who is thought to represent the chiefminister Sir Robert Walpole:.
Flimnap would have infallibly broke his neck, if one of the King's Cushions, that accidentally lay on the ground, had not weakened the force of his fall.
One of the King's Cushions is here thought to represent the duchess of Kendal, mistress to the king, who helped Walpole back into favour in 1717. 3.
Swift's critique of English politics reaches its climax in the conversation that takes place between Gulliver and the King of Brobdingnag. The king inquires into the state of Europe and Gulliver proudly presents him with an explanation of the constitution of an English Parliament, the Courts of Justice and a brief historical account of affairs and events in England.The King is totally shocked by the information he receives.
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You have clearly proved that Ignorence, Idleness and Vice are the proper Ingredients for qualifying a Legislator. That Laws are best | explained, interpreted, and applied by those whose Interest and Abilities lie in perverting, confounding, and eluding them. .
The King's condemning reply to Gulliver, concerning the legislators and laws of England, I think shows and explains a view that is in close relationship to Swift's own personal view at the time he wrote the book. The King is in Swift's opinion clearly an ideal figure. By making Gulliver the ultimate defender of European values, Swift makes these values satirical targets. Gulliver is in no way effected by the King's harsh critique of his society. Gulliver in fact dismisses the King's criticism entirely and explains the king's behaviour as ignorant and prejudiced. .
The English King and Government took great pride in warfare during the eighteenth century. However the King of Brobdingnag despises war, and especially gunpowder. Swift uses Gulliver to satirize the English governments war policies. Swift's irony lies in the fact that Gulliver does not understand why the King is terrified with learning the secrets of gunpowder.