Lemuel Gulliver's Mirror for Man

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Satire, long neglected, has gained attention, with Gulliver's Travels being a controversial book. This study examines Swift's masterpiece in the context of its own age and ours, exploring philosophical doubts and Augustan satiric theory. It argues that contradictory truths are simultaneously in force and proposes a speculative theory linking Swift's satiric intentions to John Locke's epistemology. The study also examines the psychology of the satirist and the mind's response to intellectual crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Satire, a long-neglected literary genre, has recently garnered increased critical attention. Among the numerous satirical works, none has sparked more debate than Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels." Since its initial publication, this masterpiece has been the subject of an ongoing and intense discussion regarding its moral and aesthetic significance. This debate is closely intertwined with the question of Swift's true intentions, particularly in Book IV. Despite the ongoing controversy, this is the first comprehensive study of "Gulliver's Travels" to emerge in over forty years. It contextualizes Swift's masterpiece within its own era but also in relation to our contemporary world.

The study begins by examining the philosophical uncertainties of the Augustans concerning the nature of man. These doubts, which are now recognized as a significant driving force behind Swift's satire, are explored in depth. The author then examines Augustan satiric theory and its continental origins, providing a foundation for understanding "Gulliver's Travels" as a conventional form of satire, specifically targeting human nature.

On the subject of Book IV, which has been the source of much debate, the study presents an alternative perspective. It argues that both views of Swift as a savage misanthrope and as a benign humanist are inadequate, and that, as in Swift's irony generally, contradictory truths exist simultaneously. The study delves into the intricate workings of values within a satiric context, raising questions such as Gulliver's unwavering commitment to truth-telling. In this regard, a speculative theory is proposed, linking Swift's satiric intentions to the epistemology of John Locke.

The conclusion of the study extends to modern writers, such as Lewis Carroll, Joyce, and Vladimir Nabokov, whose habits shed retrospective light on Swift's work. The study, while focused on "Gulliver's Travels," encompasses broader themes related to the psychology of the satirist and the mind's response to satire. It explores the enduring relevance of Swift's satire and its ability to challenge and provoke thought, even in the modern age.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520305052