What class do Yahoos represent in the society of Houyhnhnms?

Prepare for the Gulliver's Travels Test. Dive into detail with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with useful hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success!

In "Gulliver's Travels," the Yahoos serve as a representation of the lower class within the society of the Houyhnhnms. The Yahoos are depicted as savage, brutish creatures, embodying base human qualities such as greed, selfishness, and ignorance. Their behavior contrasts sharply with the rational, civilized, and noble nature of the Houyhnhnms, who personify the ideals of reason, intelligence, and virtue.

The characterization of the Yahoos draws a parallel to the unchecked instincts and flaws found in humanity, particularly among those who might be regarded as lower in social stature. This depiction critiques aspects of human society that Gulliver, through his experiences, comes to view with disdain. By placing the Yahoos at the bottom of the societal hierarchy in the context of the Houyhnhnms' world, Swift emphasizes the flaws and vices of human beings, using the Yahoos to reflect a critical view of the lower classes in his own societal context.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy