Throughout the novel, what does Gulliver’s character arc signify?

Gulliver’s character arc is significant as it represents a profound critique of human nature and the ideals of the Enlightenment. Throughout his travels, Gulliver encounters various societies that reflect different aspects of humanity and its flaws, such as pettiness, corruption, and moral degradation. These encounters provoke deep philosophical reflections on the nature of man, society, and governance.

Initially, Gulliver is an optimistic character, believing in progress and the potential for human improvement. However, as he witnesses the absurdities of human behavior in the various lands he visits—such as the morally ambiguous actions of the Brobdingnagians and the irrational politics of the Houyhnhnms—his perspective shifts. He begins to recognize the folly and vice inherent in human nature, leading to a sense of disillusionment.

This character change underscores the novel’s thematic exploration of Enlightenment ideals, questioning the assumption that reason and science can lead to the betterment of society. Instead, Gulliver’s eventual cynicism suggests that perhaps human beings are not as rational or noble as Enlightenment thinkers hoped. Thus, his journey serves as both a personal evolution and a broader commentary on the complexities and contradictions of human nature.