Characteristics Of Misanthropy In Gulliver's Travels

People may become misanthropic for two reasons, hatred and cynicism from birth, or disappointment with what they have seen (Bullit 3). Jonathan Swift’s misanthropic tendencies come from disappointment in the people of the time, and are reflected in Gulliver’s Travels (Bullit 3). In Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver recounts the events in a scientific travel log; much like those the Royal society of Dublin encouraged people to keep, satirizing the travels funded by the Royal society of Dublin (Higgit Gulliver’s Travels). More specifically, misanthropy is shown, and satire is employed when Swift writes of Gulliver’s voyage to Laputa (Litt and Mohler). All of the scientific and artistic advances in early eighteenth century Europe are satirized in Laputa. Europe, according to Swift, and Laputa are characterized by a highly intelligent population, but not functional society (Litt and Mohler). The fifth and sixth chapters make use of less hyperbole and pure satire than other sections; explaining the extraction of sunbeams from cucumbers in the Grand Academy of Lagado (Gulliver’s Travels). Swift uses the characteristics of Laputa to satirize and criticize the societal

Jonathan Swift was born November 30th 1667, during a time that Ireland was assimilating into the United Kingdom (Canny 1565). Due to the political and societal struggles of the time in Ireland, Swift’s mother struggled financially through childhood, and had poor health, caused by an ear condition. Swift’s mother gave Jonathan to his uncle for hope of a better future. Under his uncle’s care, Jonathan Swift attended high quality schools and colleges, among the wealthy. However, the rough childhood Swift experienced kept his ideas grounded (Jonathan Swift Biography). The past of Jonathan Swift is seen in Gulliver’s Travels instead of the upper class scientist mentality others of the time