Gulliver's Travels 3

Assignment
Name- Arushi Agrawal

Course- B.A. (H) English
Roll no- 372
Subject-DSC 6- 18th Century Literature
Teacher- Mr Anuj Kumar
Q. Analyse the theme of travel and its significance in “Gulliver’s Travels”. How
do Gulliver’s voyages reflect his character development and the themes of
the novel?
"Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical travelogue penned by Jonathan Swift in 1726. Through the
adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon turned explorer, Swift offers a witty and incisive
critique of 18th-century English society. With its biting satire and exploration of themes such as
human nature, politics, and morality, "Gulliver's Travels" remains a timeless classic that continues
to captivate readers worldwide.
The theme of travel is central to "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, serving as a vehicle
through which the protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver, undergoes significant character development
and explores the broader themes of the novel. Through Gulliver's voyages to fantastical lands,
Swift delves into themes such as human nature, society, and morality, while also providing a lens
through which to examine Gulliver's own evolution as a character. Gulliver's travels represent not
only physical journeys to distant lands but also metaphorical journeys of self-discovery and
enlightenment. Each voyage exposes Gulliver to new cultures, societies, and perspectives,
challenging his preconceptions and forcing him to confront his own beliefs and values.
“The last of these voyages not proving very fortunate, I grew weary of the sea, and intended to
stay at home with my wife and family. I removed from the Old Jewry to Fetter Lane, and from
thence to Wapping, hoping to get business among the sailors; but it would not turn to account.
After three years’ expectation that things would mend, I accepted an advantageous offer from
Captain William Prichard, master of the Antelope, who was making a voyage to the South
Sea.”
Gulliver, who has trained as a doctor, explains why he set off on yet another voyage: He needs
the money. So far Gulliver’s career has been a series of failures, and the reader can infer that
Gulliver might be escaping his financial problems. Throughout the book, Gulliver’s adventures to
imaginary lands begin and end with real sea voyages. Gulliver is a bold adventurer who visits a
multitude of strange lands, and undergoes the unnerving experiences of nearly being devoured
by a giant rat, taken captive by pirates, shipwrecked on faraway shores, sexually assaulted by an
eleven-year-old girl, and shot in the face with poison arrows. Additionally, the isolation from
humanity that he endures for sixteen years must be hard to bear, though Gulliver rarely talks
about such matters.
In his first voyage to Lilliput, Gulliver encounters a society of tiny people embroiled in petty
conflicts and absurd rituals. Through his interactions with the Lilliputians, Gulliver learns about
the folly of human pride and the absurdity of power struggles. In contrast, Gulliver's journey to
Brobdingnag offers a different perspective on society, as he finds himself in a land of giants who
view humanity with disdain. Through his discussions with the Brobdingnagians, Gulliver grapples
with the flaws and vulnerabilities of human nature when viewed from a perspective of magnified
scale and rationality. For instance, Gulliver's description of human wars and conflicts horrifies the
Brobdingnagians, highlighting the destructive consequences of human aggression and ambition.
Furthermore, Gulliver's encounters with the inhabitants of Laputa, Balnibarbi, and other lands in
his third voyage reveal the absurdities and intellectual arrogance of the Enlightenment era. Swift
satirizes the folly of excessive rationalism and scientific experimentation, suggesting that reason
alone is insufficient to solve the fundamental problems of human society. Finally, Gulliver's last
voyage to the land of the rational horse-like creatures, the Houyhnhnms, and the brutish
humanoid creatures, the Yahoos, forces him to confront the true nature of humanity. Through his
interactions with the Houyhnhnms, Gulliver comes to see the flaws and follies of his own species,
as represented by the irrational and brutish Yahoos. Swift uses this contrast to question the very
essence of human nature and civilization, suggesting a skepticism towards the optimism of the
Enlightenment era.
Throughout his travels, Gulliver undergoes a profound transformation, evolving from a naive and
impressionable observer to a disillusioned and introspective critic of human society. His
experiences serve as a catalyst for self-reflection and growth, as he grapples with the
complexities of human nature and the inherent flaws of civilization. In conclusion, the theme of
travel in "Gulliver's Travels" serves as a narrative framework through which Jonathan Swift
explores the broader themes of human nature, society, and morality. Gulliver's voyages expose
him to a diverse array of cultures and perspectives, challenging his beliefs and values and forcing
him to confront the shortcomings of his own species. Through Gulliver's character development
and his interactions with the inhabitants of the lands he visits, Swift offers a biting critique of
18th-century English society and raises profound questions about the nature of humanity and
civilization.

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Assignment

Name- Arushi Agrawal

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