Summary Gulliver and his master continue their discussion of concepts that are difficult for the master to comprehend — especially those related to lying and doing evil. Gulliver explains the role of Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos in Gulliver’s country, and, of course, the master is shocked when he learns how […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 4Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 3
Summary Adept at languages, Gulliver learns rather quickly to talk with the Houyhnhnms. They speak a strange language, he says, yet it is similar to High Dutch. Besides the Houyhnhnms teaching Gulliver, he teaches them. They have no books, so Gulliver shows them how to write. The Houyhnhnms are truly […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 3Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 2
Summary Gulliver, accompanied by the grey steed, walks to the grey’s house where Gulliver meets several other Houyhnhnms. The grey (the master of the house) then takes Gulliver into a “court” where he observes several Yahoos eating roots and the flesh of “dogs and asses.” Gulliver is placed near one […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 2Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 1
Summary After five months at home, Gulliver is offered and accepts the position of captain of the merchant ship. During the voyage, several of his crew become ill, and Gulliver is forced to hire replacements. Unfortunately, those hired are pirates who organize a mutiny on the ship and leave Gulliver […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part IV: Chapter 1Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 11
Summary At last Gulliver is able to find a boat bound for Japan. In Japan, though, he finds himself in trouble again. It is customary for Dutchmen in Japan to trample the crucifix, and none have ever protested doing so. However, the Japanese emperor excuses Gulliver from this ceremony. Later, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 11Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 10
Summary During his stay in Luggnagg, Gulliver hears about the Struldbruggs, people in Luggnagg society who are immortal. Gulliver’s first reaction to hearing about the Struldbruggs’ immortality is one of envy and enthusiasm because it would allow a person to gain immense wealth, wisdom, and the philosophical serenity. He fantasizes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 10Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 9
Summary Gulliver journeys to Luggnagg posing as a Dutchman, but he is discovered and imprisoned. The King sends for Gulliver, and we learn about the King’s idiosyncrasies. He requires those who have an audience with him to advance on their hands and knees and lick the floor. When a courtier […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 9Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 8
Summary Gulliver, continuing his interaction with those brought back from the dead, visits with Homer, Aristotle, Descartes (a French philosopher and mathematician), and Gassendi, (a French philosopher and scientist). He also spends several days visiting with Roman emperors and with several rulers whom he terms as “modern dead.” He then […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 8Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 7
Summary Gulliver visits Glubbdubdrib, an island populated by sorcerers. The governor of the island, who can make people disappear or return from the dead, invites Gulliver to visit with several persons brought back from the dead. Thus Gulliver discovers that Alexander was not poisoned and that Hannibal did not use […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 7Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 6
Summary Gulliver tells us that the political scientists he visits are quite insane. They have proposed that administrators be chosen for their wisdom, talent, and skill; that ability and virtue be rewarded; and that ministers be chosen for their love of public good. One scientist proposes to improve state business […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Part III: Chapter 6