How does the ending of "Gulliver's Travels" contribute to its overall message?

The ending of "Gulliver's Travels" significantly reinforces the idea that distance from society is crucial for clarity. Throughout the narrative, Gulliver’s journeys expose him to various cultures and civilizations, each offering diverse perspectives on human nature and societal flaws. By the conclusion, when Gulliver returns to England, he finds himself disillusioned by his own society and its shortcomings. This distance allows him to objectively critique human behavior and societal norms.

Gulliver’s withdrawal from society, culminating in his decision to isolate himself from human interaction, underscores the notion that one can gain a clearer understanding of humanity only when viewed from a certain distance. It highlights the conflict he experiences between his experiences in foreign lands, which offer wisdom and insight, and the narrow, often hypocritical nature of his own society. This separation is key to the overall message of the text, suggesting that self-reflection and critique are only possible when one is not entrenched in the familiar societal contexts that often cloud judgment.