In the satire Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift takes a didactic approach to repair the flaws of humanity. Through the perspective of a gullible protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver, Swift satirizes different mankind’s blemishes through Gulliver’s visits to four kingdoms. Although it is quite easy to confuse the thoughts of Gulliver for Swift’s, there is a clear distinction between the character and its creator in Gulliver’s Travels. Therefore when Gulliver becomes misanthropic and has no hope for humanity at the end of the literature, the satire is not advocating cynical views of mankind.
In Lilliput, Gulliver is exposed to a land of miniscule beings. As Gulliver situates himself into their society, he learns about Lilliput’s struggles with the …show more content…
The Laputian scientists are clearly obsessed with scientific reason, mathematics, and music. However, when these scientists try to use their knowledge, they fail to apply their knowledge in a practical sense. Gulliver witnesses the ill-fitting clothes and misshapen buildings and comments that “they are very bad reasoners, and vehemently given to Opposition, unless when they happen to be of the right Opinion, which is seldom their case” (152). The scientists’ theoretical and philosophical knowledge is ultimately impractical and causes societal dysfunction. Swift exposes the European men who emphasized reason more than the natural elements of humanity. Since science is morally neutral and the use of scientific knowledge can be used for both evil and good, Swift reveals the ethical sacrifices of abstract knowledge. Consequently, Swift uses Munodi, who is obedient to natural processes instead of abstract knowledge, to show that humans have potential to use science for useful applications. Therefore, Swift is not condemning all science; he wants mankind to understand that they should not get lost in useless scientific abstractions. As Gulliver tries to leave Luggnagg, he ultimately lies to the emperor by pretending to be Dutch and faking a promise with the Luggnaggian king which excuses Gulliver from “trampling upon the Crucifix” (200). Gulliver’s lies furthermore extend the notion that he cannot be completely trusted as a narrator. His hypocritical words and thoughts are not necessarily meant to be taken literally by the
In Lilliput, Gulliver is exposed to a land of miniscule beings. As Gulliver situates himself into their society, he learns about Lilliput’s struggles with the …show more content…
The Laputian scientists are clearly obsessed with scientific reason, mathematics, and music. However, when these scientists try to use their knowledge, they fail to apply their knowledge in a practical sense. Gulliver witnesses the ill-fitting clothes and misshapen buildings and comments that “they are very bad reasoners, and vehemently given to Opposition, unless when they happen to be of the right Opinion, which is seldom their case” (152). The scientists’ theoretical and philosophical knowledge is ultimately impractical and causes societal dysfunction. Swift exposes the European men who emphasized reason more than the natural elements of humanity. Since science is morally neutral and the use of scientific knowledge can be used for both evil and good, Swift reveals the ethical sacrifices of abstract knowledge. Consequently, Swift uses Munodi, who is obedient to natural processes instead of abstract knowledge, to show that humans have potential to use science for useful applications. Therefore, Swift is not condemning all science; he wants mankind to understand that they should not get lost in useless scientific abstractions. As Gulliver tries to leave Luggnagg, he ultimately lies to the emperor by pretending to be Dutch and faking a promise with the Luggnaggian king which excuses Gulliver from “trampling upon the Crucifix” (200). Gulliver’s lies furthermore extend the notion that he cannot be completely trusted as a narrator. His hypocritical words and thoughts are not necessarily meant to be taken literally by the