What could be a character sketch of the emperor of Lilliput based only upon the information in chapter 1 of voyage number 1?
Firstly, the emperor of Lilliput is cautious. Although Gulliver signals that he desires his liberty when he is awakens to find himself bound on the beach, the emperor will not consent to give him his freedom; it appears that the protection of his people is his top priority. Further, he orders the local doctors to give Gulliver a sleeping potion that knocks him out for about eight hours; during this time, he is moved to the city. The emperor is prudent as well, as we learn that when he was first told about Gulliver's presence, he immediately ordered that Gulliver be bound, that plenty of food and drink be prepared for him, and that a machine be constructed by which they might transport him. The emperor is also a champion of education and Gulliver imparts the Lilliputians' great skill in mathematics to the priority placed on education by their ruler. Based on only the first chapter of the text, the emperor appears to be both wise and fair.
Comments
Post a Comment