Gulliver's Transformation in The Book Iv of Swift's Novel

In Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," particularly in Book IV, the transformation of Lemuel Gulliver is both profound and complex. This transformation occurs through his interactions with the Houyhnhnms, rational horses who embody an ideal society, and the Yahoos, brutish creatures who reflect the worst of humanity. This essay will explore Gulliver's metamorphosis, his subsequent disillusionment with humanity, and the implications of Swift's satire on reason and society.

The Initial Encounter

At the outset of his journey in the land of the Houyhnhnms, Gulliver perceives a stark divide between himself and the Yahoos. His initial encounter with a Yahoo reveals his inability to see any resemblance between himself and these creatures. He views the Houyhnhnms merely as horses, failing to recognize their potential for wisdom. However, as Gulliver spends more time in this new realm, his perspective shifts dramatically. The narrative unfolds not through traditional plot action but through Gulliver’s evolving thoughts and dialogues with the Houyhnhnms, leading him to admire their rationality and detest the Yahoos.

The Absurdity of Gulliver's Transformation

Chapter XI serves as a crucial turning point, exposing the absurdity of Gulliver's transformation. Initially, he perceives himself and mankind as distinct from the Yahoos. However, by the end of the chapter, he finds himself loathing the very idea of returning to a society filled with humans, whom he now equates with Yahoos. He even refers to himself as a "poor Yahoo" when confronted by Portuguese sailors. This radical shift in self-perception is comical yet deeply unsettling, as Gulliver begins to adopt the traits he once abhorred.

His declaration that he would rather mend shoes with "skins of Yahoos dried in the sun" than return to human society is a stark illustration of his irrationality. Gulliver's reasoning is flawed; throughout the narrative, his actions and intellect suggest a fundamental difference between humans and Yahoos. The Houyhnhnms, despite their rationality, also make the error of equating Gulliver with Yahoos, marking him as an inferior version of their species. This misjudgment raises questions about the Houyhnhnms' supposed superiority and casts doubt on Gulliver's earlier reverence for them.

The Limitations of Houyhnhnm Society

Initially, the Houyhnhnms appear superior to humans due to their rationality and honesty. Gulliver's critiques of European society seem justified as he contrasts the virtues of Houyhnhnm life with the vices of humanity. However, as the narrative progresses, the shortcomings of Houyhnhnm society become evident. Their lack of emotion, particularly in matters of love, death, and family, reveals a chilling detachment. For instance, they do not engage in courtship or express grief over death, demonstrating a stark absence of human connection.

Furthermore, their method of regulating procreation is deeply unsettling. The concept that families should exchange offspring to maintain population control highlights a mechanical view of life that lacks warmth and affection. The only sign of compassion among the Houyhnhnms comes from a lowly servant, the sorrel nag, who expresses sorrow at Gulliver's departure. This moment underscores the limitations of a society that prides itself on reason but neglects the emotional aspects of existence.

The Comical Yet Troubling Return to Humanity

Upon his return to human society, Gulliver's assimilation is both comical and irritating. His interactions with the Portuguese sailors highlight the absurdity of his transformation. Gulliver's strange tone of speech, resembling a horse's neigh, elicits laughter but also reveals the extent of his disconnection from humanity. His belief that it is "unnatural" for humans to speak reflects a warped perception shaped by his time with the Houyhnhnms.

Gulliver's disdain for humans becomes increasingly apparent as he longs for solitude, expressing a desire to escape the company of Yahoos. His encounters with Don Pedro de Mendez expose the flaws in his judgment. While he describes Don Pedro as generous, he simultaneously treats him as an inferior being. Gulliver's obsession with bodily odor further illustrates his irrationality, as he recoils from the scent of others, including the captain and crew, despite their kindness.

His refusal to accept clothing or necessities offered by Don Pedro demonstrates a profound alienation from humanity. Gulliver’s fixation on the smells of Yahoos blinds him to the kindness extended by those around him. Even as he navigates the streets of Lisbon, his hatred and contempt for humanity continue to grow, despite Don Pedro's efforts to integrate him back into society.

Concluding Thoughts on Gulliver's Transformation

By the end of Book IV, Gulliver's transformation leaves readers grappling with a complex array of emotions regarding both Gulliver and the Houyhnhnms. Swift's satire, initially aimed at critiquing human follies, evolves into a commentary on the limitations of a purely rational existence. While the Houyhnhnms embody an ideal of reason, their lack of emotion ultimately leads to Gulliver's profound isolation. This paradox raises critical questions about the nature of humanity and the value of emotion in a rational world.

In conclusion, Gulliver's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme rationalism and the loss of human connection. As he struggles to reconcile his experiences with his identity, readers are left to ponder the complexities of society and the delicate balance between reason and emotion.

Works Cited

Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver's Travels. New York: Signet Classic, 1999.