How does the public react to Gulliver’s travels when he returns?

The public's reaction to Gulliver's travels upon his return is characterized by skepticism and disbelief. This response reflects a broader human tendency to doubt extraordinary or fantastical claims, particularly when they challenge established norms or perceptions of reality. Gulliver shares incredible stories of his adventures, including encounters with tiny people in Lilliput and giants in Brobdingnag, which are so far removed from everyday experience that they induce a natural skepticism.

Moreover, this skepticism highlights a significant theme in the narrative: the tension between the individual experience and societal acceptance of those experiences. The extraordinary nature of Gulliver's journeys makes it difficult for the public to fully grasp or believe his accounts, demonstrating how society often struggles to reconcile the extraordinary with the mundane. This reaction showcases the difficulties faced by individuals who return from significantly different worlds or experiences, underscoring the isolation that can accompany extraordinary journeys.