The Emperor's New Clothes

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a tale about the social pressures that influence decision-making and the power of trusting one’s own perception. The nameless kingdom in which the story takes place revels in spectacular displays of finery, taking after its ruler. Though the emperor is characterized as a vain ruler with a passion for acquiring fine clothes, life in his kingdom appears happy, and the citizens seem to share his enthusiasm for his wardrobe. This image obsession leaves the emperor, and his kingdom, susceptible to the swindlers’ act of deception.

The fabric promised by the two swindlers is the perfect device to undermine the kingdom’s social structure. It is purported to look “uncommonly fine” in an appeal to the emperor’s fascination with spectacular garments. Just as importantly, the fabric is said to possess the magical property of being visible only to those who are worthy, which causes the emperor, his noblemen, and the citizens of the kingdom to lose trust in their own perception. When each individual is inevitably unable to see the fabric, they pretend to see it anyway. This point is pivotal to two of the story’s key themes: