The houyhnhnms

Definition

The houyhnhnms are a fictional race of intelligent horses created by Jonathan Swift in his satirical work 'Gulliver's Travels.' They represent an idealized society that embodies reason, rationality, and virtue, contrasting sharply with the flaws of human beings. Through the houyhnhnms, Swift critiques human nature and societal norms by illustrating the superiority of a culture based on logic and harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The houyhnhnms live in a society governed by reason and logic, with no concept of lies or deception.
2. They communicate through a form of language that reflects their rational nature, lacking words for concepts like 'lie' or 'deceit.'
3. In contrast to humans, who are flawed and often driven by base instincts, the houyhnhnms exhibit traits such as honesty, loyalty, and moral integrity.
4. Gulliver becomes enamored with the houyhnhnms and views them as a model for human behavior, leading him to despair over his own species.
5. Swift uses the houyhnhnms to explore themes of enlightenment thinking, questioning whether humanity can achieve a similar state of rationality.

Review Questions

• How do the houyhnhnms serve as a contrast to human beings in 'Gulliver's Travels'?
  • The houyhnhnms serve as a stark contrast to human beings by embodying qualities such as reason, honesty, and harmony. While humans are depicted as flawed and driven by base instincts, the houyhnhnms operate in a society devoid of lies or greed. This juxtaposition highlights Swift's critique of human nature and suggests that true virtue is achievable only through rationality.
• Discuss the role of satire in Swift's portrayal of the houyhnhnms and their society.
  • Satire plays a crucial role in Swift's portrayal of the houyhnhnms, as it allows him to critique human society by showcasing an idealized culture based on reason. By contrasting the rationality of the houyhnhnms with the baseness of the Yahoos, Swift exposes the absurdities and vices present in contemporary society. This satirical lens prompts readers to reflect on their own behaviors and societal norms.
• Evaluate how Swift's depiction of the houyhnhnms reflects Enlightenment ideals and its implications for humanity.
  • Swift's depiction of the houyhnhnms reflects Enlightenment ideals by emphasizing reason as a pathway to an ideal society. The rationality and virtue exhibited by these creatures suggest that humanity could potentially reach a higher moral standard if guided by logic. However, Swift’s ultimate conclusion is one of despair; he implies that humanity's inherent flaws prevent us from achieving such a state, thus challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their nature.

Related terms

Yahoos: The Yahoos are brutish, degenerate creatures in 'Gulliver's Travels' that symbolize the worst aspects of humanity, serving as a foil to the rational houyhnhnms.

Satire: A literary technique employed by Swift to expose and criticize folly or vice through humor, irony, or exaggeration, particularly evident in his portrayal of the houyhnhnms.

Rationalism: An intellectual movement that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge, which is central to the philosophy of the houyhnhnms and their society.