Politics and societal norms are explored from "summary" of Gulliver's Travels by BPI
In the land of Lilliput, where the inhabitants are only six inches tall, we see a reflection of the political conflicts and power struggles that plague our own society. The rivalry between the two political parties, the Big-endians and the Little-endians, satirizes the absurdity of wars fought over trivial differences. By exaggerating the pettiness of the disputes, Swift highlights the destructive nature of political divisions and the futility of such conflicts.
Similarly, in Brobdingnag, Gulliver encounters a society where the norms and customs are vastly different from his own. The giant inhabitants of this land view Gulliver as a curiosity, treating him as a mere plaything or pet. Through this reversal of power dynamics, Swift critiques the arrogance and ethnocentrism of European colonizers who believe themselves superior to other cultures. The juxtaposition of Gulliver's experiences in Lilliput and Brobdingnag serves as a commentary on the relativity of societal norms and the importance of cultural humility.
As Gulliver travels to Laputa, Balnibarbi, and Luggnagg, he encounters societies that are rife with corruption, inefficiency, and absurdity. The floating island of Laputa, with its impractical and nonsensical scientific pursuits, satirizes the detachment of intellectuals from the real world. The decay and disarray of Balnibarbi reflect the consequences of neglecting practical knowledge and skills in favor of abstract theories. In Luggnagg, Gulliver encounters the immortals, who are condemned to live forever in a state of decrepitude, highlighting the dark side of eternal life.
Through his travels and encounters with different societies, Gulliver serves as a lens through which Swift examines the flaws and follies of human nature. By exaggerating and distorting reality, Swift invites us to reflect on our own beliefs, values, and practices. The political and societal norms that Gulliver encounters may seem outlandish and absurd, but they hold a mirror to our own world, challenging us to question the status quo and envision a better future. Swift's exploration of politics and societal norms in "Gulliver's Travels" is not merely a critique of the past but a call to action for the present and the future.
