Post Three: Gulliver's Travel

In Book One of Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels shows how Lemuel Gulliver inserts himself as an authority figure. By inserting himself as an authority figure, Gulliver is able to assume power and control over an entire society that holds different customs and values than his own. Being the main protagonist in the novel, the reader follows his adventures after his misfortunate shipwreck. He is taken prisoner by the inhabitants of the island country of Lilliput. The inhabitants of Lilliput are a race of tiny individuals that are around 6 inches tall and they have established a unique society. After being released as their prisoner, he quickly becomes a favorite among society. Gulliver is invited to take part in the Lilliputian royal court and becomes a close advisor to the king. The King of Lilliput grants him permission to explore the city. “...I was ready, with the hazard of my life, to defend his person and state against all invaders,” (Swift, 35).

Though by wanting to assert power over the Lilliputians, his plans backfire. Gulliver is charged for treason, though he manages to escape with help from a member of the royal court. This chapter in Gulliver’s travels teaches that rising to a leadership position and using that power for one’s own selfish needs brings harm to those around him. In a way, it also establishes the idea of ruling through the power of the citizen’s fears. Gulliver’s knowledge and physical appearance posed a threat to the Lilliput race.

Works Cited

Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver's Travels. Penguin Books, 2010.