Gulliver's+Travels

__Gulliver's Travels__ by Jonathan Swift



Plot:

In the novel, Gulliver details his interesting travels to distant lands, and quickly the reader figures out that these aren't your everyday tourist excursions. Gulliver visits an array of lands, the first being Lilliput. The interesting thing about Lilliput? Gulliver is a giant compared to the residents. Gulliver also lands in the middle of a potential war between two tiny countries. Does he succeed? Gulliver narrowly escapes, only to be tossed into yet another sizable adventure. Gulliver travels to Broddingnag where he finds a country of giants, which is definitely different from Lilliput. One doesn't want to miss Gulliver's tiny adventures, being carried about like a mouse in a cage in a land among giants. Gulliver continues along, encountering flying islands, magicians, and even immortals. How could you not want to tag along?

Personal Thoughts:

I chose Gulliver for a similar reason that I chose Alice: I think these are the classic examples of the fantasy genre that have shown lasting success. Even today's youth always loves Gulliver, despite it being far from modern. I recently saw a renewed interest in the story with the recent, modern movie tarring Jack Black. This work is definitely a part of the fantasy canon with staying power. Another reason I chose it is because I found that when I tried to remember reading it in its entirety, I couldn't. It's a book that we can often remember parts of, heard about, and seen movies about. In high school most of us read abridged sections in large textbooks. However, I couldn't remember actually reading the original, unabridged novel; I'm now really glad I did. I you have never read it cover to cover, or just haven't read it recently, Gulliver is definitely worth the revisit. Students/young adults may have to power past some language difficulties, but it is a foundational fantasy novel that is worth the time. While young adults may not grasp satirical elements on their own, with guidance Gulliver can someday be more than a novel about a guy that travels around and changes sizes. But until then, who wouldn't like to visit Lilliput for an afternoon?

Genre:

Fantasy

Reading Level:

Ages 12 & Up

Series Information:

There are some sequels and imitations, though none proven to be written by Swift himself

Awards:

The Observer's 100 Greatest Novels of All Time 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die Guardian 1000 The Telegraph's 110 Best Books: The Perfect Library (2008) Newsweek's Top 100 Books: The Meta-List (2009, No. 12) Borges' A Personal Library Norweigan Book Clubs' top 100 Books of All Time 1001 Children's Bopoks You Must Read Before you Grow Up The Globe & Mail 50 Greatest Books Fantasy: The 100 Best Books The Telegraph's 100 Novels Everyone Should Read 501 Must-Read Books (Classic Fiction)

Character List:

Gulliver: Gulliver is an adventurous traveler, having spent his life traveling abroad. Gulliver is a likable character who narrates for the reader his many adventures at sea and in distant countries.

Citation:

Swift, J. (1991). //Gulliver's Travels//. New York : Knopf : Distributed by Random House.