Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Jonathan Swift’s *Gulliver’s Travels*, published in 1726, is far more than a fantastical adventure story. It is a biting satire of 18th-century British society, employing the trope of the voyage to distant lands to critique the political, social, and intellectual landscape of his time. Swift, a master of irony and exaggeration, uses the contrasting societies Gulliver encounters – Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the land of the Houyhnhnms – to hold a mirror to the perceived failings of England. The novel’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to expose universal human flaws through the lens of a specific historical context.
Lilliput and Political Factionalism
The land of Lilliput, inhabited by tiny people, primarily satirizes the intense political rivalries and petty squabbles that characterized British politics. The conflict between the Big-Endians and Little-Endians, based on the correct way to break an egg, is a direct allegory for the religious disputes between Catholics and Protestants, particularly the High Church and Low Church factions within the Church of England. Swift mocks the absurdity of these divisions and the willingness of people to fight and die over trivial matters of doctrine. The Lilliputian emperor’s methods of selecting officials – based on their ability to jump over sticks and crawl under ropes – satirize the superficiality and corruption of the British patronage system.
Brobdingnag and British Imperialism & Social Hierarchy
In Brobdingnag, the land of giants, Swift reverses the power dynamic to critique British imperialism and social inequalities. Gulliver’s diminished size renders him insignificant, forcing him to confront the arrogance and indifference of the Brobdingnagians. The King of Brobdingnag’s scathing assessment of British politics and warfare, delivered to Gulliver, is a direct indictment of British foreign policy and the perceived brutality of its imperial ambitions. The depiction of the Brobdingnagian court also satirizes the rigid social hierarchy and the ostentatious displays of wealth prevalent in British high society.
Laputa, Balnibarbi, and the Royal Society
The floating island of Laputa and the land of Balnibarbi represent Swift’s critique of scientific abstraction and impracticality. The Laputians, obsessed with abstract mathematical and scientific pursuits, are detached from reality and unable to apply their knowledge to practical problems. This is a clear satire of the Royal Society and the perceived excesses of the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason at the expense of common sense. Balnibarbi, with its failed agricultural experiments and dilapidated infrastructure, further illustrates the dangers of pursuing theoretical knowledge without considering its real-world consequences. The story of the projectors attempting to extract sunshine from cucumbers is a particularly memorable example of this folly.
The Land of the Houyhnhnms and Human Nature
The land of the Houyhnhnms, inhabited by rational horses, and the Yahoos, brutish human-like creatures, represents Swift’s most profound and pessimistic critique of human nature. The Houyhnhnms embody reason, order, and virtue, while the Yahoos represent the baser instincts of humanity – greed, pride, and savagery. Swift suggests that humans are, in essence, little better than Yahoos, and that reason is a fragile veneer that barely conceals our animalistic impulses. Gulliver’s increasing identification with the Houyhnhnms and his disgust with humanity demonstrate the depth of Swift’s disillusionment. He ultimately rejects human society, preferring the company of horses.
Satire of Legal System
Throughout *Gulliver’s Travels*, Swift subtly satirizes the British legal system. In Lilliput, the laws are based on arbitrary and illogical principles, mirroring the perceived complexities and injustices of English common law. The lengthy and convoluted legal proceedings described in the novel highlight the inefficiencies and delays that plagued the British courts. The emphasis on form over substance and the willingness of lawyers to exploit loopholes are also targets of Swift’s satire.
Satire of Social Customs
Swift also satirizes various social customs of his time. The Lilliputian practice of burying their dead headfirst is a jab at British burial customs. The elaborate etiquette and social rituals of the Brobdingnagian court are a parody of the artificiality and pretension of British high society. The emphasis on status and appearance, and the obsession with trivial matters, are all targets of Swift’s satirical gaze.
Conclusion
In conclusion, *Gulliver’s Travels* is a multifaceted satire that exposes the flaws and follies of 18th-century British society. Through the ingenious use of fantastical settings and characters, Swift critiques political factionalism, imperial ambition, scientific hubris, and the inherent imperfections of human nature. The novel’s enduring power lies in its ability to transcend its historical context and offer a timeless commentary on the human condition, prompting readers to question the values and assumptions of their own societies.
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.