How do the Houyhnhnm's societal values contrast with those of the English?

The correct answer highlights the fundamental difference in societal values between the Houyhnhnms and the English, focusing on the principle of rational behavior. The Houyhnhnms, who are rational horses representing an ideal society, emphasize logic, reason, and virtue in their interactions and governance. Their society is characterized by a deep respect for honesty, intelligence, and emotional maturity. In contrast, the English society depicted in "Gulliver's Travels" is often portrayed as driven by irrational desires, extravagance, and moral corruption.

This stark contrast is essential to understanding Jonathan Swift's critique of contemporary human society. The Houyhnhnms demonstrate that a society based on reason leads to harmony and peace, while the flaws of the English reflect a world where selfishness and vice dominate. By valuing rational behavior over extravagance, the Houyhnhnms embody an ideal that critiques the failings of human nature and societal constructs prevalent in Swift's time.