Gulliver’s Travels is a classic work of literature that has been enjoyed by readers for centuries. Written by Jonathan Swift, this four-part satirical work was published anonymously in 1726 and is considered a keystone of English literature. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of fantastic lands and creatures, but it is also an allegory that satirizes many aspects of human society.
In Gulliver’s Travels, Swift uses the character of Gulliver to explore various themes and issues, such as politics, religion, and human nature. The novel is divided into four parts, each of which takes place in a different imaginary land. In each land, Gulliver encounters different societies and cultures, and Swift uses these encounters to comment on the flaws and follies of human society.
While Gulliver’s Travels is a work of fiction, it is also a powerful allegory that has been interpreted in many different ways. Some readers see the novel as a critique of British society and politics, while others see it as a commentary on human nature and the human condition. In this article, we will explore the allegorical elements of Gulliver’s Travels and examine how Swift uses the novel to satirize various aspects of society.
Historical Context
Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift in the 18th century, was a satirical work that reflected the social, political, and cultural climate of the time. Swift’s work was a response to the political turmoil and social upheaval that characterized England during this period.
Satire of 18th Century Society
Swift used the character of Lemuel Gulliver to satirize the various aspects of 18th century society. The novel is full of biting commentary on the vanity, greed, and corruption of the ruling class, as well as the hypocrisy and ignorance of the masses. Swift’s use of exaggeration and absurdity helped to highlight the absurdity of the social norms and conventions of the time.
Political Allegory
Gulliver’s Travels is also a political allegory that reflects the political climate of the time. Swift used the novel to criticize the Whigs, who were the ruling party at the time. The novel is full of criticisms of the Whigs, who Swift saw as corrupt and self-serving. Swift’s use of allegory allowed him to criticize the Whigs without directly attacking them.
Cultural Critique
Gulliver’s Travels is also a cultural critique that reflects the cultural climate of the time. Swift used the novel to criticize various aspects of English culture, including its obsession with reason and science. Swift saw this obsession as a threat to traditional values and beliefs. Swift’s use of satire and exaggeration allowed him to criticize these aspects of English culture in a way that was both humorous and thought-provoking.
Main Characters as Symbols
Gulliver as Everyman
Gulliver, the protagonist of the story, represents the common man. He is an ordinary person who is thrown into extraordinary situations. As he travels to different lands, he encounters a variety of people and cultures that challenge his beliefs and values. Through his experiences, Gulliver learns about the flaws and limitations of humanity. He is a symbol of the everyman who is on a journey of self-discovery.
Lilliputians and the Petty Politics
The Lilliputians symbolize the small-mindedness of human beings. They are obsessed with trivial matters such as the proper way to crack an egg, and they are willing to go to war over such issues. The petty politics of the Lilliputians highlight the absurdity of human behavior. They are a symbol of the pettiness and narrow-mindedness that often characterizes human interactions.
Brobdingnagians and Moral Superiority
The Brobdingnagians are giants who tower over Gulliver. They represent the moral superiority of a higher being. They are kind, just, and wise, and they are able to see through the flaws and weaknesses of humanity. Their size and strength symbolize the power that comes with moral superiority. The Brobdingnagians are a reminder that there are higher values and principles that humans should strive to achieve.
Houyhnhnms as Ideal Rational Beings
The Houyhnhnms are a race of intelligent horses who are rational and logical. They represent the ideal of rationality and reason. They are able to think clearly and logically, and they are free from the irrational and emotional impulses that often drive human behavior. The Houyhnhnms are a symbol of the power of reason and the importance of logic and rationality in human affairs.
In summary, the main characters in Gulliver’s Travels are used as symbols to represent various aspects of human nature and behavior. Gulliver represents the everyman who is on a journey of self-discovery, while the Lilliputians and Brobdingnagians represent the pettiness and moral superiority of humanity, respectively. The Houyhnhnms symbolize the ideal of rationality and reason. Through these symbols, Jonathan Swift critiques contemporary philosophies and customs.
Themes and Motifs
Power and Corruption
One of the central themes in Gulliver’s Travels is the question of power and corruption. Swift explores this theme through his portrayal of the various societies that Gulliver encounters on his travels. In Lilliput, for example, Swift satirizes the corrupt nature of political power by depicting a society in which the emperor is more concerned with trivial matters than with the welfare of his people. Similarly, in Brobdingnag, Swift criticizes the corrupting influence of wealth and power by showing how the king’s court is filled with flatterers and sycophants.
Conflict of Appearance and Reality
Another important theme in Gulliver’s Travels is the conflict between appearance and reality. Swift uses this theme to critique the hypocrisy and superficiality of society. For example, in Luggnagg, Gulliver encounters a group of people who have the ability to see into the future. However, instead of using this power for good, they use it to deceive others and gain power and influence. Similarly, in Laputa, Swift satirizes the obsession with science and technology by showing how the people of Laputa are so consumed with their own intellectual pursuits that they are completely disconnected from the real world.
The Role of the Individual in Society
Finally, Gulliver’s Travels explores the role of the individual in society. Swift uses this theme to critique the conformist nature of society and to champion the importance of individuality and free thought. For example, in Houyhnhnmland, Gulliver encounters a society in which everyone is equal and there is no such thing as private property. However, Swift also shows how this society is oppressive and restrictive, with no room for individuality or creativity. Ultimately, Swift argues that the ideal society is one that balances the needs of the individual with the needs of the community as a whole.
Literary Devices
Irony and Sarcasm
Gulliver’s Travels is full of irony and sarcasm, which Jonathan Swift used to criticize the society of his time. For instance, in the first book, Gulliver is initially tied up by the Lilliputians, who are only six inches tall. It is ironic that such small creatures can overpower a man, and this is a metaphor for the way that those in power can oppress those who are smaller or weaker than them. Another example of irony is the way that the people of Luggnagg, who are immortal, are actually miserable and unhappy, while the Struldbrugs, who are also immortal, are cursed with old age and infirmity.
Imagery and Symbolism
Swift uses imagery and symbolism to convey his ideas in Gulliver’s Travels. For example, the floating island of Laputa, which represents the world of science and reason, is a symbol of the way that people can become so focused on their own interests that they lose touch with reality. Similarly, the horses or Houyhnhnms, who represent reason and morality, are used to show the folly of human society, which is often driven by greed and self-interest. Swift also uses vivid imagery to describe the grotesque and absurd creatures that Gulliver encounters on his travels, which adds to the satirical tone of the novel.
In conclusion, the use of literary devices in Gulliver’s Travels is essential to the novel’s success. Irony and sarcasm are used to criticize the society of Swift’s time, while imagery and symbolism are used to convey his ideas in a vivid and memorable way.
Reception and Interpretation
Initial Reception
Upon its publication, Gulliver’s Travels was met with mixed reviews. While some praised the book’s satirical wit and imaginative storytelling, others criticized it for its crude language and scatological humor. Despite this, the book became an instant bestseller and has remained a beloved classic of English literature.
In the years following its publication, many readers and critics have interpreted Gulliver’s Travels as a political allegory. Some have seen the book as a critique of the Whig Party, while others have argued that it satirizes the corruption and hypocrisy of the English government. Still others have interpreted the book as a commentary on human nature and the follies of mankind.
Modern Perspectives
In recent years, scholars and critics have continued to explore the many layers of meaning in Gulliver’s Travels. Some have focused on the book’s use of allegory and symbolism, while others have examined its themes of power, authority, and identity. Many have also explored the book’s treatment of gender and sexuality, as well as its portrayal of colonialism and imperialism.
Despite the many different interpretations of Gulliver’s Travels, one thing is clear: the book continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations of scholars and critics. Through its timeless humor and sharp social commentary, Gulliver’s Travels remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature.