By Jonathan Swift “Lilliput” Gulliver’s Travels By Jonathan Swift “Lilliput”

Chapter One Tells of Gulliver’s childhood and young adulthood Takes a voyage on the Antelope, is shipwrecked Wakes up on the Island Lilliput Is a captive of the Lilliputians, people who are six inches tall Is taken to the capital city and housed in a temple

Chapter Two The Emperor visits Gulliver and makes decisions for the captive’s future Gulliver is shot at by Lilliputians He shows his clemency by scaring his attackers but letting them go unscathed, impressing the Emperor Intellectuals of the island are appointed to teach Gulliver the local language The contents of Gulliver’s pockets are examined and recorded The examiners confiscate some of his possessions including his weapons

Chapter Two The political allegory of England between 1708-1715 begins: The search of Gulliver’s possessions is symbolic of The Committee of Secrecy’s investigation of two Tories: Robert Harley – Earl of Oxford and Henry St James Duke Bolingbroke The leaders were accused of favoring France in the Treaty of Utrecht which ended the War of Spanish Succession Also, take note of how absolutely trivial things, like emptying pockets, become “literally” an act of parliament with the Liliputians.

Chapter Three The Emperor rewards Gulliver for his good behavior Political candidates perform on ropes to gain favor with the ruler Swift likens this rope-dancing performance to England’s Orders of the Garter, Bath and Thistle Although Gulliver says he has never seen such performances, Swift is quoted saying, “And he who will leap over the stick for the King/ Is qualified best for a dog on a string” The court agrees to set him free with a list terms and conditions Chapter Three

Chapter Four Gulliver visits the city of Mildendo which represents London Reldresal, the Principal Secretary, explains the politics of Lilliput The opposing parties are the Tramechsans and Slamecksans who represent England’s Tories and Whigs They are warring over which end to break eggs which satirizes the conflict of Catholics and Protestants The Lilliputians are involved in a war with Blefuscu representing France in the War of Spanish Succession Gulliver pledges his allegance to the Emperor in fighting the Blefuscuians Tories = High Church = High Heels = Tramechsans; Whig =Low Church = Low Heels = Slamecksan Emperor wears low heels Big Endians vs Little Endians

Chapter Five Gulliver swims to Blefuscu Under attack, he steals their entire fleet of ships Gulliver is made a Nardac, the highest Lillipution honor Gulliver protests the court’s plan to conquer the Blefuscuians The Blefuscuians arrive to negotiate peace and Gulliver promises to visit their country This visit is frowned upon as Bolingbroke’s visit to France was The empress’ apartments in the palace catch on fire Gulliver is summoned for help, putting out the fire by urinating on it Although he saves the palace, the Emperor does not approve of how he went about it while the Empress vows revenge The emperor’s dislike of Gulliver’s peaceful position on the war may refer to the Treaty of Utrecht which stopped the war questionably. The urination is in reference to Queen Anne’s relationship with Swift. Or it refers to Queen Anne’s anger a Swift for publishing Tale of a Tub, refusing him a bishopric (older theory) Chapter Five

Chapter Six The author describes Lilliputian culture This society values morals over ability when appointing public servants Gulliver notes that the Lilliputians differ from the English in that they use rewards as well as punishment to keep society in order A description of the Lilliputian education system is given The government is described as somewhat Socialist

Chapter Six Gulliver describes his treatment: food and clothing The author is accused of misconduct with a respectable lady This incident relates to the infidelity of Catherine Shorter, wife of Sir Robert Walpole a Whig leader Walpole is represented by Filmnap the Treasurer

Chapter Seven Gulliver learns that the government has turned against him He is accused of high treason The emperor is persuaded that Gulliver should be blinded instead of killed This reflects the impeachment of Bolingbroke and Oxford where it was suggested they only be accused of misdemeanors rather than treason Gulliver flees to Blefuscu where he is welcomed Like Gulliver, Bolingbroke feared he wouldn’t receive a fair trial and escaped to France Misdemeanors = not dying but no civil rights

Chapter Eight The author discovers a damaged boat off the coast of Blefuscu The locals assist him in acquiring and refurbishing the boat The Emperor of Lilliput calls for Gulliver’s return but is snubbed politely by the Blefuscuian Emperor Gulliver is given permission to leave the island

Chapter Eight After a month’s preparation, Gulliver departs with food and animals for propagation He is picked up by an English vessel, his heart swelling with patriotism at the prospect of returning to his homeland In England, he sees his family and displays his miniature farm animals Finally he sets off for another most excellent adventure