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New editions ofRoald Dahl’s books have undergone some changes.
Select works of the children’s author — who’s known for penning classics such asCharlie and the Chocolate Factory,Matilda,Fantastic Mr. FoxandJames and the Giant Peach— have been edited in an effort to remove offensive language and promote more inclusivity, according to anew reportfrom theTelegraph.
Formerly “fat” and “ugly” characters in Dahl’s world of literature are now described with other adjectives. Publisher Puffin wrote in a statement included in the books that “words matter.”
In theTelegraphreport, it’s revealed that such changes reach far and wide — from the Oompa Loompas inCharlie and the Chocolate Factorynow being gender neutral to antagonist Miss Trunchbull inMatildanow being the “most formidable woman” rather than the “most formidable female.”
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The report compared 2001 editions of Dahl’s children’s books to the 2022 editions, with some changes taking place throughout many of his works. For example, the word “fat” is no longer used in 1978’sThe Enormous Crocodile, 1961’sJames and the Giant Peach, 1980’sThe Twits, and 1983’sThe Witches. Augustus Gloop, once referred to as a “fat” character from the classicCharlie and the Chocolate Factorystory is now simply “enormous.”
Similarly, the word “ugly” was scrapped from select Dahl titles, the publication reports. InThe Twits, Mrs. Twit is now no longer “ugly and beastly” but simply a “beastly” character.
Additionally, Oompa Loompas inCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryare no longer a group of “small men,” but rather “small people,” whereas the Cloud-Men inJames and the Giant Peachare “Cloud-People” in story updates.
Puffin made the changes alongside the Roald Dahl Story Company and company Inclusive Minds, with a Roald Dahl Story Company spokesperson saying that “it’s not unusual to review the language used alongside updating other details, including a book’s cover and page layout,” perThe Guardian.
“Our guiding principle throughout has been to maintain the storylines, characters, and the irreverence and sharp-edged spirit of the original text,” the company shared. “Any changes made have been small and carefully considered.”
NovelistSalman Rushdiecalled the changes of Dahl’s books “absurd censorship.”
“Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship,” Rushdie wrote onTwitter. “Puffin Books and the Dahl estate should be ashamed.”
This is not the first time children’s literature has been edited or pulled following reevaluations. In March 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced thatsix titlesfrom the author’s bibliography were being shelved for good due to racist and insensitive imagery —McElligot’s Pool,On Beyond Zebra!,Scrambled Eggs Super!,The Cat’s Quizzer,And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry StreetandIf I Ran the Zoo.
“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company committed to preserving the work of Theodor Seuss Geisel, stated at the time.
“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises' catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” the company added.
source: people.com
