Gulliver as The Mock-Hero in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels
Major English Authors 2
2/20/14
Gulliver: The Mock-Hero Throughout Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathon Swift, Gulliver continually proves how he is playing the role of a mock-hero. As many of the classic heroes hold traits such as bravery, intelligence, and leadership, Gulliver’s character pokes fun at that classic idea. Many epics consist of great heroes going on treacherous journeys where they come across man-eating beasts or other large feats, where as in Gulliver’s Travels, he goes on a journey where he doesn’t have to overcome any great obstacles or fight for his survival. The satirical nature of the story begins right at the start of the tale when the narrator begins to explain the character of Gulliver and the qualities he posses. From that point forward the mock-heroic style of writing has begun and his journey across the sea can be compared to epic journeys such as Odysseus’, and all the life threatening obstacles he must overcome. Once the journey is even complete, their returns to their home are even comparable in a satirical manor. The theme of Gulliver being portrayed as a mock-hero can be traced throughout the entirety of the story. As Gulliver’s Travels begin Gulliver is described as being just an ordinary man with no real special or heroic qualities. He doesn’t come from a rich or powerful family, he didn’t complete extensive education, and didn’t hold a rather highly sought after or favorable job. Gulliver is rather just a simple and normal man. When reading epics such as the Odyssey, by Homer, the hero is described as being strong, masculine, powerful, and many other valiant traits. The character of Gulliver essentially pokes fun at the classic idea of what a hero who is traveling to far off lands encountering strange life should be. In a classic epic tale the main protagonist is always portrayed as almost a supernatural being who can overcome more than the ordinary man. Gulliver on the other hand seems to show signs of
2/20/14
Gulliver: The Mock-Hero Throughout Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathon Swift, Gulliver continually proves how he is playing the role of a mock-hero. As many of the classic heroes hold traits such as bravery, intelligence, and leadership, Gulliver’s character pokes fun at that classic idea. Many epics consist of great heroes going on treacherous journeys where they come across man-eating beasts or other large feats, where as in Gulliver’s Travels, he goes on a journey where he doesn’t have to overcome any great obstacles or fight for his survival. The satirical nature of the story begins right at the start of the tale when the narrator begins to explain the character of Gulliver and the qualities he posses. From that point forward the mock-heroic style of writing has begun and his journey across the sea can be compared to epic journeys such as Odysseus’, and all the life threatening obstacles he must overcome. Once the journey is even complete, their returns to their home are even comparable in a satirical manor. The theme of Gulliver being portrayed as a mock-hero can be traced throughout the entirety of the story. As Gulliver’s Travels begin Gulliver is described as being just an ordinary man with no real special or heroic qualities. He doesn’t come from a rich or powerful family, he didn’t complete extensive education, and didn’t hold a rather highly sought after or favorable job. Gulliver is rather just a simple and normal man. When reading epics such as the Odyssey, by Homer, the hero is described as being strong, masculine, powerful, and many other valiant traits. The character of Gulliver essentially pokes fun at the classic idea of what a hero who is traveling to far off lands encountering strange life should be. In a classic epic tale the main protagonist is always portrayed as almost a supernatural being who can overcome more than the ordinary man. Gulliver on the other hand seems to show signs of