home locations workscited Biographies Contacts Purpose

Locations


Lilliput

As described in Gulliver’s Travels, Lilliput is Lemuel Gulliver’s first destination. It is located in the South Indian Ocean. Each citizen of Lilliput is approximately six inches tall – one-twelfth the size of Gulliver. The island is ruled by an emperor who is surprisingly taller than the rest of his subjects. The island’s inhabitants are fierce despite their minute size. All features of the island are proportional to the size of the citizens. The people are generally well groomed, articulate, quick-tempered, and “small-minded.”


Brobdingnag
In contrast to Lilliput, the inhabitants of Brobdingnag are twelve times the size of Gulliver. Using the map from part two of Gulliver’s Travels, it appears that this island is located on the northwest coast of California. It is claimed to be a continent-sized peninsula six thousand miles long and three thousand miles wide. The island is ruled by a king and queen. Each of its citizens are approximately seventy-two feet tall. Brobdingnag is a very peaceful land, one that does not appear to have disputes with other nations. Although they may exploit Gulliver, they treat generally their citizens with respect.


Laputa
This floating island in the sky hovers above all the other islands in Gulliver’s Travels. Due to its adamantine base, the island can be maneuvered in any direction using magnetic levitation. The scientists on the island claim they have mastered magnetic levitation and discovered the two moons of Mars. They also have strong interest in the mathematical and scientific discoveries of others. Everyday a new experiment is attempted but never resolved nor completed. The island is ruled by a king who abuses his power; he does not allow women to visit the land below.


Houyhnhnms
The Country of the Houyhnhnms is a peaceful land where conflict does not exist. The land, ruled by horses, consists of “Yahoos,” which, according to the horses, are humans who act in an animal-like manner. Initially this island appears strange because not only can the horses talk, but they are also very organized and friendly. The horses believe that Yahoos can never rule a society due to their barbaric nature. They believe that humans will never change, and they feel that they cannot think for themselves. In other words, they feel that humans are ignorant, supercilious, and naturally violent creatures. In Gulliver’s perception this ends up being correct, as he develops a disdain for his own people and is disgusted by English society after he unwillingly returns home.