Several Roald Dahl children’s books have had their language changed to be less offensive and more inclusive
Roald Dahl’s works have received some alterations in new versions.
The children’s novelist, best known for writing beloved books including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and James and the Giant Peach, has had some of her works modified to eliminate inappropriate language to encourage greater inclusivity, the Telegraph has learned.
The changes to texts clearly show disrespect to the author’s works as they continue to go forward with these changes.
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.”
The character Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is no longer called “fat.” Instead he is described as “enormous,” The Telegraph reports.
Instead of being called “small men,” Oompa-Loompas are now “small people,” the article says.
Across his beloved children’s books, hundreds of the author’s words have been changed or entirely removed in a bid for ‘relevancy’
“The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvelous characters,” the statement reads. “This book was written many years ago, and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.”
In the Telegraph report, it’s revealed that such changes reach far and wide — from the Oompa Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory now being gender neutral to antagonist Miss Trunchbull in Matilda now being the “most formidable woman” rather than the “most formidable female.”
Puffin and The Roald Dahl Story Company, which manages the copyrights of Dahl’s books and works with publishers, didn’t respond to NPR’s requests for comment.
But The Roald Dahl Story Company told The Associated Press that it worked with Puffin to review the books out of a desire to ensure “Dahl’s wonderful stories and characters continue to be enjoyed by all children today.” The company said it worked with Inclusive Minds, an organization that works for inclusivity in children’s books. Changes were “small and carefully considered,” the company told the AP.
Literature is being destroyed by minority minds who obviously do not appreciate a good book.
“Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship. Puffin Books and the Dahl estate should be ashamed,” Rushdie tweeted.
