Introduction
There are many reasons for people to open the book Jonathan Swift and read his famous Gulliver’s Travels. It is not only interesting from the point of view of literary devices and techniques. The story of Lemuel Gulliver is not simple, and some readers could find the four books controversial and hard to realize. On the one hand, the man cannot accept Lilliputians’ greed, corruption, and avarice. On the other hand, he ignores his shortages during his meeting with the giants. In the third book, Laputians promote recognizing the power of knowledge and the balance between life and education, while the fourth book introduces the Houyhnhnms, who share a clear and rational idea of existence. It is impossible to bring a comprehension of Gulliver’s Travels to one particular subject. Thus, the analysis of the character’s transformations will be developed through the prism of individualism in society, the importance of true understanding, and the burden on power.
Main body
Swift properly develops the theme of individualism in society by using different communities and the presence of the same person there. It is not enough to say that Gulliver travels in different worlds and learns from his mistakes to conclude that “nothing is great or little otherwise than by comparison” (Swift 78). His intention to compare people is explained by the necessity to observe and reflect on what is given with dignity in a short period. Human actions always have some background, and Gulliver knows that his task is not to lose his individuality in that variety of things. People like to think that their decisions and statements are correct because they are based on experiences and knowledge. While reading the chapters, the transformations of the main character are evident. He sees “how vain an attempt it is for a man to endeavour doing himself honour among those who are out of all degree of equality or comparison with him” (Swift 112). However, he is not desperate in his findings but mature enough to choose the right path and enjoy the opportunities that turn out to be available with time.
Another important aspect in reading Gulliver’s Travels is related to the obligation to strive for knowledge and a true understanding of the world around. Each travel is characterized by a specific discovery of new facts and factors that affect the progress of human life. At the end of his voyage to Laputa, Gulliver strengthens his awareness of “changes in customs, language, fashion of dress, dyet and diversions” (Swift 195). He also reveals that all these acquirements create “a living treasury of knowledge and wisdom” to make him “the oracle of the nation” (Swift 195). It seems that Gulliver does not get a clear idea of what he has to do with all that experience and knowledge, but his goals are already high and magnificent. As a result, his success is a questionable issue within the chosen Swift’s context. It is necessary to identify what contributes to the right choice, fair understanding, and morally correct behaviors. Multiple deceptions challenge Gulliver, but his honesty with personal values makes him strong enough. With each page turned, Swift’s book brings new lessons and additional perspectives of how people organize their lives and follow orders.
Finally, understanding Gulliver’s Travels must be associated with power and how people use it, relying on their biased and sometimes distorted visions. In this book, the concept of power never possesses the same characteristics. It continues changing as soon as Gulliver enters a new world and meets people with their rules, preferences, and lifestyles. Some people are obsessed with their desire for wealth and power, titles and achievements, pity and anger (Swift 237). At the same time, power is a positive experience that helps characters resist problems. For example, in the island country of Lilliput, Gulliver sees that some liberty represents enough strength not to allow the empire to subdue individuals (Swift 65). Still, power is not always something abstract or invisible that endows with inspiration and motivation. It can be recognized through differences in height and weight, and the author teaches not to be confused with what is seen and what is felt. Power always goes hand in hand with responsibility and knowledge. Therefore, the three chosen topics promote a better understanding of Gulliver’s story and his adventures in different countries and explain the reader’s fascination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gulliver’s Travels is not just another story that must be read as a part of an academic course or a requirement to pass an exam. Swift’s work contains many interesting lessons that could help a real person re-evaluate this life and make some improvements. Sometimes a person cannot understand that change is required or a mistake occurs and needs analysis. There is always some confidence in each decision and activity, and this book aims at showing how to diminish self-centeredness without losing individualism in society. Through the years, physical and mental power and knowledge become priceless in human life, and this book shares a guide for properly implementing each quality.
Work Cited
Swift, Jonathan D. D. Gulliver’s Travels. Edited by Claude Rawson, Oxford UP, 2005.