The Emperor's New Clothes on the SurLaLune website.

In this notorious version of "The Emperor's New Clothes", Ruffus plays a dishonest tailor who takes advantage of a less-than-wise Emperor, preying upon his ego and vanity, to sell him something less than he had before - and more than his loyal subjects had bargained for.Features the song: "Emperor's New Clothes"

As explained in the 'Conventions of fairy tales' section, a fairy story always includes a number of important elements.

When reading through this section, keep in mind Hans Christian Andersen's version of the story as told here -

THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

In the story of The Emperor's New Clothes the elements include: 

GOOD CHARACTERS

In the story of the Emperor's New Clothes, the good character is the Emperor.

(Source of picture: Cosmic Connie)

THE BADDY

The bad characters in this story are the weavers who fool the Emperor into thinking he is wearing clothes.

(Source of picture: Emperor's New Clothes app)

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Can you think of any supporting characters in this story?

MAGIC

Magic features in this story as the invisible fabric which foolish people cannot see.

(Source of picture: Book builder)

OBSTACLE OR TASK

A fairy tale usually includes an obstacle or task which the characters must tackle with to reach their happy ending.  Can you think of the obstacle or task which the Emperor has to overcome?

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Do you think this story has a happily ever ending?  Some versions finish with the Emperor holding his head up high and the crowd, seeing his courage, cheer and shout "Long live the Emperor!"  Hans Christian Andersen's version does not have this ending though, do you think his story ends 'happily ever after'?

(Source of picture: Sydney Morning Herald)