The Trivial Aspects and Satirical Elements in "Gulliver's Travels"

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift is a highly satirical narrative story. It is a story that follows the travels of Gulliver himself. It has strong imaginative components that lead the story into a fantasyland. It is these make-believe elements, which allow the readers to pursue deeper into the story. These features entice the reader's to place themselves within Gulliver's Travels. The Lilliputians; the land of the little people, and the land of Brobdingnag; the land of the giants are both important elements within the story. It is both of these lands, which are complete opposites of each other that highlight the trivial and satirical factors of the story. Thus, it is these witty characters and lands that also bring about the notion of Gulliver's scale of size for Lilliput and Brobdingnag. It is this scale of size that also places Gulliver directly between the two extremes. Therefore, Gulliver's Travels places its readers into a world of fanciful make-believe; the land of Lilliput and Brobdingnag combined with the scale of size put a strong focus on the clever, inventive, and humorous attributes of the story.

The land of Lilliput is the first journey within Gulliver's Travels and thus a good starting point. Lilliput is the land of the little people. In the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, Lilliputian is defined as "a diminutive person or thing." Thus, it is a land of miniature beings. Gulliver is lucky enough to make his way to this strange land after his ship is overturned within a storm, "In a little time I felt something alive moving on my left Leg, which advancing gently forward over my Breast, came almost up to my Chin; when bending my Eyes downwards as much as I could, I perceived it to be a human creature not six Inches high." (Pg.5) The land of the Lilliputians confirms the imaginative elements within Gulliver's Travels. Although, within the story the Lilliputians are quite obviously a part of reality to Gulliver, however within the actual story itself they represent the comical aspects. Every description that Gulliver makes of the Lilliputians comes off as trivial to the readers, as if they are but a joke within the story;Two or three of the young Natives had the Curiosity to see how I looked when I was asleep; they climbed up into the Engine, and advancing very softly to my Face, one of them, an Officer in the Guards, put the sharp End of his Half-Pike a good way up into my left Nostril, which tickled my Nose like a straw, and made me sneeze violently...(Pg.10) However, this is what the Lilliputians illustrate within the context of the story. They are placed within the story to lend irony to the characters as well as to the plot itself. Thus, Swift uses the Lilliputians to create a tale focused on satire; he wittily and humorously criticizes the Lilliputians and their way of life.

Furthermore, despite the Lilliputians apparent miniscule size they are not deterred by the gigantic Gulliver. They take him hostage as they would someone of their own equal size;But the Creatures ran off a second time, before I could seize them; whereupon there was a great Shout in a very shrill Accent; and after it ceased, I heard one of them cry aloud, Tolgo Phonac; when in an Instant I felt about an Hundred Arrows discharged on my left Hand, which pricked me like so many Needles; and besides, they shot another Flight into the Air, as we do Bombs in Europe; whereof many, I suppose, fell on my Body, (though I felt them not) and some on my Face,which I immediately covered with my left Hand. When this Shower of Arrows was over, I fell a groaning with Grief and Pain; and then striving again to get loose, they discharged another Volly larger than the first; and some of them attempted with Spears to stick me in the Sides; but, by good Luck, I had on me a buff Jerkin, which they could not pierce. I thought it the most prudent Method to lie still; and my Design was to continue so till Night, when my left Hand being already loose, I could easily free myself: And as for the Inhabitants, I had Reason to believe I might be a Match for the greatest Armies they could bring against me, if they were al of the same Size with him that I saw. (Pg.6) Consequently, in spite of the small size of the Lilliputians, they do not let this prevent them from living their lives bravely and as any other society would in order to guarantee their safety. They never even consider the notion that Gulliver is enormous compared to them and could kill them with just a flick of his finger. In fact the Lilliputians possess unimaginable courage for their small size, "We made a long March the remaining Part of the Day, and rested at Night with Five Hundred guards on each Side of me, half with Torches, and half with Bows and Arrows, ready to shoot me if I should offer to stir." (Pg.11) Although, it takes take them a number of five hundred to guarantee their safety against Gulliver, it is still quite admirable that they believe they can defend themselves against him and his own considerable mass. However, while the Lilliputians bravery is admirable it is also quite comical, which is where the satire makes its grand entrance into the tale. As mentioned earlier, despite his size Gulliver is treated as any other hostage within the land of Lilliput, which includes being strip-searched. However, this strip-search takes place in a slightly different manner than usual;I said, his Majesty should be satisfied, for I was ready to strip my self, and turn up my Pockets before him. This I delivered, part in Words, and part in Signs. He replied, that by the Laws of the Kingdom, I must be searched by two of his Officers: That he knew this could not be done without my Consent and Assistance; that he had so good an Opinion of my Generosity and Justice, as to trust their Persons in my Hands: That whatever they took from me should be returned when I left the Country, or paid for at the Rate which I would set upon them. I took up the two Officers in my Hands, put them first into my Coat-Pockets, and then into every other Pocket about me...(Pg.16) Although, Gulliver could refuse this strip-search quite easily, instead he graciously concedes and allows them to perform their duties. The Lilliputians are a mere six inches tall, so the thought of them causing Gulliver actual harm is unlikely. They may be able to keep him hostage with chains and strings and such, but the reality of them actually causing him detrimental damage, considering the actual size of them in comparison to him, is not probable, "I believe there could not be fewer than ten thousand, at several Times, who mounted upon my body by the Help of Ladders. But a Proclamation was soon issued to forbid it, upon Pain of Death." (Pg.11) It seems more reasonable thus, that Gulliver is thought of as a form of entertainment for the Lilliputians. This is because it is likely that they have never seen such a being before and therefore are amazed by Gulliver and his gigantic size;As the News of my Arrival spread through the kingdom, it brought prodigious Numbers of rich, idle, and curious People to see me; so that the Villages were almost emptied, and great Neglect of Tillage and Houshold Affairs must have ensued, if his Imperial Majesty had not provided by several Proclamations and Orders of State against this Inconveniency. (Pg.15) Gulliver is basically treated as a showcase to the Lilliputians as they have never before seen anything like him, which is why the behavior of the Lilliputians is so humorous. As determined as they are to treat Gulliver as they would any other hostage, at the same time they are in complete awe of him, which defeats the air of hostility they are attempting. Thus, the fact that the Lilliputians are in complete wonder of Gulliver completely contradicts their behavior of strong and courageous soldiers.

In addition, Gulliver produces some interesting accounts of the Lilliputians and their lifestyles. His portrayal of them is thoughtful as well as laughable. He allows the readers to invent a picture in their own minds of the land of Lilliput, and how ludicrous the entire notion of a miniature land is;As the common Size of the Natives is somewhat under six Inches, so there is an exact Proportion in all other Animals, as well as Plants and Trees: For Instance, the tallest Horses and Oxen are between four and five Inches in Height, the Sheep an Inch and a half, more of less; their Geese about the Bigness of a Sparrow; and so the several Gradations downwards, till you come to the smallest, which, to my Sight, were almost invisible; (Pg.38) Obviously, all the natives of Lilliput as well as all the objects fit quite easily into the palm of a human's hand. Gulliver also describes objects within the land, which are so tiny he can barely see them, "and a young Girl threading an invisible Needle with invisible Silk." (Pg.38) The entire notion of Lilliput is similar to amusing one's self with a dollhouse or such. Gulliver must be continually careful not to step on anything or anyone as the whole city is similar to a toy to him, "I then stept over the Buildings very conveniently from one Stool to the other..." (Pg.29) Therefore, Gulliver provides a description and creation of a wonderfully imaginative space within the land of Lilliput.

There are also strong satiric elements within the Lilliputian government. The Lilliputian government is by no means run by the same standards as a regular government. An example of this is the fact that when there is an vacant space in office it is not filled by the most knowledgeable and qualified, as it would be in normal circumstances;This Diversion is only practiced by those Persons, who are Candidates for great Employments, and high Favour, at Court. They are trained in this Art from their Youth, and are not always of noble Birth, or liberal Education. When a great Office is vacant, either by Death or Disgrace, (which often happens) five or six of those Candidates petition the Emperor to entertain his Majesty and the Court with a Dance on the Rope; and whoever jumps the highest without falling, succeeds in the Office. (Pg.21) Thus, the Lilliputian government is not one that is based on experience and qualifications, but instead on acrobatic talents. However, a government office is not usually based on acrobatic activities, which is what makes the whole notion of the Lilliputian government so humorous.

The land of Brobdingnag is the next stop on Gulliver's journey, and conveniently enough, the complete opposite of Lilliput. Brobdingnag is the land of the giants, "He appeared as Tall as an ordinary Spire-steeple; and took about ten Yards at every Stride, as near as I could guess." (Pg. 65/66) Thus, while Gulliver is there he is forced to feel like a Lilliputian because he is so miniature in comparison to them. The ironic portion of the tale here is that while the Lilliputians were portrayed as doll-like to him; he is now treated as a doll in the land of Brobdingnag. He is so miniscule that the inhabitants are not sure how to behave towards him, "At length he ventured to take me up behind by the middle between his Fore-finger and Thumb, and brought me within three Yards of his Eyes, that he might behold my Shape more Perfectly." (Pg.67) The natives of Brobdingnag have never seen any creature of Gulliver's size before, which is why the only way they can think of to treat him is as a tiny doll-like creature. An actual doll's cradle is used to serve him as a bed, "Her Mother and she contrived to fit up the Baby's Cradle for me against the Night: The Cradle was put into a small Drawer of a Cabinet, and the Drawer placed upon a hanging Shelf for Fear of the Rats." (Pg.74) Gulliver is not only given an actual doll's bed to sleep in while he is in Brobdingnag, but is also dressed and undressed as any doll would be by a little girl, "This young Girl was so handy, that after I had once or twice pulled off my cloaths before her, she was able to dress and undress me." (Pg.74) However, once Gulliver is bought by the Queen he begins to feel a humiliation because he is treated as a doll. The Maids of Honor have no regard whatsoever for Gulliver's feelings or pride. They do not respect him, but merely treat him as a play-thing;The Handsomest among these Maids of Honor, a pleasant frolicksome Girl of sixteen, would sometimes set me astride upon one of her Nipples; with many other Tricks, wherin the Reader will excuse me for not being over particular. But, I was so much displeased, that I entreated Glumdalclitch to contrive some Excuse for not seeing that young Lady any more. (Pg.96) Thus, Gulliver is made privy to the sexual lives and actions of these Maids of Honor. Therefore, although Gulliver is but a regular human being; to the inhabitants of Brobdingnag he is a doll-like creature and thus is treated as such.

In the time that Gulliver lives within Brobdingnag he also makes some ingenious fabrications and creative descriptions of the land. He is constantly forced to defend himself against creatures within the land such as rats and wasps, which are anything but ordinary according to Gulliver, "I measured the Tail of the dead Rat, and found it to be two Yards long, wanting an Inch." (Pg.72) Within the Queen's palace he is once again forced to fight for his life, "These Insects were as large as partridges; I took out their Stings, found them an Inch and a half long, and as sharp as Needles." (Pg.87) Despite, the accounts of these constant attacks that Gulliver is forced to fend off; he also provides interesting accounts of the occurrences he encounters within Brobdingnag. Of course, the impressive difference in size between Gulliver and the Brobdingnags is the most important aspects of these representations, "I happened to stumble against a Crust and fell flat on my Face, but received no hurt." (Pg.69) Gulliver is so small in comparison that he is able to walk around on their kitchen table, and actually stumble against a bread crust. Gulliver is in fact so small that an actual bedroom is constructed for him by the Queen's instructions;The Queen commanded her own Cabinet-maker to contrive a Box that might serve me for a Bed-chamber, after the Model that Glumdalclitch and I should agree upon. This Man was a most ingenious Artist; and according to my Directions, in three Weeks finished for me a wooden Chamber of sixteen Foot square, and twelve High; with Sash Windows, a Door, and two Closets, like a London Bed-chamber. The Board that made the Cieling was to be lifted up and down by two Hinges, to put in a Bed ready furnished by her Majesty's Upholsterer; (Pg.83) These descriptions by Gulliver therefore show the massive difference in size, and thus the amusing and inconceivable elements of the entire notion of Brobdingnag.

The concept of the scale of size is perhaps the most satirical element regarding Gulliver, Lilliput, and Brobdingnag. The scale of size compares Gulliver's size to the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagians. For example, in Lilliput the scale of size is one to twelve, "The scale of Lilliput to Gulliver's world is generally one to twelve. If this creature is a typical Lilliputian, then Gulliver is somewhat under six feet tall." (Pg.5) This differs from the scale of size in Brobdingnag, which is one to ten. The entire notion of this scale of size is senseless as it is extremely trivial in the tale itself. Although, it is meant to aid in interpreting the differences in sizes between the three civilizations, the interpretation is done more successfully by the descriptions provided by Gulliver. Perhaps, it is just another element to add to the story, but it is an unnecessary and frivolous factor to add. However, more importantly is that the idea of this scale is an actual satirical element to add to the entire idea of Lilliput and Brodingnag. The lands of both Lilliput and Brodingnag are just images of the imagination, and thus the scale of size is just another feature to add to this make-believe land and narrative. It is obvious that although this is said to be a travel narrative with some accounts true and some not, the ideas of Lilliput and Brodingnag are evidently a complete fantasy. This is indeed what makes the concept of this scale so humorous. An attempt is being made to add a serious element to the notion of these imaginative civilizations, and thus in this attempt he is trying to make the reader's see this narrative as a truth when it is anything but.

Consequently, the tale of Gulliver's Travels is one that is strongly absorbed within satirical and trivial elements of reality versus non-reality. The concepts of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, and the scale of size are obviously all elements within the story, which come off as trivial and satirical. These notions are all witty fantasies that derive from a longing for the imaginative to become reality. Furthermore, it is these parts of the tale that involve such comical aspects in which to amuse the reader. The irony within the story however allows the reader's to employ their own imaginations. Thus, Gulliver's Travels is a story that is strongly centered on the idea of satire and irony in which to entice the readers out of their own reality and into Gulliver's own personal journey.

Works Cited
Swift, Jonathan. "Gulliver's Travels." A Norton Critical Edition: TheWritings of Jonathan Swift. New York and London: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1973.