Chapters 5-8

Gulliver is awarded the largest medal of honor by the emperor for inventively bringing the Blefuscian land physically closer to Lilliput. However, he refuses to help the emperor enslave the Blefuscian people. This raises doubts about his loyalty toward the emperor and Lilliput. When the palace is threatened by a fire, Gulliver urinates on the fire to prevent the palace from being destroyed.

Gulliver describes Lilliput’s law as reformist and rewarding; that is, it is not just punitive but also reward-based. He also describes a parenting system wherein nurseries perform key childcare tasks otherwise performed by parents. There is also a social tax payment scale, which factors in the income level of the payers. Gulliver falls out of favor with the Emperor and some of his ministers due to misunderstandings. In particular, the resources needed to feed and clothe him cause serious problems.

Gulliver escapes to Blefuscu when a courtier tips him off about possible punishment from the Lilliputian emperor for treason and associated crimes. Gulliver is aware of a certain notorious tradition of Lilliputian emperors: they deliver speeches about their leniency just before dishing out a gruesome sentence. Gulliver escapes with help from the king of Blefuscu; he flees to Blefuscu on an English boat. He lives with his family for two months and even profits from the Lilliputian animals he’s brought back with him. However, his desire for travel prevails, and he sets off in search of more adventure.

Analysis

The Lilliputian way of raising children in nurseries is a reflection of Plato’s philosophy. Children are raised by society at large, not just by parents. It also embodies concerns such as gender equality and equality of opportunity.

The turn of fate following Gulliver’s refusal to help the Lilliputian emperor enslave the Blefuscians is a comment on concepts such as loyalty and patriotism. Though Gulliver alleviates the tension between the Blefuscians and Lilliputians by saving the palace from being destroyed in a fire, his refusal to take part in the cruel act of enslaving a people displeases the Emperor and his ministers. Through this encounter, Swift asserts that cultural conflicts tend to occur when cultures look down on one another.