Some notable patterns are beginning to surface that are characteristic of Gulliver's experiences in the various countries he visits. His remarkable ability to become shipwrecked and isolated from civilization for a duration of time (hahaha) has allowed him to meet the otherworldly civilizations he has so far without the interference of major political powers. While he does bring back evidence of his journeys to such worlds (e.g. the sheep of Lilliput), nobody but Gulliver has physically seen the inhabitants of those peoples. In addition, Gulliver has a remarkable capacity to learn language. His upper-hand aptitude is revealed in his quick mastery of the Lilliputian and Brobdingnagian languages. The story line of his stay in the countries also seems to follow a familiar pattern:
- Shipwrecking, initial exposure to unknown environment
- Exposure to native peoples
- Assimilation to culture, familiarity with natives
- Conflicting actions with the native peoples
- Escape
Cody, I had noticed this as well. Within reading the first chapter of this section I notice how the roles of the giant and munchkin had been flipped. It quickly began to bore me as this mindset made the events of both sections blur together. I was hugely focused on these similarities.
ReplyDeleteI don't quite remember him having evidence of his time in Brobdingnag. But otherwise I agree with the patterns you observed.
I also found another reoccurring and unexplained pattern throughout both sections 1 and 2; both the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagians have a society that closely resembles that of Europe, specifically England. I find this a bit strange because both Lilliput and Brobdingnag were undiscovered by Europeans in the past and had no connections with the European world, yet they developed customs, cultures, and architecture that are strikingly similar. Also, I found it confusing how the both nations seemed to develop independently from their corresponding location. For example, North America during the 17th century was mainly inhabited by Native Americans who still followed a simple and primitive way of life. Despite being part of North America and being attached to the American mainland, Brobdingnag shows no sign of indigenous native culture.
ReplyDeleteI agree with these patterns. After reading about the Lilliputians and Brobdingnagians, I can see these patterns. The Lilliputians saw Gulliver after he swam ashore from a shipwreck. Then he saw the Lilliputians, then goes familiarizing himself with the Lilliputians and helping them out in war, and then gains freedom and leaves. It happens with the Brobdingnagians too.
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