SANDHAN (AGIC): Satire in Gulliver's Travels

SANDHAN BISAG・2 minutes read

The text discusses the Augustan Age in England, focusing on literary tendencies and notable writers like Pope and Swift, highlighting the use of satire to critique society. Gulliver's Travels is analyzed as a political satire representing the political parties of England through the protagonist's adventures in Lilliput and Brobdingnag.

Insights

  • The Austen Age in England, also known as The Age of Popes, was marked by significant developments in art, literature, trade, and commerce, fostering critical thinking and societal reflection.
  • Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" serves as a political satire reflecting the political landscape of England during the New Classical Age, with characters symbolizing key political figures and parties, emphasizing societal corruption and political vices through a lens of wit and humor.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Austen Age?

    The Austen Age refers to the 18th century in England.

  • Who were notable writers of the Austen Age?

    Notable writers include Joseph Addison, Samuel Richardson, and Fielding.

  • What is satire in literature?

    Satire humorously attacks societal institutions for improvement.

  • What was the Glorious Revolution of 1688?

    The Glorious Revolution shifted power in England.

  • What is the significance of Gulliver's Travels?

    Gulliver's Travels delves into political satire and societal commentary.

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Summary

00:00

"The Austen Age: Literary Tendencies and Satire"

  • Dr. Beena Mada, Principal of Anand Arts College, and Dr. Himanshu Srivastava discuss the Austen Age and literary tendencies.
  • The 18th century in England is known as the Austen Age, also referred to as The Age of Popes and The Neo Classical Age.
  • The Augustan Age saw developments in art, literature, trade, and commerce, with critical spirits prevailing.
  • The Age of Prose, Reason, and Set Rules is characterized by literature produced by an artificial society.
  • Notable writers during this era include Joseph Addison, Stella Swift, Samuel Richardson, Fielding, Goldsmith, Johnson, and Pope.
  • Satire is a literary genre aimed at improving society by humorously attacking institutions like government, politics, religion, and education.
  • Satire must have a clear message, target, formal language, and evolve sophistication, developed by Horace and Persius in Rome.
  • The Glorious Revolution of 1688 marked the beginning of the New Classical Age and the Age of Pope in England.
  • The revolution shifted power from the King to Parliament, leading to the emergence of Tory and Whig political parties.
  • Jonathan Swift, known for Gulliver's Travels, was a Tory supporter, clergyman, misanthrope, and satirist, inspired by societal corruption and vices.

21:29

Gulliver's Travels: Political Satire in Lilliput

  • The protagonist finds himself arrested and tied down by very small creatures in Lilliput.
  • He becomes a prisoner of the country and is taken to the capital city, Lilliput.
  • The Emperor of Lilliput resembles King George the First, who was a German ruler.
  • Gulliver wins the trust of the Emperor through a rope dance and is granted liberty.
  • Participants in the rope dance display their agility and cleverness to determine their status.
  • The political orders in Lilliput mirror those given by King George the First in England.
  • Flimnap, the best dancer in the rope dance, represents Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of England.
  • Gulliver's Travels delves into political satire, representing the two major political parties of England.
  • Gulliver's adventures in Brobdingnag involve learning the language and culture, and impressing the King and Queen with English history.
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