The Education of Glumdalclitch as a Young Girl

Glumdalclitch's role as Gulliver's teacher and her own learning in the court, highlighting education in Brobdingnag.

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The Farmer's Daughter

The Girl's Talents The Dexterity Glumdalclitch is only nine years old but is very dexterous at her needle and skilled in dressing her baby. She and her mother prepare a cradle for Gulliver. She sews him seven shirts and other linen of the finest cloth available. The Language Teacher She becomes Gulliver's schoolmistress. She points to objects and tells him the names, and in a few days he can call for what he wants. She also teaches him the alphabet from a child's book. Her patience and intelligence make her a good teacher. The Emotional Bond She calls him Grildrig, and they become inseparable. She is his constant companion and protector. Her affection for him is genuine and deep.

The Journey to the Capital

The Continuous Lessons The Teaching on the Road During the ten-week journey, Glumdalclitch continues to teach Gulliver. She carries a small book in her pocket, a common treatise on religion, and teaches him to read and write. He learns to understand many sentences. The Care for His Comfort She lines his box with soft cloth, provides him with bedding, and often takes him out for air. She holds him by a leading-string to prevent him from falling. She is constantly worried about his health. The Protection from Harm When Gulliver is exhibited, she stands on a stool close to the table, directing him. She is distressed by the rough crowds. She tries to shield him as much as possible. Her role as his nurse and teacher is a full-time job.

At Court: The Governess and Further Education

The Court Education The New Arrangements At court, Glumdalclitch is given a governess and a maid. She is to continue her own education. The queen commands that she be taught properly. She has her own apartment and is treated as a young lady of quality. The Continuing Care for Gulliver Despite her own education, she still takes care of Gulliver. She makes his bed, cleans his clothes, and carries him to the queen. She is present at meals to assist him. Her duties are dual. The Growing Up Glumdalclitch is about nine years old when she enters court. Over the next two years, she would mature. She becomes more sophisticated, but her affection for Gulliver remains. She is a sympathetic character who represents the goodness of the Brobdingnagian common people.

The Separation and Sorrow

The Final Farewell The Illness When the king and queen progress to the coast, Glumdalclitch falls ill. She is confined to her chamber. She reluctantly lets Gulliver go to the sea with a page, but she cries, having a foreboding. The Loss Gulliver is taken by an eagle and never sees her again. He laments her grief and the ruin of her fortune. She would have been blamed for losing him. The Memory Gulliver honors her in his narrative. He calls her his little nurse and says he owes his preservation to her. Her education of him was essential to his survival. Her story is a touching subplot of loyalty and love.

1703, at the farmer's house

August to October 1703

October 1703 onward

June 1706