What literary genre does Gulliver's Travels belong to?

"Gulliver's Travels" is primarily recognized as a satire because it uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique contemporary society, politics, and human behavior. Jonathan Swift created a narrative that ostensibly takes the form of an adventure story, but beneath this surface lies a sharp commentary on the shortcomings of not just the British society of his time, but also of human nature in general.

Swift employs fantastical elements like the imaginary lands Gulliver visits and the peculiar customs and characters he encounters to highlight the absurdities of real-world issues, such as government corruption, conflicts, and social inequality. This blend of imaginative storytelling with pointed social criticism is a hallmark of the satirical genre, distinguishing "Gulliver's Travels" from other literary forms such as romantic novels, fantasy fiction, and science fiction, which may not necessarily focus on such a direct critique of societal norms and behaviors.

The use of satire allows Swift to engage readers not only for entertainment but also to provoke thought and discussion regarding moral and philosophical questions, making his work enduringly relevant.