Gulliver's Use of Technology and Knowledge

How Gulliver's scientific and practical knowledge helps him survive and interact with the two kingdoms, from his spectacles to his construction of devices.

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The Hidden Spectacles and Perspective Glass

The Secret Tools The Spectacles Gulliver keeps a pair of spectacles in a secret pocket, which he uses to protect his eyes from the arrows when capturing the Blefuscu fleet. The arrows strike the glasses but don't hurt him. The spectacles are a simple but effective tool. The Pocket Perspective He also carries a pocket perspective (small telescope). He uses it to view the enemy fleet from a distance before the attack. The perspective helps him plan the operation. The Significance These tools represent the practical knowledge of a European traveler. They are small but essential. Gulliver's ingenuity in using them shows his resourcefulness.

The Construction of the Boat and Rowing in Brobdingnag

The Queen's Pleasure Boat The Custom Boat Gulliver instructs the queen's joiner to build a pleasure boat for him. The joiner completes it in ten days. The boat can hold eight Europeans. Gulliver practices rowing in a wooden trough built for the purpose. The Sailing He sometimes puts up a sail, and the ladies fan him with their fans to create wind. He shows his skill in steering. The boat is a source of entertainment for the court. The Near Accident Once, a page accidentally drops Gulliver, but he is caught on a pin. Another time, a frog enters the boat. These incidents show the dangers of his small size, but Gulliver's skill with the boat is a positive display of his abilities.

The Comb and the Chair from Hair

The Ingenious Artifacts The Comb from the King's Beard Gulliver collects the stumps of the king's beard from the barber. He shapes them into a comb, using a piece of wood with holes. The comb is a practical item, as his own is broken. The Chairs and Purse from the Queen's Hair He asks the queen's woman to save combings of her majesty's hair. He then has the cabinet-maker make chair frames, and he weaves the hair into the seats. He also makes a purse with the queen's name in gold letters. These are presents for the queen and Glumdalclitch. The Mechanical Genius Gulliver notes that he has always had a mechanical genius. These creations show his ability to adapt to his environment. They also serve as proofs of his story when he returns to England.

The Spinet Performance

The Musical Feat The Giant Spinet Gulliver decides to entertain the king and queen with an English tune on the spinet. The spinet is nearly sixty feet long, and each key is almost a foot wide. He cannot reach the keys with his hands. The Method He prepares two round sticks covered with mouse's skin, then runs sideling along the bench, banging the keys with the sticks. He manages to play a jig, but it is violent exercise. He can only play sixteen keys, so the music is simple. The Reception The king and queen are greatly satisfied. Gulliver's performance is a clever adaptation of his small size. It shows his determination to amuse his patrons.

1699-1701, throughout Lilliput

1704-1705, at court

during the Brobdingnag stay

during the Brobdingnag stay