Lemuel Gulliver

Definition

Lemuel Gulliver is the fictional protagonist of Jonathan Swift's satirical novel 'Gulliver's Travels,' first published in 1726. He is a ship's surgeon who embarks on a series of fantastical voyages that expose him to various strange societies, highlighting the absurdities and flaws of human nature and society. Through his adventures, Gulliver serves as a vehicle for Swift’s sharp social criticism and commentary on politics, science, and human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gulliver's Travels critiques various aspects of 18th-century British society, including politics, religion, and science through the lens of Gulliver's experiences.
2. Gulliver's character evolves throughout the narrative; his initial naivety becomes increasingly disillusioned as he encounters more absurd societies.
3. Swift uses Gulliver’s voyages to illustrate the theme of relativism, showing how different cultures can reflect both admirable and despicable traits.
4. The character of Gulliver represents the everyman, allowing readers to connect with his frustrations and revelations about society.
5. Gulliver ultimately becomes disenchanted with humanity after his experiences, preferring the company of horses (the Houyhnhnms) over humans (the Yahoos).

Review Questions

• How does Lemuel Gulliver serve as a critique of human nature in Swift's narrative?
  • Lemuel Gulliver embodies the complexities of human nature by experiencing various cultures that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of humanity. Through his interactions with societies like Lilliput and Brobdingnag, Gulliver witnesses absurdities in human behavior such as pettiness and pride. As he encounters the rational Houyhnhnms, he begins to see the stark contrast between their logical society and the flawed nature of humans, thus critiquing the very essence of human existence.
• In what ways does Swift use Gulliver’s travels to critique contemporary British society and politics?
  • Swift employs Gulliver's travels as a mirror to reflect contemporary British society, using satire to expose its shortcomings. For instance, the political struggles in Lilliput parody the petty conflicts among British political factions. Additionally, through Gulliver’s encounters with various forms of government and societal structures across different lands, Swift critiques corruption, war, and hypocrisy prevalent in 18th-century Britain, prompting readers to reconsider their own societal norms.
• Evaluate how Gulliver’s character development throughout his travels impacts the overall message of 'Gulliver's Travels.'
  • Gulliver’s character transformation from an optimistic explorer to a disillusioned critic plays a crucial role in conveying Swift’s message about humanity. Initially eager and curious about new experiences, he becomes increasingly frustrated and alienated as he confronts the absurdity and moral failings of mankind. This evolution underscores Swift’s commentary on human folly and the inherent flaws within civilization. Ultimately, Gulliver’s rejection of humanity in favor of the rational Houyhnhnms encapsulates Swift’s bleak view on human nature and societal progress.

Related terms

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock social, political, or moral issues.

Lilliput: The fictional island in 'Gulliver's Travels' where Gulliver first lands, inhabited by tiny people who exemplify the pettiness of human conflict.

Houyhnhnms: Rational horse-like beings in 'Gulliver's Travels' that represent an ideal society based on reason and logic, contrasting sharply with the brutish Yahoos, who symbolize humanity's basest instincts.