Gulliver's Relationship with Glumdalclitch

The deep bond between Gulliver and his little nurse, Glumdalclitch, from her care for him to her sorrow at his departure.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Encounter

The Farmer's Daughter The Young Nurse Glumdalclitch, the farmer's nine-year-old daughter, is clever and dexterous. She and her mother prepare a cradle for Gulliver, and she becomes his constant companion. She washes his clothes, teaches him the language, and gives him the name Grildrig. Gulliver calls her his little nurse, Glumdalclitch. The Teacher She teaches him the Brobdingnagian language by pointing at objects and naming them. In a few days, Gulliver can call for what he needs. She also reads to him from a child's book, teaching him the alphabet. Her patience and kindness make his captivity bearable. The Protector When the farmer plans to exhibit Gulliver, Glumdalclitch is distressed. She weeps, fearing that rough people will hurt him. She tries to protect him, but her father's greed overrides her wishes. Despite her sorrow, she continues to care for him.

The Journey to Lorbrulgrud

The Ten-Week Journey The Private Care Glumdalclitch rides behind her father, carrying Gulliver in a box on her lap. She has lined the box with soft cloth and quilted it, and she provides him with linen and other necessaries. She often takes him out of the box to give him air, holding him by a leading-string. The Lessons on the Road During the journey, she continues to teach him the language. She carries a small book and instructs him in reading and writing. Gulliver learns to explain sentences, and their bond deepens. She is his only comfort in a strange land. The Fatigue of Exhibition When Gulliver is shown in towns, Glumdalclitch stands by him on a stool, directing his behavior. She is worried about his health, and when he grows weak, she tries to make him as comfortable as possible. Her devotion is unwavering.

The Sale to the Queen

The Separation Averted The Queen's Request When the queen buys Gulliver, he begs that Glumdalclitch be allowed to stay with him. The queen agrees, and the farmer is glad to have his daughter preferred at court. The poor girl cannot hide her joy. She will continue as his nurse and instructor. The New Life at Court Glumdalclitch is given her own apartment at court, with a governess and servants. But she still cares for Gulliver's needs, making his bed, cleaning his clothes, and carrying him to the queen. Her presence at court ensures Gulliver's comfort and safety. The Queen's Favor The queen also grows fond of Glumdalclitch, and she is allowed to attend the queen's meals. The girl's simplicity and affection for Gulliver are admired. Gulliver's gratitude to her is expressed in his narrative.

The Monkey Incident and Aftermath

The Fear for His Life The Monkey's Attack When the monkey carries Gulliver to the roof, Glumdalclitch is almost distracted. She screams and runs for help. The whole court is in an uproar. She is terrified that he will be killed or injured. The Recovery Gulliver is soon rescued, but he is bruised and weak. Glumdalclitch nurses him back to health, staying by his bedside. The king and queen send daily inquiries, and her Majesty visits Gulliver several times. Glumdalclitch's care is essential to his recovery. The Monkey's Fate After the incident, the monkey is killed. Glumdalclitch is relieved. She continues to keep a close watch on Gulliver, and he is never left alone again. Their bond is strengthened by the ordeal.

The Final Parting

The Sorrow of Separation The Illness During the royal progress to the south coast, Glumdalclitch falls ill and is confined to her chamber. Gulliver pretends to be worse than he is in order to get permission to go to the sea with a page. Glumdalclitch reluctantly consents, but she bursts into tears, as if she has a foreboding of what will happen. The Eagle's Snatch While Gulliver is in his box on the shore, an eagle carries him away. He never sees Glumdalclitch again. He laments her grief, the displeasure of the queen, and the ruin of her fortune. She is left behind, probably heartbroken. The Memory Gulliver later reflects on her kindness. He presents her with a purse made of queen's hair, but he is unable to requite her care. In the narrative, he honors her as the one to whom he chiefly owes his preservation. The bond is one of the few genuine emotional connections in the book.

June 1703, at the farmer's house

August to October 1703

October 1703

during court life, 1704-1705

June 1706, near the coast