Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Jonathan Swift’s *Gulliver’s Travels*, published in 1726, is a landmark work of satire, employing the fantastical voyage narrative to critique 18th-century European society. Book I introduces us to Lilliput, a land of tiny people embroiled in trivial conflicts. Book II transports Gulliver to Brobdingnag, the land of giants. The question posits that Book II represents a ‘reversal’ of Book I. This implies a deliberate mirroring of structures and themes, but with altered values and targets of satire. To assess this claim, we must examine the societal structures, Gulliver’s experiences, and Swift’s satirical aims in each book, determining whether the latter genuinely inverts the former.
Book I: Lilliput – A Miniature of European Politics
Lilliput is characterized by its meticulous order, rigid social hierarchies, and petty political squabbles. The Lilliputians are obsessed with trivial matters – the correct side to break an egg – and engage in constant warfare over ideological differences. Swift satirizes the political and religious conflicts of his time, particularly the ongoing tensions between England, France, and other European powers. Gulliver, initially a giant among them, becomes entangled in their political games, highlighting the absurdity of their concerns. He is ultimately forced to flee, disillusioned by their pettiness and hypocrisy.
Book II: Brobdingnag – A Macrocosmic Critique
Brobdingnag presents a stark contrast. Here, Gulliver is the miniature figure, dwarfed by the immense scale of everything around him. The Brobdingnagians, while physically imposing, are presented as relatively rational and virtuous. Their king, in particular, is a philosopher-king who despises the deceit and ambition of European rulers. Swift uses the Brobdingnagians’ perspective to critique European customs, warfare, and political systems. Gulliver’s attempts to explain European practices are met with disgust and disbelief, exposing their inherent flaws.
The Reversal: A Comparative Analysis
The claim of reversal holds significant weight upon closer examination. Consider the following:
- Scale and Perspective: In Lilliput, Gulliver’s size grants him power and influence, but also leads to his entanglement in their trivialities. In Brobdingnag, his smallness renders him powerless and exposes him to the scrutiny of a superior moral perspective.
- Societal Values: Lilliput prioritizes superficial distinctions and petty conflicts. Brobdingnag values reason, virtue, and a pragmatic approach to life.
- Satirical Target: Lilliput satirizes the political and religious factions within Europe. Brobdingnag satirizes the very foundations of European power, ambition, and societal norms.
- Gulliver’s Role: In Lilliput, Gulliver attempts to navigate and influence their society. In Brobdingnag, he is a specimen under observation, his own society judged and found wanting.
However, the reversal isn’t absolute. Both societies are presented as flawed. The Brobdingnagians, despite their virtues, are somewhat complacent and lack the dynamism of the Lilliputians. Furthermore, Swift doesn’t offer a utopian alternative; both lands serve as cautionary tales. The reversal lies not in presenting a perfect society, but in shifting the lens through which European society is critiqued – from a focus on internal squabbles to a fundamental questioning of its values and practices.
| Feature | Book I (Lilliput) | Book II (Brobdingnag) |
|---|---|---|
| Gulliver's Size | Giant | Miniature |
| Societal Focus | Petty Politics & Religion | Reason & Virtue |
| Satirical Target | European Factions | European Systems & Values |
| Gulliver's Role | Participant/Influencer | Observed/Judged |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assertion that Book II of *Gulliver’s Travels* is a reversal of Book I is largely accurate. Swift deliberately inverts the scale, values, and satirical targets established in Lilliput, presenting a macrocosmic critique of European society through the eyes of the Brobdingnagians. While not a complete negation of the themes in Book I, the shift in perspective and the intensification of the satire demonstrate a clear and purposeful reversal. This technique allows Swift to offer a more profound and unsettling commentary on the flaws of his own society, moving beyond mere political satire to a fundamental questioning of human nature and societal structures.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.