The Eighteenth Century, Political Satire

Gulliver looking like a giant in Lilliput

 In honor of my upcoming trip to Ireland, I've decided to cover some well known Irish authors in the next three weeks.  One of my favorites by one of my favorites.  

#4 Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

For those who don't know, Gulliver is an Englishman who journey's to far off places and records the various cultures and societies he encounters, and each world has its own fantasy twist.

 In one land, the people are small enough to fit in his hand, and another the people look like giants and he can see all of the blemishes on their skin. And then, there are the floating islands in the sky.  All the while, he has left his wife and kids at home, and upon his return with all of these crazy stories, they begin to suspect his mental health is suffering.

Since I read it way back in high school, I've forgotten a lot of the specifics. And actually, it can be quite difficult to understand at times, given it's packed with political themes. Things that your average high school student hasn't thought about much. But I'm back prepared after studying history in college, and funny enough, it makes much more sense!
 

The point that most will fail to see in comparing these different worlds is that it is for the sake understanding the good and bad of society. Or to venture into what makes a true 'utopian' society. This theme is very common to the 18^th century.

James Gillray's The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver

For the first time, new political ideals were explored with the establishment of new governments which popped up all over the vast uncharted continents and islands that make up the Americas. (for the Old World at least) And, people were throwing around theories about how to go about it all.

The book is just the same. It's bold for its time and satire at its best. 

Original Picture