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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Chapter Two
The political allegory of England between 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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