Question

GULLIVER"S TRAVELS

In order for a fantasy tale to succeed, the world that is created needs to be somewhat believable to the reader. How does Swift create a believable fantasy world in Lilliput? Cite at least 5 specific examples from the text and explain WHY they make the fantasy world believable.

Answer 1

Swift makes the fantasy world of Lilliput in Gulliver's Travels believable by including detailed societal descriptions, realistic conflicts, impactful individual roles, relatable characters, and satirical parallels to European politics.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift creates a believable fantasy world in Lilliput by grounding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Here are five examples from the text that contribute to its believability:

1. Detailed descriptions of Lilliputian society mimic the complexity of real-world societies, including laws, customs, and politics.
2. The presence of conflict, such as the war with Blefuscu, reflects real geopolitical dynamics.
3. Gulliver’s role as both a mediator and a problem highlights how one individual can impact a society, paralleling real historical figures.
4. Lilliputian characters are given depth and personality, making their reactions and lives relatable to the reader.
5. The use of satire to mirror and critique European politics of Swift’s time makes the story more accessible and grounded in familiar issues.

These elements make the fantasy world believable because they echo known aspects of human societies and behaviors, offering a touchstone of realism within the context of the fantastic.

Answer 2

In Liliput, Gulliver makes a parody of many aspects of the world that he finds non-sensical or comical. However, he also creates a world that is believable to the reader, as this will allow the tale to be successful. Five of the elements that Swift employs for this effect are:

• Although the people of Liliput are small, they are similar to humans in all other respects, which allows us to better understand their problems and motivations.
• Liliput is an empire, with a ruling emperor. This is similar to many other nations that have had emperors as rulers.
• Liliputians follow a religion with a scripture and a prophet. They also have internal divisions within believers. This reminds the reader of Christianity.
• The political conflict between the "high-heels" and the "low-heels" are similar to those between the Whigs and the Tories in England.
• The rivalry between Liliput and Blefuscu is similar to that between England and France.