Character Analysis in Gulliver's Travels

A “demesne” is land that one legally owns, or private property. Typically, a demesne is exclusively for the use of the owner and not for the use of any citizens of the surrounding land. Gulliver makes it clear that the Prince is no exception to this rule; the Prince uses his land only for himself and rarely gives financial aid to his subjects, characterizing him as selfish and greedy.

Again, Gulliver shows consideration for people of different circumstances. Gulliver is careful to take into account that his size may be an inconvenience and discomfort to those that are smaller than him. However, note that this is not instinctual; Swift illustrates that Gulliver develops this ethic over time spent with the Lilliputians.

“Circumspection” refers to the ability to take all circumstances and possible outcomes into account. Gulliver’s giant size means that he is a constant threat to the Lilliputians, even if he does not intend to be. However, he learns to be incredibly mindful and considerate of them, never exercising even half of the power that he could over them.

Note that Gulliver never stays at home for very long. If we consider his experiences during each of his voyages, Gulliver almost always gets into a position that requires him to move on—in other words, he is never able to settle comfortably anywhere. Swift uses Gulliver, in part, to represent a man who never quite belongs anywhere. He is merely an observer, always outside his society.

Here, Swift introduces clothing as a symbol for change. Throughout the rest of the novel, whenever Gulliver enters a new environment, or gains a new perspective, his clothing will change. Clothing becomes a way for Swift to illustrate both a change in Gulliver’s perspective and his tremendous adaptability when he finds himself in an unfamiliar land.

The words "Nanunculus" and "Homunceletino" don't exist in either Latin or Italian. Swift could be having fun with language or subtly satirizing Gulliver for his deficient language skills.

Things that the queen considers harmless can potentially place Gulliver in great danger due to his size. The queen ignorantly expects someone in very different circumstances to behave as if they have the same privilege that she does. By highlighting the absurdity of this, Swift uses the queen to satirize the ignorance and insensitivity of colonial superpowers.

The dwarf has been marginalized and treated cruelly by his own society, but he now uses his size to treat Gulliver in the same way. The dwarf’s crude treatment of someone smaller than himself is another way that Swift highlights the unethical use of physical advantage.

The farmer grows more and more greedy to profit from Gulliver. He continues to exercise his physical power over Gulliver despite the fact that the intensive “performances” are harming Gulliver. The farmer treats Gulliver like a puppet, but it is negligence, not malice, that harms Gulliver.

Gulliver is able to see the Brobdingnagians as they might see each other. He recognizes that his aversion to their smell is due to his smaller size and not because they objectively smell bad. Thus, when Gulliver recalls that a citizen of Lilliput told Gulliver of his bad smell, Swift characterizes Gulliver as being more sensitive to people’s differences than the Lilliputians.

“Panegyric” means a speech of elaborate praise. Gulliver has delivered a panegyric of British society and omitted the uglier aspects in order to paint Britain in a better light. However, while Gulliver preaches that all information must be included for the sake of candor, he only follows this when it best suits him. Gulliver does not hesitate to shed light on the negative parts of other societies, but will omit details if it makes Britain (and himself) look better.

The fact that Gulliver states that he was “forced” to visit his family is very telling. He does not show the least excitement to be back at home with his family for the first time in years. In fact, it seems like a chore. Gulliver is continually drawn to adventure and feels little to no attachment to his family.

Recall that Gulliver used these exact words to explain why he wanted to bring the Lilliputian people and animals to England. However, now that Gulliver is the one at a disadvantage, he likens it to being a “disgrace.” Note though, that Gulliver does not reflect on his treatment of the Lilliputians here even though the parallel may be obvious to a reader.

The king is so consumed with his work that he takes no notice when someone comes to speak with him, even when it is a matter of great importance. The king’s apathy satirizes European governments that are so distracted by their own endeavors that they ignore the needs of the citizens.

The king of Laputa punishes citizens who live on the continent directly under the island by causing draughts or hailing down rocks if they do not obey him or decide to rebel. He is a perfect example of a monarch that abuses his physical power over those who are, in this case literally, beneath him.

Gulliver is an ordinary person, not rich in goods or prestige, and this line reminds us of this. Many people with great ideas imagine how they might change the world if given the chance. Gulliver is relatable in that he is a regular person who sometimes finds himself dreaming of being a leader. Gulliver thinks immortality could offer him this.

The fourth voyage differs from the first three in that Gulliver not only critiques European culture, but he begins to despise and repudiate it. Gulliver sees the Houyhnhnm language as more intricate than his own and even regrets translating their words into “barbarous” English. Swift uses language to symbolize this change in character.

Gulliver has perceived the yahoos as various animals like “vermin” and “monkeys” thus far. In doing so, Gulliver has been able to imagine that he is superior to the yahoos, rather than one of them. However, once this woman tries to “mate” with Gulliver, he must confront the undeniable reality that he is a yahoo, which is deeply upsetting for him.

A “springe” is a snare that is used for catching small game. Notice that Gulliver uses yahoo hair to make the springes. Recall also, that the Houyhnhnm leader was appalled that Gulliver had once used animal hides to make useful items for himself. Swift emphasizes how much Gulliver’s perspective has shifted; he has now come fully to view the yahoos as animals.

Don Pedro treats Gulliver with kindness, despite Gulliver’s assertion that humans are all inherently horrible. Gulliver sees Don Pedro as an “animal which ha[s] some little portion of reason,” and can only narrowly accept that Don Pedro may be benevolent. Gulliver’s pride and “antipathy” for the human race blinds him to the extent that he no longer can accept kind gestures or recognize his similarity to those around him.

The fourth part of the novel drastically differs from the first three. Gulliver’s voyages outside of Europe have thus far allowed him enough distance from his society to see its numerous flaws. However, the time he has spent with the Houyhnhnms actually leads him to conclude that it is not only European society that is bad, but humankind as a whole. Gulliver has been the outsider in different cultures, but he now views himself as an outsider among all of humankind.

From all the time Gulliver has spent amongst the Houyhnhnms, he has grown to be completely disgusted with himself and with humans in general. Gulliver views the Houyhnhnm society as perfect, and the thought of living in anything less than perfect is enough to make him resolve to spend the rest of his life on an uninhabited island.