By smartcubs Lemuel Gulliver, the protagonist of Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels,” is a curious and adventurous character. His journeys to various fantastical lands, such as Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the land of the Houyhnhnms, reveal much about his personality and the world around him.
Physical Appearance
Gulliver is described as a tall and strong man. His appearance varies in significance depending on the land he visits:
- In Lilliput, Gulliver is a giant compared to the tiny inhabitants.
- In Brobdingnag, he is a miniature man among giants.
- In Laputa and other lands, his appearance is more ordinary.
| Land | Gulliver’s Size | Inhabitants’ Size |
|---|---|---|
| Lilliput | Giant | Tiny |
| Brobdingnag | Miniature | Giants |
| Laputa | Ordinary | Ordinary |
| Houyhnhnms | Human | Horses (intelligent) |
Personality Traits
Gulliver’s personality evolves through his travels:
- Curiosity: Gulliver is extremely curious, always eager to explore new places and learn about different cultures.
- Adaptability: He quickly adapts to new environments, learning the languages and customs of the lands he visits.
- Intelligence: Gulliver is intelligent and observant, often providing detailed accounts of the places he visits.
- Naivety: Despite his intelligence, Gulliver can be naive, often failing to see the faults in his own society until they are contrasted with those of the lands he visits.
- Resilience: Gulliver is resilient, surviving many hardships and dangers during his voyages.
Relationships
Gulliver’s relationships with others vary significantly:
- Family: He has a wife and children whom he cares for, but his voyages often keep him away from home for extended periods.
- Friends: He forms friendships with some of the inhabitants of the lands he visits, such as the Emperor of Lilliput.
- Adversaries: Gulliver also encounters adversaries, such as the King of Brobdingnag, who sees him as a curiosity rather than an equal.
Values and Beliefs
Gulliver’s values and beliefs change over time:
- Initially: He values European customs and beliefs, seeing them as superior.
- Through his travels: He begins to question these values, especially after witnessing the different ways of life in the lands he visits.
- Eventually: Gulliver becomes disillusioned with human nature, especially after his stay with the Houyhnhnms, who embody rationality and kindness, contrasting sharply with the vices he sees in humans.
Summary of Key Traits
- Curious and adventurous
- Adaptable and intelligent
- Naive yet observant
- Resilient in the face of danger
Gulliver’s adventures are not just physical journeys but also intellectual and moral explorations. Through his eyes, readers see the follies and virtues of different societies, making him a complex and intriguing character.