英语读物好句摘抄(格列佛游记英文摘抄)
Introduction
"Gulliver's Travels", also known as "Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships" is a novel by Irish writer Jonathan Swift. This story tells the adventurous journey of Lemuel Gulliver, a surgeon and ship captain who embarks on a voyage across the world. Published in 1726, this satire novel has been acclaimed as one of the most famous books in English literature.
The first part of the journey: Lilliput
The first part of the journey takes Gulliver to the land of Lilliput. Here, the people are only six inches tall, and their daily routines and government are mocked and scrutinized through Gulliver's descriptions. Moreover, Gulliver presents how the Lilliputians' society is overtly obsessed with power, ambition, and greed. The first part satirizes British political conflicts, with the little people being a representation of those in power.
The second part of the journey: Brobdingnag
In the second part, Gulliver is stranded on the land of Brobdingnag, where he is now the tiny one, and everything is gigantic. Here, Swift's satire is focused on English society's flaws, through Gulliver's experiences, the author criticizes the aristocracy, the court system, and the prevalent prejudice. The part is meant to be a reversal of the first and is intended to provide more perspective into the flaws of English society.
The third part of the journey: Laputa
In the third part, Gulliver encounters a flying island known as Laputa, where he finds scientists who solely focus on theoretical ideas that they keep themselves socially outcast. Swift's satire in the third part is mainly antiquated ideas and references a lack of pragmatism in scientific research. This part also casts criticism over the failed Enlightenment era ideals of progress, symbolized through the Laputans' crazy pursuit of theoretical progress without thinking of potential applications.
The fourth part of the journey: The land of Houyhnhnms
In the fourth and final part of the journey, Gulliver becomes acquainted with the Houyhnhnms, an intelligent horse-like community who live in a utopian world where reason governs everything. The Houyhnhnms' society represents the Enlightenment ideal of reason as a guiding principle. However, Swift shows that it may lead to dehumanization if it is over-relied upon, and believes more in humanity's irrationality and absurdity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Gulliver's Travels" remains one of the most critical works of English literature, and its relevance still carries on to the present day. The book drew extensive criticism from its readers, the English society, whose flaws Swift had exemplified. The novel is a perfect example of satire, and it critically addresses societal issues, and the thoughts of the enlightened people, through the use of characters and their actions.
