Scribd
Upload
700 views2 pages

Exploring Satire and Social Commentary in Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's TR - 20240612 - 220419 - 0000

Satire by knnhabibi

Uploaded by

Kazi Nazmoon Nahar Habibi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
700 views2 pages

Exploring Satire and Social Commentary in Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's TR - 20240612 - 220419 - 0000

Satire by knnhabibi

Uploaded by

Kazi Nazmoon Nahar Habibi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Exploring Satire and Social

Commentary in "Robinson Crusoe" and


"Gulliver's Travels"

Satire and social commentary have long been powerful tools used by authors to criticize the
way things are in society, politics, and human behavior. Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" and
Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" are two important works from the early 18th century
that exhibit this effectively. Though these books are often seen as thrilling adventures, a
closer examination uncovers their clever use of satire to shed light on the flaws and
absurdities of the society they portray.

Social commentary & Satirical elements in Gulliver's Travels :


Jonathan Swift’s "Gulliver's Travels" expertly navigates the realms of social criticism and
satire, shedding light on the political landscape, human behavior, and intellectual endeavors
of 18th-century Britain. Through Lemuel Gulliver's travels, Swift exposes the absurdity
and ethical decline of his contemporary society through the creation of
imaginative settings and characters in Lemuel Gulliver's adventures.

In Lilliput, Swift mocks the silly political issues and widespread corruption that exist in
society. The ridiculous arguments of the Lilliputians, such as their disagreements over how to
crack eggs, can be compared to the heated religious and political debates in Britain,
especially the divide between Protestants and Catholics. By exaggerating these disputes,
Swift reveals the irrationality and unimportance of political disagreements.

Brobdingnag, with its gigantic people, acts as a reflection of human flaws. Gulliver's depiction
of the Brobdingnagian king's disgust towards European society highlights the decline in
morals among Europeans and the negative impact of imperialism. Swift uses this perspective
to shed light on the moral challenges of colonialism and the ethical dilemmas it presents.

In Laputa, Swift highlights the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
wisdom. The Laputans' focus on abstract studies over practicality which illustrated
the aristocratic fascination with impractical scientific pursuits . This comedic piece
stresses the significance of combining intellectual inquisitiveness with practical
use and ethical thinking

In Gulliver's last journey, the Houyhnhnms and Yahoos take center stage, throwing
shade on both reason and human nature. The striking divergence between these
two groups represents the boundaries of reason and morality when it comes to
crafting a utopian society.

Social commentary & Satirical elements in Robinson Crusoe :


Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe is a significant piece of literature that combines social
commentary and satire, providing insights into the intricacies of society during the 18th
century.

In "Robinson Crusoe" , Daniel Defoe shows different traits like being a journalist and a
propagandist. He talks about society during colonial times and how self-interest can harm
both the society and the individual. Defoe uses the character Robinson Crusoe to represent
English colonialism, but he also criticizes it from a puritan perspective. He uses real events
from his time to make the story seem real and to show how people quickly forget about the
consequences of their actions.

Defoe humorously critiques European society in Robinson Crusoe by comparing it


to the straightforward, independent life of the protagonist. The humor comes from
the contrast between the idea of Crusoe bringing civilization and the reality of
absurd European superiority and colonial pride when interacting with Friday.
Moreover, Crusoe's initial goals of money and excitement are satirized, hinting that
real happiness may be found in uncomplicated, secure lifestyles. Ultimately,
Robinson Crusoe offers a complex review of societal standards and beliefs in the
18th century.

To sum up, In the novel "Robinson Crusoe" , Defoe explores the themes of colonialism,
capitalism, and individualism through his social commentary. He skillfully uses satire to
subtly criticize the sense of European superiority and ambition. On the other hand, Jonathan
Swift takes a more direct approach in his work "Gulliver's Travels". He uses overt satire to
critique human nature, politics, and the misguided ideas of the Enlightenment period. While
Defoe's book focuses on the personal and societal growth of Crusoe through his adventures,
Swift's narrative employs fantastical voyages to boldly mock societal norms, corruption, and
the ridiculousness of human institutions. Swift's critique of contemporary society is more
sharp and direct in comparison.

You might also like