Brobdingnagians

Definition

Brobdingnagians refer to the inhabitants of Brobdingnag, a fictional land described in Jonathan Swift's satirical novel 'Gulliver's Travels'. These giants represent a critical perspective on human nature and society, as Swift uses their colossal size and contrasting values to challenge contemporary British society and politics. The Brobdingnagians embody themes of reason, morality, and the critique of power, highlighting the absurdities and flaws of human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Brobdingnagians are depicted as giant beings, which allows Swift to exaggerate human traits and societal issues by contrasting their size with that of Gulliver.
2. The Brobdingnagians are characterized by their moral superiority, showcasing a simple yet profound perspective on life compared to the corruption seen in Gulliver's own society.
3. Swift uses the interactions between Gulliver and the Brobdingnagians to critique the arrogance and flaws of European political leaders and their governance.
4. The portrayal of Brobdingnag serves as a commentary on human vanity and ambition, illustrating how these traits can lead to destructive outcomes.
5. By presenting Brobdingnag as a utopian society in some respects, Swift emphasizes the absurdity of modern civilization's values and practices through satire.

Review Questions

• How does Swift use the Brobdingnagians to critique human nature and society?
  • Swift employs the Brobdingnagians' giant stature as a means to exaggerate human traits and highlight societal flaws. Through Gulliver's interactions with these giants, he reveals their moral superiority and simpler way of life, which starkly contrasts with the corruption of European society. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful critique of human nature, emphasizing how vanity and ambition can lead to detrimental consequences in governance and social behavior.
• In what ways does the depiction of Brobdingnag challenge contemporary political structures?
  • The depiction of Brobdingnag challenges contemporary political structures by showcasing a society that values reason and morality over ambition and power. The Brobdingnagians' critical view of Gulliver’s homeland reflects Swift’s disdain for the politics of his time. Their philosophical discussions with Gulliver serve to underline the absurdities found in British politics, making readers question the legitimacy and effectiveness of their own rulers.
• Evaluate the significance of the Brobdingnagians' moral perspective in relation to other societies depicted in 'Gulliver's Travels', particularly Lilliput.
  • The moral perspective of the Brobdingnagians is significant because it offers a stark contrast to the Lilliputians, who are embroiled in petty conflicts and trivial concerns. While Lilliput represents the small-mindedness and follies of human nature, Brobdingnag serves as a reflection on what society could aspire to—wisdom and virtue. This comparison amplifies Swift's satire, suggesting that despite their size, moral integrity is far more valuable than power or status, ultimately prompting readers to rethink their own values in a flawed world.

Related terms

Gulliver's Travels:

A satirical novel by Jonathan Swift that tells the story of Lemuel Gulliver's journeys to various fantastical lands, each representing different aspects of human society and behavior.

Satire: A literary technique used to expose and criticize foolishness or corruption in individuals or society through humor, irony, or exaggeration.

Lilliputians: The tiny inhabitants of Lilliput, another fictional land in 'Gulliver's Travels', who serve as a foil to the Brobdingnagians and symbolize the pettiness of human conflict.