Gulliver’s Travels as a Political Satire

Answer

Evaluate “Gulliver’s Travels” as a political satire.

Or, How does Swift satirize the contemporary politics of England through his voyages to Lilliput and Brobdingnag?

Or, Comment on Swift’s satire on English politics in “Gulliver’s Travels.”

Satire is a way of making fun of something to show its problems or foolishness. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) wrote “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726) to show the absurdity of his time. He used Gulliver’s adventures to mock English politics. He visited two lands, Lilliput and Brobdingnag. Both are different, but both show problems in real life. In Lilliput, he shows pride, lies, and silly rules. In Brobdingnag, he shows wisdom and peace. Swift uses fun and jokes to point out serious faults. So, his book is a strong political satire.

Proud but Small: The Lilliputians are tiny in size. But they think they are great. Their king wants to rule the world. He gives silly titles and takes big actions. He wants to become: 

“Sole Monarch of the whole world.”

Swift uses this pride to show how English rulers acted. They were not wise but proud. They fought for power, not for people. The king of Lilliput is a copy of a real English king. Swift makes him small to laugh at his pride and foolish goals.

Silly Laws and Games: In Lilliput, jobs are not given for talent. People must dance on ropes to get high posts. The king likes only those who obey him. If the Emperor disfavours anyone, they can not join the government body as an official. This is evident in the following quote:

“The disbelief in a Divine Providence renders a man in-capable of holding any public station.”  

These silly rules mock real politics. Swift shows how real leaders chose people not for work but for support.

Fight for Nothing: The Lilliputians fight Blefuscu over how to break eggs. Some say the small end is right. Others want to break from the big end. This small thing starts big