The Brobdingnagian Queen's Generosity and Kindness

The queen's many acts of kindness toward Gulliver, from providing him with a house to saving him from the dwarf's pranks.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Queen's Gifts

The Material Comforts The House and Furniture The queen orders a cabinet-maker to build a wooden chamber for Gulliver, sixteen feet square and twelve high, with sash-windows, a door, and two closets. She also provides a bed, chairs, tables, and a cabinet. The Clothes She orders the thinnest silks to be made into clothes for him. The clothes are a bit cumbersome at first, but they are of the best quality. She also provides him with a complete set of silver dishes and plates. The Pocket Money Gulliver carries a purse of gold given by the emperor of Blefuscu, but the queen also gives him a gold ring from her finger. She is generous in every way.

The Queen's Protection from the Dwarf

The Defence Against Malice The Punishment of the Dwarf When the dwarf drops Gulliver into the cream bowl, the queen is in a fright. She orders the dwarf to be whipped and forced to drink the cream. Later, she gives him away to a lady of quality. She ensures Gulliver is safe from further harm. The Intercession Gulliver intercedes for the dwarf after the apple incident, and the queen spares him. She respects Gulliver's wishes. She is not cruel but protective. The Concern After the monkey incident, the queen visits Gulliver several times during his convalescence. She is attentive to his health. Her care is genuine.

The Queen's Grief at His Departure

The Loss of a Favorite The Unknown Fate Gulliver is taken by an eagle, and the queen loses him. She would have been distressed. Glumdalclitch is the one who suffers most, but the queen also loses her little companion. The Memory Gulliver never sees the queen again. He carries her ring and the comb of her hair as mementos. He presents them to Captain Wilcocks as proofs of his story. The Emotional Bond The queen's kindness is a bright spot in Gulliver's captivity. She treated him as a person, not a toy. Their relationship is one of genuine affection across a vast size difference.

1703-1706, throughout the stay

1704, during the court stay

June 1706