English Literature: Examine Swift’s use of Lemuel Gulliver as a Narrator and an Observer in the novel “Gulliver's Travels”.

Wednesday 11 October 2023

Examine Swift’s use of Lemuel Gulliver as a Narrator and an Observer in the novel “Gulliver's Travels”.

    Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver's Travels is a work of literary fiction that was first published in 1726. The novel is a complex work that explores a variety of themes, including the idea of human nature and the role of society in shaping human behavior. In this novel Swift's use Lemuel Gulliver as a narrator and an observer. Gulliver's story line are inquisitive and pragmatic- Gulliver's ability as a narrator is surprising. To arouse our attention and give authenticity to his depictions, he tells dramatic incidents and comical anecdotes. Gulliver as a moral judge- He is presented by Swift as a moral judge and a commentator.

Gulliver as a Narrator and an Observer:

    One of the most notable aspects of Swift's use of Lemuel Gulliver as a narrator and an observer is the way in which he creates a sense of realism and authenticity. Throughout the novel, Gulliver serves as the primary narrator, recounting his experiences and observations in a straightforward and matter-of-fact manner. This creates a sense of credibility and believability that is essential to the impact of the novel.

    At the same time, however, Swift also uses Gulliver's observations to create a sense of satire and irony. For example, in the first part of the novel, Gulliver travels to the land of Lilliput, where he encounters a society of tiny people. Through Gulliver's observations, Swift is able to satirize the absurdity of human behavior and the ways in which society can become obsessed with trivial matters.

    Similarly, in the second part of the novel, Gulliver travels to the land of Brobdingnag, where he encounters a society of giants. Through Gulliver's observations, Swift is able to satirize the arrogance and self-importance of human beings, as well as the ways in which society can become blinded by its own prejudices and biases.

    Through his use of Gulliver as a narrator and an observer, Swift is able to create a sense of nuance and complexity that is essential to the impact of the novel. The characters in the novel are not simply caricatures, but rather are complex individuals who are shaped by a variety of factors, including their own desires, motivations and the social and cultural norms of the society in which they live.

    Another notable aspect of Swift's use of Gulliver as a narrator and an observer is the way in which he explores the idea of the role of society in shaping human behavior. Throughout the novel, Gulliver is often influenced by the social and cultural norms of the societies in which he travels. For example, in the land of Lilliput, Gulliver is forced to navigate a complex system of political intrigue and social hierarchy. Similarly, in the land of Brobdingnag, Gulliver is forced to confront his own prejudices and biases as he encounters a society of giants who challenge his assumptions about human nature.

    Through his exploration of the role of society in shaping human behavior, Swift is able to create a sense of nuance and complexity that is essential to the impact of the novel. The characters in the novel are not simply passive recipients of their society's norms and values, but rather are active agents who are able to challenge and shape those norms and values.

    Finally, Swift's use a notable aspect of the novel in terms of its exploration of the idea of human nature. Throughout the novel, Gulliver is forced to confront his own assumptions about human nature, as he encounters societies that are vastly different from his own. Through his observations, Gulliver is able to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the ways in which society can both shape and be shaped by those behaviors.

    Through his exploration of human nature, Swift is able to create a sense of realism and depth that is essential to the impact of the novel. The characters in the novel are not simply caricatures, but rather are complex individuals who are shaped by a variety of factors, including their own desires, motivations, and the social and cultural norms of the society in which they live.

    In conclusion, Swift's use of Lemuel Gulliver as a narrator and an observer is a complex and multi-faceted aspect of Gulliver's Travels. Through his use of Gulliver as a narrator, Swift is able to create a sense of realism and authenticity that is essential to the impact of the novel. Through his use of Gulliver as an observer, Swift is able to create a sense of satire and irony that is essential to the impact of the novel. Finally, through his exploration of the role of society in shaping human behavior and the idea of human nature, Swift is able to create a sense of nuance and complexity that is essential to the impact of the novel. The novel underscores the idea that our actions and behaviors are shaped by a variety of factors, including our desires, motivations, and the social and cultural norms of the society in which we live.

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