Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift, is a classic novel that has been loved and studied by readers of all ages for centuries. The story is about Gulliver, a sailor who embarks on a series of voyages to different, fantastical places. Gulliver’s Travels is a complex novel with many themes and messages, but at its core, it is a story about the importance of respecting and understanding other cultures. Teaching students about the summary of Gulliver’s Travels is an excellent way to encourage critical thinking and empathy in the classroom.
Gulliver’s Travels is divided into four parts, each of which describes a different voyage that Gulliver takes. In the first part, Gulliver lands in Lilliput, a land inhabited by tiny people who are only six inches tall. Despite the significant size difference, Gulliver manages to form a peaceful relationship with the Lilliputians. However, their society is revealed to be remarkably petty, and Gulliver eventually leaves Lilliput after being framed for treason.
In the second part of Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver lands in Brobdingnag, a land of giants. Unlike the Lilliputians, the Brobdingnagians are much more gentle, wise, and kind, and they take Gulliver under their wing. However, Gulliver’s initial admiration for the culture eventually dissolves as he realizes that even the purest of people and cultures have flaws.
The third part of Gulliver’s Travels takes place in Laputa, a flying island inhabited by people who are obsessed with science and technology. The Laputans are shown to be disconnected from the world around them, and their obsession with science has caused them to become isolated and socially awkward.
Finally, in the last section of Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver visits the land of the Houyhnhnms, a race of intelligent horses who live in harmony with nature. Gulliver finds solace in the Houyhnhnms’ society, but his time there is marked by his realization of how barbaric and corrupt human society appears in contrast.
By teaching students about the summary of Gulliver’s Travels, they can discover themes such as human nature, cultural relativism, and morality. Students will also be exposed to the idea that there is no perfect society or culture, and encouraging them to consider how different cultures and societies can learn from each other and ultimately coexist peacefully.
