Discussion questions – Gulliver’s Travels Book I: “A Voyage to Lilliput”: What decrees have to be made to protect Gulliver
What decrees have to be made to protect Gulliver? Who manages to make windfall (large) profits? What comment is being made indirectly about licensing and taxation in general?
Look at the description given of the Emperor of Lilliput on page 31. While the Emperor is clearly meant to be George I of England, who took over from Anne and favored the Whigs (Swift’s opponents), the description on the physical level is not at all like George. Describe the Emperor’s attributes. Are these complimentary or derogatory? Why might Swift have chosen this (inaccurate) description?
