Gulliver’s Travels – An Analysis
1. In Chapter 4 of Book 2, Gulliver describes the countryside in very specific terms. Why so
much detail? Describe the tone in the overt use of detail.
2. In the first half of Chapter 5, Gulliver describes the “Maids of Honour” that enjoyed touching
him, etc. Why is he so disgusted? What is significant about the tone and purpose of this aspect
of the plot?
3. In the second half of Chapter 5, Gulliver describes his run-in with the monkey. What
happened, and why does the chapter end with “all the mirth, for some days, was at my expense”?
4. In Chapter 7, we get a huge political conversation about the implements of war. Gulliver is
interested in helping the king and his military, but the king is horrified to hear Gulliver’s military
descriptions. Why? What is the major statement Swift is pushing on the reader? To answer this,
you will have to balance the content of what Gulliver told the king with the king’s army.
5. In Book 3, Gulliver is only home for 10 days before he agrees to go on yet another voyage.
After so much time away, why does Gulliver agree to leave on Captain Robinson’s ship? What
ethos and pathos is displayed in the decision?
6. After the voyage begins, there is a discussion of Christian versus heathen. What happens and
why is it important? What does this conversation tell us about Gulliver? About Swift?