What is the primary contrast between Yahoos and Houyhnhnms?

The primary contrast between Yahoos and Houyhnhnms lies in the characteristics that define each group, with Yahoos representing brutishness and the Houyhnhnms embodying rationality. In Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," Yahoos are portrayed as savage, irrational creatures driven by base instincts and passions. They lack the capacity for reason and exemplify a degenerate form of humanity, representing the darker aspects of human nature.

On the other hand, the Houyhnhnms are depicted as intelligent, rational horses who live in a society governed by reason, virtue, and moral clarity. Their culture is devoid of the vices that plague humankind, reflecting an idealized version of rational existence. This contrast serves to critique human behavior and societal norms, as well as to explore themes of civilization versus barbarism.

The other options do not capture the fundamental differences between these two groups effectively. While physical strength may be an aspect of the Yahoos, it is not the defining quality distinguishing them from the Houyhnhnms. Similarly, wealth versus poverty and tradition versus modernity are not central themes in the interactions between these two groups; instead, the emphasis is strongly placed on the ideals of brut