Human Nature in Gulliver's Travels

... James Beattie wrote of Gulliver's Travels in 1778 that Swift's 'tale represents human nature itself as the object of contempt and abhorrence'. To what extent do you agree with the above statement? Answer with close reference to the text, using material from ALL four books. Gulliver's Travels (GT) may seem to be a somewhat dispersed satire, with Swift attacking various unrelated objects specific to his time, especially across the first three parts of the travelogue. However, a distinction must be made that, although many of the references that Swift make are contextual and unconnected, the very aspect of those targets that he wishes to correct is certainly not specific itself. Instead, it is so fundamental to humans that it transcends all societies, past or present, near or distant. Hence, it is almost absolute that Swift's tale "represents human nature itself as the object of contempt and abhorrence" as noted by James

want to read more? →