The Emperor's New Clothes \\ Critical Failure By Groupthink

Charles Perrault's 'Sleeping Beauty' tells the story of a princess cursed by an evil fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a hundred-year sleep. A good fairy softens the curse, decreeing that she will be awakened by a prince's kiss. After a century, a brave prince discovers the castle hidden deep within a forest and awakens the princess with a kiss. The entire castle awakens with her, and the prince and princess marry, leading to a tale of fate, love, and the triumph of good over evil.

Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier' tells the story of a tin soldier with only one leg, who falls deeply in love with a paper ballerina. Despite their physical separation, the soldier's love for the ballerina remains unwavering. The soldier endures various trials, including falling out of a window and being swallowed by a fish, but his love for the ballerina never falters. Ultimately, both the tin soldier and the paper ballerina are consumed by flames, and their hearts are joined together in the form of a tin heart and a sequin. The tale is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, perseverance, and the enduring power of affection.

The Brothers Grimm's 'Rapunzel' tells the story of a young woman with extraordinarily long hair, who is locked away in a tower by an enchantress. In exchange for lettuce from a nearby garden, Rapunzel's parents promised her to the enchantress, Dame Gothel. As Rapunzel grows, Dame Gothel locks her in a tower with no stairs or doors, and the only way to enter is by calling out, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair,' which Rapunzel would then lower for the enchantress to climb. A prince discovers Rapunzel and eventually rescues her, leading to a tale of love, freedom, and overcoming adversity.

In this tale, Little Red Riding Hood is tasked by her mother to deliver food to her sick grandmother who lives in a different village. On her way through the woods, she meets a wolf who tricks her and eats her grandmother. The wolf then disguises himself as the grandmother and waits for Little Red Riding Hood. In the Grimm version, a huntsman saves the day by cutting open the wolf's stomach, freeing Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother. They then fill the wolf's stomach with stones, leading to the wolf's death.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

In this adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid', Fred Crump Jr. retells the story with vivid illustrations. The tale follows Sea Princess Ondina, who longs for life on land and embarks on a journey to find her prince. This version is updated specifically for children of color, making the classic fairytale more inclusive and diverse.

The story follows a duckling who is ostracized by his family and the other animals in the farmyard because of his ugly appearance. He endures various hardships, including living with wild ducks, geese, and an old woman, before finally discovering his true identity as a swan. The tale explores themes of self-acceptance, inner beauty, and the journey to finding one's place in the world.

Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

Cinderella is a classic fairytale about a young woman who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her fairy godmother, she attends a royal ball and falls in love with the prince. The story is known for its themes of hope, perseverance, and finding true love. It has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions.

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

The story of 'Hansel and Gretel' tells the tale of two siblings abandoned in a forest by their parents during a time of famine. The children use their ingenuity to find their way back home after being left twice. They encounter a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread and candy, but they outsmart her and ultimately return home to find their stepmother dead and their father welcoming them back. The story is rooted in historical events such as the Great Famine of 1315-1317 in Europe and reflects the harsh realities of survival during such times.

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing bread, seeks redemption after being freed. Pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert, he becomes a benefactor to Fantine, a struggling single mother, and vows to protect her daughter, Cosette. As Valjean evades capture while improving the lives of others, the story explores themes of justice, mercy, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst poverty and social injustice. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, the narrative culminates in the Paris Uprising of 1832, where the characters' fates intertwine. 'Les Misérables' is a sprawling epic that examines moral dilemmas and the fight for dignity.

In 'The Emperor's New Clothes', Hans Christian Andersen crafts a tale of vanity and deception. The story revolves around an emperor obsessed with his appearance, who is tricked by two swindlers into believing he has been given magical clothes that are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position. The emperor and his courtiers pretend to see the clothes, fearing they will be deemed foolish if they admit the truth. The illusion is shattered when a child innocently points out that the emperor is wearing nothing. This tale explores themes of pride, honesty, and the power of truth.