What societal critique is evident in the portrayal of the Lilliputian and Brobdingnagian monarchs?

The portrayal of the Lilliputian and Brobdingnagian monarchs serves as a notable critique of arbitrary power and monarchy. In "Gulliver's Travels," Jonathan Swift presents both kings as embodiments of the absurdities that can arise from unchecked authority. The Lilliputian monarch, though commanding a tiny empire, engages in petty disputes and employs absurd methods to maintain his power, illustrating how trivial concerns can dominate the actions of those in authority. Meanwhile, the Brobdingnagian king, who is physically enormous, represents a contrasting view of monarchy by demonstrating reason and a lack of interest in the nonsensical pursuits that often govern smaller leadership. Through these contrasting portrayals, Swift critiques the nature of sovereign power, emphasizing that both leaders, despite their physical differences, exhibit qualities that highlight the irrationality and often ridiculous nature of absolute rulership and the arbitrary distinctions of power. This focus on the nonsensical elements of their reigns reveals deeper flaws in the structures of authority and critiques the notion of divine right and the legitimacy of monarchies.