Bowdlerize vs. Elide

Attribute	Bowdlerize	Elide
Definition	To remove or modify parts of a text considered offensive or inappropriate	To omit or suppress parts of a text for brevity or clarity
Origin	Named after Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare's works	From Latin "elidere" meaning to strike out or suppress
Purpose	To make a text more suitable for a particular audience	To condense or simplify a text without changing its meaning
Application	Commonly used in literature and media to censor offensive content	Used in editing and writing to improve clarity and conciseness

Definition

Bowdlerize and elide are two terms that are often used in discussions about editing and censorship. Bowdlerize refers to the act of removing material that is considered offensive or inappropriate from a text, while elide refers to the act of omitting or suppressing parts of a text. Both processes involve altering the original content of a text, but they do so in slightly different ways.

Method

When it comes to bowdlerizing a text, the focus is on removing specific words, phrases, or passages that are deemed offensive or inappropriate. This can involve replacing offensive language with more socially acceptable terms, or simply deleting the offending material altogether. Eliding, on the other hand, involves omitting or suppressing parts of a text without necessarily replacing them with anything else. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to shorten the text or to make it more concise.

Intent

One key difference between bowdlerizing and eliding is the intent behind the editing process. Bowdlerizing is typically done with the intention of making a text more suitable for a particular audience, such as children or those with sensitive sensibilities. The goal is to remove potentially offensive or inappropriate material in order to make the text more palatable to the intended readers. Eliding, on the other hand, may be done for a variety of reasons, such as to improve the flow of the text or to remove extraneous information.

Impact

Both bowdlerizing and eliding can have a significant impact on the overall meaning and tone of a text. When material is bowdlerized, the original intent of the author may be altered or obscured, leading to a distortion of the text's message. Similarly, when parts of a text are elided, important information or context may be lost, resulting in a less complete or nuanced understanding of the text. In both cases, the editing process can have a profound effect on how the text is interpreted by readers.

Controversy

Both bowdlerizing and eliding are controversial practices that have sparked debate among scholars, writers, and readers. Some argue that bowdlerizing a text is a form of censorship that undermines the author's original intent and artistic vision. Others believe that bowdlerizing is necessary in order to make certain texts accessible to a wider audience. Eliding, on the other hand, is often seen as a more subtle form of editing that can be used to improve the clarity and readability of a text without fundamentally altering its meaning.

Examples

One famous example of bowdlerizing a text is Thomas Bowdler's edition of Shakespeare's plays, which removed or altered passages that were deemed inappropriate for women and children. This edition, known as "The Family Shakespeare," was published in the early 19th century and became widely popular. In contrast, an example of eliding a text can be seen in Ernest Hemingway's minimalist writing style, which often omits extraneous details in order to create a more streamlined and impactful narrative.