How Did Gulliver React after Meeting with his Own Family?
PremiumHow did Gulliver react after meeting with his own family?
In Jonathan Swift's (1667 –1745) famous novel “Gulliver's Travels” (1726), Lemuel Gulliver expresses several extraordinary adventures that change his perspective on life and humanity. Upon returning home after his final voyage, Gulliver's reaction to his family is notably complex. It reflects the profound impact of his experiences, particularly his time spent among the Houyhnhnms.
Discomfort and Detachment: After his last voyage, he lived among the rational and noble Houyhnhnms (noble horses). Here, Gulliver finds it extremely difficult to reintegrate into human society. When he reunites with his family, his initial reaction is one of discomfort and detachment.
He perceives his family members, and indeed all humans, as Yahoos—vile, irrational, and corrupt beings. This perception creates a signMy wife and family received me with great surprise and joy, …………but I must freely confess the sight of them filled me only with hatred, disgust, and contempt;