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Gulliver is described as a giant in size compared to the inhabitants of Lilliput and Blefescu. How does this difference in size serve to reinforce Swift's opinion about the rift between England and France as presented in Gulliver's Travels? Cite one or two examples from the text to support your answer.

User Iodbh
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Final answer:

In Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels', the size difference between Gulliver and the inhabitants of Lilliput and Blefescu exemplifies the trivial nature of the conflicts between England and France. It serves to satirize European diplomatic disputes and to criticize the arrogance of imperialism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The disparity in size between Gulliver and the inhabitants of Lilliput and Blefescu in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels serves as a satirical device to underscore Swift's views on the pettiness of the conflicts between England and France.

For example, the war between Lilliput and Blefescu over the proper way to crack eggs, a seemingly trivial matter, mirrors the senseless conflicts between European powers. The absurdity is heightened by Gulliver's giant stature, which symbolizes how these issues might appear to an objective outsider who is not involved in the squabbles - as huge disputes over trivial concerns.

Furthermore, the size difference allows Gulliver to intervene in the political affairs of the two nations. His ability to perform acts such as stealing the Blefuscudian fleet with ease shows not only the futility of their conflict but also hints at the overbearing foreign policies of European powers during Swift's time.

Swift uses Gulliver's physical dominance to satirize the arrogance with which countries like England and France imposed their will on others, reinforcing the notion that the grand scale of their diplomatic rifts was often grounded in baseless superiority and folly rather than substantial issues.

User Sumitiscreative
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