Satirical Nature of Jonathan Swifts Gullivers Travels
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Government, human nature, and war are three prevalent aspects of European society satirized in Gulliver's Travels. The Lilliputian, Brobdingnag, Laputan, and Houyhnhnm societies all aid in Jonathon Swift's satirical style.
"This diversion is only practiced by those persons who are candidates for great employments, and high favour, at courtwhoever jumps the highest without falling, succeeds in the office (pg. 53)." Part One is perhaps the most satirical tale in Gulliver's Travels of the governmental system. Where in England, politicians figuratively jump through hoops to gain office; the Lilliputians actually perform such physical tasks, such as rope dancing. "There have been two struggling parties in the empire, under the names of 'Tramecksan' and 'Slamecksan', from the High and Low Heels on their shoes, by which they distinguish themselves (pg. 62)." Swift introduces the political differences of the High and Low Heels to satirize the Whigs and Tories of the English political system. Through the Lilliputians, Swift is able to convey the incredulousness of the English parliamentary...