Thank you for this insightful perspective. This is one of two texts I have chosen for my end of module essay, and shall be comparing its form with an Austen novel.
In the 1990s NBC broadcast a TV miniseries adaptation of "Gulliver" with Ted Danson in the title role; it was one of the rare adaptations addressing the entire book rather than sticking with just the Lilliputians. I saw it when it first aired and I was completely recalling the equivalent scenes reading this here...
Such a great essay - much enjoyed, thank you. I'd love to find the reading by David Hyde Pierce - that would be a joy! I probably need to reread the book (it's been years, though the book's relevance and vocabulary remain part of my thinking) but I had thought the end was funny, and a bit sad. Gulliver, having spent so much time with the horses (whose speech sounded to him like a kind of High Dutch - ouch), can no longer bear the smell of humans. Why do you consider Gulliver a fool at the end? I'm not saying you are wrong; I'd just like to understand.
Fantastic, as ever. I’ve always thought Swift’s epitaph would make a good title for a documentary about him: ‘Savage Indignation’.
yes!!
I was impressed by this a few days ago when I read it on PloughStack—and again after a 2nd reading. Thanks for your discussion of a text I love!
thanks :)
Thank you for this insightful perspective. This is one of two texts I have chosen for my end of module essay, and shall be comparing its form with an Austen novel.
oh fun! enjoy
In the 1990s NBC broadcast a TV miniseries adaptation of "Gulliver" with Ted Danson in the title role; it was one of the rare adaptations addressing the entire book rather than sticking with just the Lilliputians. I saw it when it first aired and I was completely recalling the equivalent scenes reading this here...
oh wow, sounds great
Such a great essay - much enjoyed, thank you. I'd love to find the reading by David Hyde Pierce - that would be a joy! I probably need to reread the book (it's been years, though the book's relevance and vocabulary remain part of my thinking) but I had thought the end was funny, and a bit sad. Gulliver, having spent so much time with the horses (whose speech sounded to him like a kind of High Dutch - ouch), can no longer bear the smell of humans. Why do you consider Gulliver a fool at the end? I'm not saying you are wrong; I'd just like to understand.
he has become so "rational" that he is unable to see the truth of human life in front of him--it has cut him off from the world
I see. Thank you, Henry, I will reread with this in mind.
I haven't read this in decades but you've inspired me to add it to my (overwhelming, dauntingly long!) Google Doc of 'Books to Read.' Thanks!
do it!!
It's on the list!!
A wonderful account (not to mention, for our times). Thank you.
yes Swift remains relevant!
Thank you for this. I t has inspired me to read Gulliver and some of his satirical verses.