Was Gulliver's Journey to Blefuscu Purposely Chosen?

By Sambhav Dixit

Jonathan Swift's renowned satirical novel, Gulliver's Travels, revolutionized the literary world with its detailed exploration of various fantastical lands. Many readers might wonder why Gulliver decided to visit Blefuscu in the second part of his adventures. Was it a carefully planned journey, or an accidental discovery? This article aims to shed light on the reasons behind Gulliver's trip to Blefuscu, rooted in the character's own narrative.

The Novel's Context and Gulliver's Background

Gulliver's Travels is a narrative filled with fictional experiences and encounters with strange societies. Gulliver, the protagonist, is initially introduced in the land of Lilliput, where he faces unique challenges and learns about the society he is observing. His subsequent journey to Brobdingnag, Laputa, and finally Blefuscu further enriches his experiences and broadens his understanding of human nature and society.

It is crucial to understand that Gulliver, like any ordinary person, was unaware of the existence of these lands prior to his adventures. His travels were not premeditated; rather, they were a series of unpredictable events that led him to each new land. Swift, the author, skillfully manipulates Gulliver's character to provide an objective lens through which readers can see the absurdities and complexities of human societies.

Accidental Discovery vs. Purposeful Journey

During his stay in Lilliput, Gulliver frequently expresses astonishment and surprise at various customs and practices that differ from what he is accustomed to. For instance, he marvels at the miniature size of the inhabitants, the peculiar system of government, and the unique social norms. These reactions strongly suggest that Gulliver was genuinely surprised and had no prior knowledge of these practices. This level of speculation and surprise indicates that Gulliver did not actively seek out Lilliput or other lands for a specific purpose. Instead, he was a passive voyager, swept along by the currents of fate.

The same principle applies to his journey to Blefuscu. When Gulliver comes across Blefuscu, it is during a moment of accident and entanglement, not a premeditated choice. He narrates the incident vividly in the second part of his adventures:

"But to steer always directly to the port of Blefuscu, has been an imprudent direction, and beyond the reach of all the compasses; for every ship that has made for it, was formerly detained on the bank, and enforced to wait there till the tide turned the other way, as in my own misfortune, wherein I had not the good fortune to escape." (Swift, Gulliver's Travels)

This passage clearly indicates that Gulliver's journey to Blefuscu was not a calculated decision but an incidental one, resulting from the shortcomings of his ship's navigation and his own circumstances.

The Role of Accidental Events in Adventure

The concept of adventure often hinges on unexpected events and encounters that shape character and narrative. Gulliver’s travels are a series of such incidents, each revealing more about human folly and societal structure. His journey to Blefuscu serves as a microcosm of the broader narrative, emphasizing the role of chance and fate in human endeavor.

Accidental discoveries and encounters are integral to the genre of adventure. They tend to have a greater impact because they emerge from the unexpected, thus heightening the sense of immediacy and drama. In Gulliver's case, Blefuscu serves as a stark contrast to Lilliput, highlighting the tiny differences in their political systems and the larger implications of these divisions.

The narrative of Blefuscu provides Swift the opportunity to present a society that is as divided and polarized as Lilliput, albeit from a different perspective. It underscores the theme of conflict and the inherent struggles that arise from differing ideologies and beliefs.

Conclusion

To sum up, Gulliver's journey to Blefuscu was not a deliberate choice but a chance encounter, resulting from a series of unfortunate events. His travels were a consequence of the accidents and happenstance that the author, Jonathan Swift, has intricately woven into the fabric of the novel. By placing Gulliver in these strange and unfamiliar lands, Swift not only enriches the narrative but also allows readers to reflect on the universality of human conditions and the masks we wear across different societies.

Keep looking for more insights into Gulliver, Blefuscu, and the adventure that shaped a literary classic!