The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen · Chapter
At the City of London, England explained
A mock affidavit is presented, signed by Gulliver, Sinbad, and Aladdin, attesting to the truth of Baron Munchausen's adventures, sworn at the Mansion House in the absence of the Lord Mayor.
What happens
A mock affidavit is presented, signed by Gulliver, Sinbad, and Aladdin, attesting to the truth of Baron Munchausen's adventures, sworn at the Mansion House in the absence of the Lord Mayor.
Themes in this chapter
Veracity and Lying
The chapter parodies the concept of sworn testimony by having fictional characters affirm the truth of Munchausen's tall tales.
Intertextuality and Literary Parody
The inclusion of Gulliver, Sinbad, and Aladdin as witnesses creates a playful crossover of famous literary and folkloric figures.
Characters to notice
- Baron Munchausen
The subject of the sworn affidavit, whose adventures are affirmed as true.
Key passages
“We , the undersigned, as true believers in the profit , do most solemnly affirm, that all the adventures of our friend Baron Munchausen, in whatever country they may lie , are positive and simple facts.”
We, the signatories, who believe in profit, swear that all of Baron Munchausen's adventures are true.
The oath is framed as a mockery of legal and commercial affirmations.
“Sworn at the Mansion House 9th Nov. last, in the absence of the Lord Mayor. John (the Porter).”
Sworn at the Mansion House on November 9th, with the Lord Mayor absent, witnessed by John the Porter.
The absence of the Lord Mayor and the lowly witness undermine the solemnity of the oath.