How is satire utilized in "Gulliver's Travels"?

In "Gulliver's Travels," satire plays a crucial role in providing a critique of the political and social issues of Jonathan Swift's time. Through the various societies Gulliver encounters, Swift uses exaggerated characters and absurd situations to highlight the flaws and vices of human nature, government, and society.

For instance, the Lilliputians represent petty politics and trivial concerns, mirroring the political divisions and conflicts of early 18th century England. The Houyhnhnms, on the other hand, embody rationality and virtue, contrasting sharply with the flawed and corrupt nature of humans, which Swift suggests is a reflection of the moral decay of his contemporary society.

By utilizing satire, Swift encourages readers to reflect on the shortcomings of their own world, inviting them to question authority, social norms, and the human condition. This critical lens is what elevates the narrative beyond a mere adventure story, as it serves to provoke thought and discussion about serious matters through humor and irony. The absence of glorification of cultures or a focus on nature further emphasizes that Swift's aim was not to entertain but to critique the very foundations of contemporary society.