The Emperor's Procession
1 Many years ago in a faraway land, there lived an Emperor who, above all else, was known for his fondness of new clothes. Over the years, he spent vast sums of money on expanding his wardrobe. One day, two mysterious strangers calling themselves weavers arrived in the city and arranged to meet with the Emperor. They told him of the magnificent garments they made of the finest cloth, creations that were invisible to those who were unintelligent or unfit for their positions. The Emperor generously compensated the weavers to make an outfit for him. When the time came to don the garments and lead a procession through the streets, he admired his reflection one last time before stepping outside. . .

2 Why, the only clothes I see in the full-length mirror are the undershirt and long johns I put on to protect myself from the biting cold. Of course, I cannot share that with anybody else, lest they think I’m not worthy of my position. Fortunately, based on what my trusted palace official said about my new outfit, I have complete certainty that the patterns and colors are utterly exquisite. . .

3 The Emperor proudly stepped outside to the admiration of everyone in the crowd. Well, almost everyone. . . .

4 The Emperor is always beautifully dressed, so when I saw him step into the street wearing only his undergarments, how could I not giggle? The daggers in my father’s eyes silenced my laughter, but can I really be the only one who has noticed this? When I heard what the other bystanders were saying, you could have knocked me over with a feather!

5 The Emperor walked more slowly than necessary down that wide main street. He waved to each and every one of his subjects, giving adults and children alike the opportunity to admire his grand ensemble. He took comfort in the fact that those he led were worthy and intelligent, as they all seemed perfectly capable of seeing the elegant fabric. The crowd’s flattering remarks gave him confidence, prompting him to lift his head even higher.

6 It would please me greatly to see what the tailors created, but I am assured by the voices reaching me from all directions that I look simply superb. The noblemen trailing behind me are ever so carefully holding the flowing train to stop it from touching the ground. Indeed, I am full of joy knowing that my delicate silk and fabric woven from golden thread have made me the envy of the land!

7 In fact, the Emperor was so pleased with the crowd’s response to his new garments that he did not notice the confused and astonished face of a boy standing next to his very stern father.

8 I know Father will not approve, but I simply must say something! How can I go along with such utter nonsense? I must shout it out or I will burst from the ridiculousness!

9 “He isn’t wearing anything but his undergarments!”

10 The cry came out from the boy’s mouth just as the Emperor passed him and his father. It was met with gasps and horrified expressions, but then something strange began to happen. One after another, members of the crowd began to voice their agreement, until soon there were shouts of support from dozens of spectators. They all admitted that they could not see fine cloth of any sort.

11 The Emperor, proud and arrogant just a moment before, crumpled like a dry leaf with each step. He picked up the pace and urged his attendants to walk faster, as well.

12 I’ve been tricked! How humiliating to be the joke of my people, standing here in my undergarments, realizing that my noblemen have been grasping nothing but thin air! By now, those tricksters have likely fled the city. Oh, how I wish that I, like that boy in the crowd, would have had the courage to speak the truth.



#1 How does the author use foreshadowing in paragraph 1 to develop the plot?

Responses

1. The author refers to “a faraway land” to hint at where most of the story’s action will take place.

2. The author refers to the Emperor’s “fondness of new clothes” to hint at the nature of the main conflict.

3. The author refers to “two mysterious strangers calling themselves weavers” to hint that they will do something dishonest.

4. The author refers to “magnificent garments” to hint that the Emperor will love his new clothing.