Although there were parts of Gulliver's Travels that I did not enjoy, overall it was well written with an interesting plot line. The first question that comes to mind in the story is did Gulliver do anything to deserve a mutiny? And if he did, what was it? Of course there's no way of knowing the answer to this question without knowing how he treated the crew and any major disagreements.
I also think Gulliver (well, Swift) was very descriptive. I really enjoyed that, especially when it came to the Houyhnhnm's speech. He described his surroundings well enough that I could picture it in my mind and he went into great detail of the conversations he had with his master. After class discussion, I do understand the Enlightenment satire. While I was reading, I kept thinking, “What is he making fun of in this?” Now I know.
I did not like Gulliver's attitude, (or in my opinion, Swift's attitude.) When Gulliver was asked to leave the Houyhnhnm's land, I felt sad for him - no one likes being unaccepted. I can also understand wanted to find a deserted island to finish his life on. (This would have been the best option for him) I do not understand how he acted towards the human race. He was a human, no matter how bad he did not want to be. Don Pedro saved his life, but Gulliver still thought he was too good to wear brand new clothes made by “Yahoos.” “He accoutred me with other necessaries, all new, which I aired for twenty-four hours before I would use them.” (Swift 478) His behavior towards his wife was especially heinous. “I began last week to permit my wife to sit at dinner with me, at the farthest end of a long table; and to answer (but with the utmost brevity) the few questions I ask her.” (Swift 482) That line made me so mad!
Over all, Gulliver's Travels was not too bad, but Gulliver's pride made it hard to enjoy the story fully.
The story really reminded me of society today.How some people want to be something their not, and play as if their better than others.Gulliver came back and acted as if he wasnt human as if he was too good for his own wife.He got feel of another life than his own and think thats the way life should be.I didnt like the way Gulliver treated his wife at all.
ReplyDelete