LEMUEL GULLIVER Meaning and
Definition
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Lemuel Gulliver is a fictional character created by the renowned author Jonathan Swift in his satirical novel "Gulliver's Travels." Gulliver serves as the protagonist and narrator of the story, embarking on adventurous voyages that take him to various fantastical lands.
Lemuel Gulliver is depicted as a highly curious and open-minded individual, embodying the traits of a typical 18th-century English adventurous explorer. He is renowned as a ship's surgeon and heads numerous expeditions, searching for new knowledge and experiences. Gulliver's travels commence with a shipwreck that leaves him stranded on the island of Lilliput, inhabited by tiny people. The subsequent voyages take him to two other lands, Brobdingnag, inhabited by giants, and the floating island of Laputa, among others.
Throughout the novel, the character of Lemuel Gulliver serves as a vehicle for satirical commentary on various aspects of human nature and society. Swift employs Gulliver to critique political systems, customs, and beliefs prevalent during his time. Gulliver's interactions with the inhabitants of each land he visits reveal both the strengths and flaws of different societies, inviting readers to reflect on their own society and behavior.
The name "Lemuel Gulliver" has become synonymous with adventure and exploration, often used as a metaphorical reference to a curious and inquisitive individual willing to delve into the unknown. The character continues to inspire readers to contemplate the nature of humanity and society through Swift's captivating satire.
Etymology of LEMUEL GULLIVER
The name "Lemuel Gulliver" is a fictional character created by Jonathan Swift in his classic novel "Gulliver's Travels". The etymology of the name itself is not explicitly mentioned in the book. However, it is believed that Swift may have chosen the name "Lemuel" as a biblical reference since it appears in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. In Proverbs 31:1, King Lemuel is mentioned as the supposed author of the following chapter, which discusses the virtues of a virtuous wife. The name "Gulliver" is thought to be a combination of the words "gull" (meaning to deceive, cheat, or trick) and the suffix "-er" (often used to create occupational or professional nouns, like writer or teacher). So, the name "Lemuel Gulliver" may be interpreted as a symbolic representation of an easily deceived or tricked person.
