Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was an Irish writer, satirist, and clergyman best known for his work Gulliver’s Travels (1726). The novel is a satirical adventure that explores human nature, politics, and society through the travels of Lemuel Gulliver. His experiences in Lilliput highlight the pettiness and ambition of rulers, reflecting Swift’s sharp critique of political power.
Lemuel Gulliver, a trained surgeon and an adventurous traveler, sets out on a sea voyage after his medical practice fails to provide financial stability. During one of his journeys aboard The Antelope, a violent storm wrecks the ship, and he is cast adrift in the ocean. After struggling in the water, he swims to an unknown shore, exhausted and unconscious. When he wakes up, he finds himself bound by tiny ropes, captured by the miniature inhabitants of Lilliput. Thus begins his strange and satirical adventure in the land of the Lilliputians.
When
Gulliver arrived on the island of Lilliput, the tiny people treated him with
caution and fear. They found him lying on the shore, asleep and exhausted.
Worried that he might be dangerous, they tied him down with small ropes and
shot tiny arrows at him when he tried to move. Although he was much bigger than
them, he did not try to harm them, which made them curious about him. They fed
him large amounts of food and drink, showing a mix of fear and hospitality.
Eventually, they transported him to the capital city on a special wooden
platform, keeping him constantly under watch.
As
Gulliver proved to be peaceful, the Emperor of Lilliput allowed him to stay,
but only under strict conditions. He had to promise to follow their laws and
serve the kingdom when needed. The Lilliputians saw his great size as a useful
advantage, especially in their war against Blefuscu. They asked him to capture
the enemy’s fleet, and he did so by pulling the ships with ropes. His success
made him popular, and the Lilliputians treated him with respect and admiration.
However, they still controlled his movements and expected him to serve their
interests.
Despite
his loyalty, Gulliver fell out of favour when he refused to help the Emperor
completely destroy Blefuscu. Some jealous ministers in the court plotted
against him, accusing him of treason. The Emperor agreed to punish him by
blinding him and starving him slowly. Learning of this cruel plan, Gulliver
decided to escape. He fled to Blefuscu, where he found a boat and eventually
left the island. His experience in Lilliput showed him how people in power can
be selfish and ungrateful, treating others kindly only when they are useful.
Book
1 “A Voyage to Lilliput” in Gulliver’s Travels as a Satire
Jonathan
Swift is regarded as one of the greatest satirists in English literature, using
sharp wit and irony to expose the hypocrisy, corruption, and absurdities of
politics, society, and human nature. In “A Voyage to Lilliput”, the first part
of Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift uses satire to criticize political
systems, human arrogance, and the triviality of conflicts. The Lilliputians,
despite their tiny size, exhibit excessive pride, deceit, and ambition,
reflecting the corruption and absurdities of real-world governments. Through
their society, Swift mocks the British monarchy, political rivalries, and
religious disputes of his time.
One
of the strongest satirical elements in Lilliput is the way political
appointments are made. Swift describes how government officials are chosen
based on their ability to perform absurd rope-dancing tricks: "When a
great office is vacant, either by death or disgrace (which often happens), five
or six of those candidates petition the Emperor to entertain His Majesty and
the court with a dance on the rope; and whoever jumps the highest without
falling, succeeds in the office." This mocks the way political leaders in
Britain gained power through favouritism and court influence rather than
competence. It highlights the foolishness of placing loyalty and entertainment
above true merit in governance.
Another
significant satire is Swift’s depiction of the war between Lilliput and
Blefuscu, which arises from a disagreement over the correct way to break an
egg. Lilliputians believe eggs should be broken from the small end, while the
people of Blefuscu insist on breaking them from the large end. Gulliver learns
that this dispute has caused violent wars and numerous deaths. The Emperor
states: "It is computed that eleven thousand persons have, at several
times, suffered death rather than submit to break their eggs at the smaller
end." This directly satirizes the conflicts between Catholics and
Protestants in 17th- and 18th-century England, particularly the violent
divisions between political factions such as the Tories and the Whigs. Swift
ridicules the way religious and political groups fought over seemingly minor
differences while ignoring more significant social issues.
The
hypocrisy and cruelty of the Lilliputians also reveal Swift’s criticism of
rulers who exploit others for their own benefit. Initially, the Lilliputians
treat Gulliver kindly and use his strength to defeat their enemies. However,
when he refuses to continue their violent agenda, they turn against him and
plot to blind and starve him: "That the said Man-Mountain shall be
deprived of his eyes; which will make him more manageable and useful, without
putting him to death." This reflects Swift’s critique of European
monarchies, particularly how rulers manipulated and disposed of those who had
served them once they were no longer useful. It also alludes to the treatment
of political figures in England who fell out of favour and were either exiled
or executed.
In
conclusion, Swift’s portrayal of the Lilliputians serves as a powerful satire
of European politics, religious conflicts, and human vanity. By exaggerating
the pride and foolishness of the Lilliputians, he exposes the corruption and
senseless disputes that characterized the political landscape of his time.
Through Gulliver’s Travels, Swift urges readers to reflect on the absurdity of
their own societies and the need for rational governance over petty rivalries. Thus
proves the words of George Orwell - “He is one of the few writers whose
satirical works have not aged, because the targets of his satire—human folly,
corruption, and pride—are permanent”
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