How Did Gulliver React after Meeting with his Own Family?
Gulliver’s Travels is a notable literary work by Jonathan Swift. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Gulliver’s Travels.
Answer
How did Gulliver react after meeting with his own family?
In Jonathan Swift’s (1667 –1745) famous novel “Gulliver’s Travels” (1726), Lemuel Gulliver expresses several extraordinary adventures that change his perspective on life and humanity. Upon returning home after his final voyage, Gulliver’s reaction to his family is notably complex. It reflects the profound impact of his experiences, particularly his time spent among the Houyhnhnms.
Discomfort and Detachment: After his last voyage, he lived among the rational and noble Houyhnhnms (noble horses). Here, Gulliver finds it extremely difficult to reintegrate into human society. When he reunites with his family, his initial reaction is one of discomfort and detachment.
My wife and family received me with great surprise and joy, …………but I must freely confess the sight of them filled me only with hatred, disgust, and contempt;
He perceives his family members, and indeed all humans, as Yahoos—vile, irrational, and corrupt beings. This perception creates a significant emotional and psychological distance between him and his loved ones.
Disgust and Isolation: Gulliver’s feelings of disgust towards humanity grow stronger after meeting his family. He is unable to bear their presence for long periods and prefers to isolate himself. He does not talk to anyone. The smell, habits, and behaviors of his family members disgust him, as they remind him of the detestable Yahoos.
When I thought of my family, my friends, my countrymen, or the human race in general, I considered them, as they really were, Yahoos in shape and disposition,
In termination, we can say that Gulliver’s reaction after meeting his family is marked by profound discomfort, detachment, and disgust.