Quiz: Gulliver’s Travels: I, 1-2
Name __________________________
1. Give one of Gulliver’s reasons for writing the introductory letter “to his cousin
Sympson.”
Gulliver angrily complains to Sympson, his publisher, about the errors found in the recent
publication of a book about his travels. He says things were omitted and inserted without his
permission, specifically complaining about a paragraph praising Queen Anne above his
“master Houyhnhnm.”
He had also hoped that his books would instruct and improve Yahoos in England, but six
months after its publication, no changes have taken place, and Yahoos have clearly proven
themselves incapable of improvement.
Gulliver is also offended that people have questioned his honesty and challenged the truth of
his publication.
2. Briefly describe Gulliver’s first meal in Lilliput. Provide details.
The Lilliputians bring him baskets of meat and several loaves of bread, which he eats three at
a time. When he indicates he is thirsty, they provide him with two large barrels of wine.
3. How do the Lilliputians convey Gulliver to the city?
They build a large wooden conveyance with 22 wheels. After drinking the drugged wine
they provided him, Gulliver falls asleep, and 900 men place him on the wooden apparatus.
1500 horses, all about 4½ inches high, pull him into the city.
4. Where does Gulliver lodge in Lilliput, and how is he prevented from escaping?
Gulliver is lodged in an ancient temple that was “polluted by foul murder.” His left leg is
chained with 91 chains and 36 padlocks, which allow him some freedom of movement in the
courtyard, but prevent him from escaping.
5. What punishment does Gulliver decide on for the Lilliputians who shot arrows at him?
When the “rabble” who shot arrows at Gulliver are handed over to him for punishment, he
scares them by pretending he is going to eat them, and then sets them free. He earns the
respect of the Lilliputian people for his mercy.
6. What do the Lilliputians conclude about Gulliver’s watch?
The Lilliputians conclude that Gulliver’s watch must be some kind of God that he worships,
since he doesn’t do anything without consulting it.
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