Gulliver’s Travels · Chapter
II explained
The Emperor of Lilliput, attended by nobles, visits Gulliver in his confinement.
What happens
The Emperor of Lilliput, attended by nobles, visits Gulliver in his confinement. Gulliver describes the Emperor's person and dress. Learned men are appointed to teach Gulliver the Lilliputian language. Gulliver gains favor through his mild disposition. His pockets are searched, and his sword and pistols are taken from him. The court debates how to handle Gulliver, ultimately deciding to provide for his sustenance and education while keeping him under guard.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Politics and Government
The court's debates over how to handle Gulliver—considering starvation, poisoning, or execution—satirize the absurd and self-serving nature of political decision-making.
Human Pride and Vanity
The Emperor's pride in his appearance and the elaborate description of his dress and demeanor highlight the vanity of rulers, even in a miniature society.
Relativity of Perspective
Gulliver's giant size relative to the Lilliputians creates a constant contrast in scale, emphasizing how perspective shapes perception and power dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Lemuel Gulliver
The narrator and protagonist, confined in Lilliput, describes his interactions with the Emperor and his efforts to learn the language.
- Reldresal
Mentioned as a particular friend of Gulliver who informs him of the court's deliberations regarding his fate.
- Skyresh Bolgolam
Not directly named in this chapter, but referenced as part of the court; the chapter focuses on the Emperor and his council.
Key passages
“I was under great difficulties between urgency and shame.”
Gulliver struggled with the conflict between his physical needs and his sense of modesty.
Highlights Gulliver's concern for propriety even in his dire situation.
“He is taller by almost the breadth of my nail, than any of his court; which alone is enough to strike an awe into the beholders.”
The Emperor is slightly taller than his courtiers, which inspires reverence.
Satirizes how minor physical differences can be exaggerated into symbols of authority.
“I took them all in my right hand, put five of them into my coat-pocket; and as to the sixth, I made a countenance as if I would eat him alive.”
Gulliver picked up the six prisoners, putting five in his pocket and pretending to eat the sixth.
Demonstrates Gulliver's power and his use of theatrical mercy to gain favor.