Top 100 Literature Essay Topics - 2023

The use of satire in “Gulliver's Travels” by Jonathan Swift

In "Gulliver's Travels," Jonathan Swift employs satire to critique the political and social institutions of his time. Through his protagonist's travels, Swift satirizes the human condition and exposes the absurdity of the ways in which people behave.

One of the ways Swift employs satire in "Gulliver's Travels" is through the use of irony. For example, in Lilliput, Gulliver is subjected to petty politics and court intrigue, where the triviality of the issues at hand is highlighted. The small-mindedness of the Lilliputians is emphasized, with their focus on issues such as whether one should break an egg at the small or large end, while ignoring more significant problems. Swift's irony is effective in pointing out the absurdity of politics and human behavior.

Swift also uses satire to criticize human nature, as seen in Gulliver's visit to the land of the Houyhnhnms. In this society, rationality and logic are paramount, while emotion and desire are seen as base and animalistic. Gulliver, as a human, is seen as a flawed and irrational creature, whose very existence is an affront to the logical Houyhnhnms. Swift uses this to comment on the role of reason in human society and the irrationality of human behavior.

Another aspect of Swift's satire is his critique of colonialism and imperialism, as seen in Gulliver's visit to the land of the giants, Brobdingnag. In this society, Gulliver is the outsider, and his attempts to explain his own society's institutions are met with bewilderment and ridicule. Swift uses this to comment on the arrogance of colonial powers and their inability to understand or respect the cultures they seek to dominate.

Swift's satire is also seen in his use of hyperbole and absurdity, as seen in Gulliver's visit to the land of the Laputans. This society is ruled by intellectuals who are so caught up in their own abstract theories and ideas that they are unable to function in the real world. Swift's use of absurdity is effective in highlighting the dangers of becoming too caught up in abstract concepts and losing touch with reality.

In conclusion, Swift's use of satire in "Gulliver's Travels" is a powerful tool in critiquing the political, social, and moral institutions of his time. Through the use of irony, critique of human nature, commentary on colonialism and imperialism, and the use of hyperbole and absurdity, Swift effectively exposes the flaws and absurdities of human behavior. "Gulliver's Travels" remains a significant work of literature, not only for its satire, but also for its commentary on the human condition.