What is the effect of Gulliver’s encounters with different societies on his health?

Gulliver’s encounters with various societies throughout his travels profoundly affect his mental well-being, leading to significant mental distress and a pervasive sense of isolation. As Gulliver navigates through different cultures—such as the tiny Lilliputians, the massive Brobdingnagians, the rational Houyhnhnms, and the crude Yahoos—he experiences a stark contrast between their values and his own. This disparity often results in feelings of alienation and confusion regarding his identity and place in the world.

Gulliver's disconnection from his own society and the inability to relate to the beings he encounters contribute to his internal turmoil. The more he learns about the flaws and follies of humanity, particularly when juxtaposed against the Houyhnhnms’ rationality, the more disillusioned he becomes. His travels lead him to question the nature of mankind and often make him feel like an outsider, heightening his sense of loneliness and mental distress.

While other options may touch on aspects of his journey, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive emotional and mental struggles he faces. The corrosive impacts on his psyche are essential to understanding how his experiences shape his views on society and ultimately lead him to seek solitude at the end of