The Ethics of Altering Classic Literature

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"Balancing the need for accessibility with the importance of preserving context and authorial intent."

Fandango’s Provocative Question #204

How do you feel about book publishers altering the language in classic books to “sanitize” them by eliminating or changing words, phrases, and sentiments that some readers might find upsetting? Is it wrong to rewrite the words of a published author, living or dead, without the author’s permission?
As a lover of literature, I have mixed feelings about publishers altering the language in classic books to "sanitize" them. On one hand, I understand the desire to make these works more accessible and inclusive to readers who may find certain words, phrases, or sentiments upsetting. However, on the other hand, I believe that it's important to preserve the original language and context of these works in order to fully appreciate and understand them.

It's a difficult question to answer whether it's wrong to rewrite the words of a published author, living or dead, without their permission. On one hand, as the author of the work, they have a right to maintain control over the language and content of their creation. On the other hand, as society evolves and our understanding of certain issues changes, it may be necessary to update the language in order to reflect these changes and ensure that the work remains relevant.

Ultimately, I believe that any alterations to a classic work of literature should be done with great care and consideration. It's important to weigh the benefits of making the work more accessible to a wider audience against the potential loss of the original language and context. If changes are made, they should be done in consultation with experts and with the utmost respect for the author's intent and legacy.

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