What is the fate of the Yahoos in contrast to the 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!

The Yahoos in "Gulliver's Travels" are depicted as savage, brutish creatures that embody the least admirable traits of humanity, such as greed, violence, and a lack of reason. In contrast, the Houyhnhnms are rational, noble horses who live in a society characterized by reason, order, and virtue. This stark contrast serves as a critique of human nature, highlighting the degradation present in humans while showcasing an idealized existence among the Houyhnhnms.

The depiction of Yahoos as representing the worst of humanity emphasizes Swift's satirical commentary on human behavior and morality. Through Gulliver's observations, it becomes clear that the Yahoos act out of base instincts, devoid of the qualities that the Houyhnhnms value. This distinction plays a crucial role in portraying Swift's thematic exploration of the potential for human beings to transcend their basest instincts, serving as a critical reflection on the state of society in Swift's time.

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