Topics for Discussion
Last Updated July 29, 2024.
1. Which traits of the Lilliputians and their society does Swift highlight for satire?
2. How does Gulliver exhibit the qualities of a kind giant while among the Lilliputians?
3. Despite Gulliver making few judgments, which aspects of Lilliputian society might Swift consider praiseworthy?
4. Highlight the irony and inappropriateness of Gulliver's meticulousness in Brobdingnag compared to his lack of it in Lilliput.
5. How does Gulliver transition from being the observer in Lilliput to the observed in Brobdingnag?
6. Gulliver professes strong support for England and its customs. Provide arguments for or against this claim based on his conversations with the Brobdingnagian king.
7. Which qualities of the Brobdingnagians and their society does Swift present for the reader's admiration?
8. How does Gulliver's role in the third book differ from his roles in the other three books?
9. In what ways does Swift continue to advocate for the Ancients over the Moderns in the third book?
10. Identify the characteristics of the Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos that could be combined to create an admirable, well-rounded person.
11. After returning to England, Gulliver attempts to emulate the Houyhnhnms but adopts only their disdain for the Yahoos. Which trait that he admires has he failed to acquire?
12. What kind of progression does Swift use to maroon Gulliver on each of his four voyages? How does this progression mirror the changes in Gulliver?
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