Gulliver’s Travels: A Journey Through Strange and Wonderful Lands
Jonathan Swift’s classic novel, Gulliver’s Travels, is a satirical masterpiece that has captivated readers for centuries. The story follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s surgeon who finds himself shipwrecked on a series of strange and wonderful islands. Along the way, he encounters a variety of fantastical creatures, including giants, dwarfs, and talking horses.
Stage 2: A Voyage to Brobdingnag
In the second stage of his travels, Gulliver finds himself on the island of Brobdingnag, a land inhabited by giants. Here, he is treated as a plaything by the giant inhabitants, who find his diminutive size amusing. Gulliver is forced to adapt to his new surroundings, learning to communicate with the giants and finding ways to survive in a world where everything is so much larger than him.
Summary of Stage 2
- Gulliver is shipwrecked on the island of Brobdingnag, a land inhabited by giants.
- He is treated as a plaything by the giant inhabitants, who find his diminutive size amusing.
- Gulliver learns to communicate with the giants and finds ways to survive in a world where everything is so much larger than him.
- He meets a variety of interesting characters, including a farmer, a doctor, and a king.
- Gulliver eventually leaves Brobdingnag and continues his travels.
Themes and Analysis
Stage 2 of Gulliver’s Travels is a satire of human nature. Swift uses the giants to represent the powerful and privileged classes of society, while Gulliver represents the common man. The story explores themes of power, authority, and the relationship between the individual and society.
Related Links
- Gulliver’s Travels – The full text of Gulliver’s Travels, available online from Project Gutenberg.
- Jonathan Swift – A biography of Jonathan Swift, from Encyclopedia Britannica.
- Gulliver’s Travels: A Study Guide – A study guide to Gulliver’s Travels, from LitCharts.