What does Gulliver prefer to do with his time after returning to England?

Gulliver's preference for isolation and companionship with horses reflects a significant shift in his character following his travels. His experiences in various lands, particularly his time among the Houyhnhnms—intelligent horses who embody rationality and virtue—profoundly impact his worldview. Upon returning to England, he finds human beings to be corrupt, flawed, and often lacking in the virtues he admired in the Houyhnhnms.

As a result, Gulliver feels alienated from society and disenchanted with humanity. He seeks solace in the company of horses, as they remind him of the ideals he found in the Houyhnhnms. This preference for isolation indicates his deep-seated disappointment with human nature and society. Thus, his choice to isolate himself and prefer the company of horses illustrates not just his personal transformation but also serves as a critique of human society that he has come to reject.