Humor in "Gulliver's Travels"

Paper Summary:

This paper details the plot and main characters in Swift's classic novel, while focusing on the author's unique style of depicting the human condition. The writer of this paper contends and explains how, in each of the four parts of the novel, Swift deals with human beings from a different perspective. This paper also explores the author's love of words, which is illustrated in the names used for the characters as well as the places mentioned in the novel. This paper analyzes the author's use of humor, throughout the story, which at times tends to be vulgar, in particular when referring to bodily functions. This paper discusses Swift's practice of ridiculing society, by forcing his readers to see things from a different perspective, as well as his use of irony in several cases, throughout his novel. This paper cites various passages from the novel to illustrate the writer's claims regarding Swift's style of writing. This paper also delves into the dominating male characters in all four parts of "Gulliver's Travels." Also noticeable are Swift's frequent references to money and class distinctions.

From the Paper:

"One of the funniest chapters in the book occurs in Part III, Chapter V, when Gulliver goes to visit an island inhabited by intellectuals, thinkers, philosophers, scientists, and inventors. These people have one inward eye and one eye straight upward. They are so engaged in thought they need a "flap," a person who walks with them and alerts them to danger and things that need attention. Again, Swift uses hyperbole (plus, incongruity) to achieve the desired hilarity. Gulliver notes that the island where the thinkers live is poorly developed, the people are in rags and ill-nourished, and none of the fields produce crops because everybody is too busy thinking to actually accomplish anything practical. One man, who lives some distance away and does things the old way, apologizes for the beauty, order, and prosperity on his farm. He isn't keeping up with the others who are more inventive and innovative than he."

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