The Role And Function of Gulliver As A Narrator And An Observer

A parody of the then-popular travel narrative, Gulliver’s Travels combines adventure with savage satire, mocking English customs and the politics of the day.

Patricia Bauer, Former Encyclopaedia Britannica Editor [Britannica]

Jonathan Swift has presented Lemuel Gulliver as a narrator and an observer in his satirical masterpiece Gulliver’s Travels.

The account of the different voyages narrated by this fictitious character adds an element of realism to the incidents described, for we have the feeling that Gulliver experienced those incidents in various voyages.

A careful analysis of Gulliver’s Travels reveals the fact that the primary function of Gulliver is essentially that of an observer and a narrator. He is endowed with an extraordinary power of observation.

Gulliver’s narrations arrest our attention throughout the story. However, Gulliver also acts as a commentator. Swift conveys his criticism of humanity and his critical attitude to English institutions and politicians of his time through Gulliver.

Gulliver’s Narratives Begin in Lilliput

In the very beginning, Gulliver gives biographical details and becomes a living person at once. Gulliver is a professional physician and a keen observer of men and manners. In Lilliput, he observes that the natives are great mathematicians and narrates how he is transported to the metropolis.

After he is released from his chains, he goes around the town and gives a vivid description of the people’s style of living, their habits, beliefs, laws, and customs. All four voyages have similar descriptions. He saw a woman with breast cancer and a man with a neck tumor in Laputa.

Gulliver’s Narratives are Curious And Realistic

Gulliver’s skill as a narrator is extraordinary. He narrates dramatic incidents and humorous episodes to satisfy our curiosity and add an element of realism in his descriptions. The comic and the dramatic moment are powerfully drawn in the first three voyages.

In the first voyage, Gulliver finds himself in chains in Lilliput, and his attitude to the pygmies is full of comedy and humor. They crawl on his body, and as he roars, they all run in fear.

Dramatic and exciting episodes like the threat of a Lilliputian, Gulliver’s seizure of the enemy fleet, his putting out a fire by urinating on it, the threat of impeachment against Gulliver, etc., are significant incidents in part I.

In the second part, Gulliver faces the giants and, with great disgust, observes a huge woman suckling her child. The sight of her monstrous breast is horrifying not only to Gulliver but also to the readers.

Gulliver’s Ill Experience at The Royal Palace

In the royal palace, the Queen’s Dwarf is jealous of Gulliver, and one day at dinner, the Dwarf grabbed Gulliver and stuck him in some morrow. Later on, the Dwarf dropped Gulliver in a bowl of cream, and had he not been a good swimmer, he would have been drowned.

However, he had to swallow over a quart of cream before being rescued. Insects posed a problem for Gulliver, and he killed them in the fight with his sword.

The greatest danger that Gulliver experienced in the kingdom happened when the door of his box was left open, and a monkey seized him. Considering Gulliver as a baby monkey, the creature finally hauled Gulliver from his chambers and, holding him in one paw, jumped on one foot.

When they learned that the monkey had stolen Gulliver, hundreds started chasing the monkey. The monkey finally left Gulliver on the roof. Once Gulliver chose to leap over some fresh cow dung on the way, he miserably failed in his attempt and landed in the middle. The Footman had to wipe Gulliver clean.

Gulliver’s Humorous Narratives of The Flying Island And Strange Creatures

In Book III, the flying island is a miracle. The experiments at the Academy of projectors are exciting, and Gulliver describes them with humor and fun.

Book IV contains a compelling account of strange creatures like the Yahoos and Houyhnhnms. It is a land where the horses can talk and teach their language to humans. Gulliver narrates all these incidents and episodes with great narrative skill.

Swift Presents Gulliver As A Moral Judge

Swift has also presented Gulliver as a commentator and a moral judge. He not only observes and narrates but also deeply thinks and comments. He often ponders over what he sees and draws conclusions from his experiences.

In Book II, he reflects on one of the situations,

“This made me reflect vain an attempt it is for a man to endeavor to do himself honor among those who are not of all degree of equality or comparison with him.” 

Lemuel Gulliver, Gulliver’s Travels, Book II. 

In Book IV, Gulliver comments on the Houyhnhnms and human beings,

“But I must freely confess that many virtues of those excellent quadrupeds, placed in opposite view to human corruptions, had so far opened mire eyes and enlarged my understanding that I began to view the actions and passions of man in a very different light.” 

Lemuel Gulliver, Gulliver’s Travels, Book IV.

Swift’s Satirical Narratives Through Gulliver

However, Gulliver’s most significant role in the back is the medium through which Swift communicates his satirical purposes. Swift gives the satirical account of conflicts between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants in Book I.

When Gulliver describes the rope-dancing and the creeping under a string, he reflects Swift’s satire on the Sycophancy of the politicians to win royal favor.

Gulliver’s narration of the king and utterances about the human race reflects Swift’s denunciation.

In Book III, the account of the researchers at the Academy of projectors expresses Swift’s satire as the useless researches by the Royal Society. In Book IV, Swift conveys his misanthrope and cynical views on humankind through Gulliver.

EndNote

Though Gulliver serves as a spokesman for Swift, he should not be fully identified with Swift. Gulliver should be considered an objective dramatic character, recounting his experiences like a moving tale.

The role and function of Gulliver in Swift’s satirical masterpiece are of great significance and importance. He is the protagonist who makes us see what he saw during his great voyages.

Leave a Comment