Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Jonathan Swift’s *Gulliver’s Travels*, published in 1726, is widely recognized as a masterpiece of satire. While ostensibly an adventure narrative, the novel functions as a scathing critique of European society, and particularly, England’s political landscape and its rapidly expanding imperial ambitions. The Age of Enlightenment, coupled with England’s naval and commercial successes, saw the nation ascend to a position of global dominance. However, this rise was accompanied by moral compromises and political corruption. Swift, a keen observer of his time, employed the genre of the travelogue to expose these flaws, using the fantastical voyages of Lemuel Gulliver to hold a mirror to English society and its growing power.
Historical Context: England’s Ascendancy
The early 18th century witnessed England’s transformation into a major global power. Victories in wars like the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) solidified its position. The Act of Union in 1707 created Great Britain, uniting England and Scotland, and expanding its territorial and economic reach. The burgeoning mercantile system and colonial expansion, particularly in India and the Americas, fueled economic growth but also led to exploitation and conflict. This context is crucial for understanding Swift’s critique.
Lilliput: A Satire of English Politics
The land of Lilliput, inhabited by tiny people, is perhaps the most famous episode in *Gulliver’s Travels*. Swift uses the Lilliputians’ trivial disputes – the debate over whether to break eggs at the big or little end – to satirize the petty factionalism and religious conflicts that plagued English politics. The High Heels and Low Heels represent the Tories and Whigs, respectively, highlighting the absurdity of their ideological battles. Gulliver’s ability to easily dominate the Lilliputians reflects England’s growing military and political power, but also suggests the potential for abuse of that power. The Lilliputian court’s obsession with trivial matters and their elaborate rituals mock the pomp and ceremony of the English court.
Brobdingnag: A Critique of English Hubris
In contrast to Lilliput, Brobdingnag is a land of giants. Here, Gulliver is diminished and becomes an object of curiosity and amusement. This reversal of scale serves to critique English arrogance and self-importance. The King of Brobdingnag, a wise and just ruler, is appalled by Gulliver’s descriptions of European warfare and political machinations, viewing them as barbaric and pointless. This represents Swift’s condemnation of England’s aggressive foreign policy and its pursuit of power at any cost. The King’s rejection of Gulliver’s proposals for weaponry demonstrates a moral superiority that implicitly indicts English ambition.
Houyhnhnms and Yahoos: A Commentary on Human Nature and Colonialism
The final voyage to the land of the Houyhnhnms, rational horses, and the Yahoos, brutish human-like creatures, is the most radical and disturbing part of the novel. The Houyhnhnms represent reason and order, while the Yahoos embody human irrationality, greed, and savagery. Swift uses this allegory to suggest that humans are inherently flawed and that civilization is a fragile construct. Crucially, the Yahoos are often depicted engaging in behaviors reminiscent of colonial exploitation and oppression, suggesting that colonialism reveals the basest instincts of human nature. The Yahoos’ resemblance to native populations in colonized lands is a pointed critique of the dehumanizing effects of imperialism.
Swift’s Use of Irony and Perspective
Throughout *Gulliver’s Travels*, Swift masterfully employs irony and shifting perspectives. Gulliver’s initial admiration for the societies he encounters is gradually replaced by disillusionment and disgust. This reflects Swift’s own evolving critique of English society. The novel’s ambiguous ending, with Gulliver’s rejection of humanity and his preference for the company of horses, underscores the depth of Swift’s pessimism and his profound dissatisfaction with the state of the world. The very act of presenting these fantastical voyages as “true” travel accounts adds another layer of satirical commentary, challenging the reader to question the narratives they are presented with.
| Land | Satirical Target | Allegorical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Lilliput | English Politics, Religious Conflict | Petty disputes, factionalism, and the absurdity of power struggles. |
| Brobdingnag | English Hubris, Imperial Ambition | Critique of English arrogance and the moral failings of colonialism. |
| Houyhnhnms/Yahoos | Human Nature, Colonialism | Exploration of human irrationality and the dehumanizing effects of power. |
Conclusion
Through *Gulliver’s Travels*, Jonathan Swift delivers a powerful and enduring critique of England’s growing power and its attendant moral compromises. By employing satire, irony, and fantastical settings, he exposes the flaws of English politics, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the inherent contradictions of human nature. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the importance of reason, humility, and compassion. Swift’s work remains relevant today, prompting us to critically examine our own societies and the exercise of power on a global scale.
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.