Sunday, 13 September 2020

Gulliver Travel: Journeys You Never Forget



Once I believed that we always end up where we wanted. But, somehow, life is not an easy matter. We, human only do what we destine to do, or fight it and make our own journey worth while.

Wilst I read some books such as romance or historical one, I also find myself do that. Make my own journey.  Pick up what was left by the characters on the books and do my best to figure out what kind of journey I should act out to shape me.

Nope, I am not living in la la land. Definitely, my life is not like walking in the park. It's just like any other person  living life on this breathing air planet. 

Then, I remember one book written by Jonathan Swift " Gulliver Travel." An adventurous book created in 1726 . Book of all ages.


Synopsis of Gulliver Travel


It's about a man who stuck with his nagging wife. There's no day he can escape his ears from her complaints. Then, someday he goes away on a voyage and find himself stranded in a place he never knew. A strange place.

The first adventure he endures is in Liliputians land.  The island inhabitants are only about 15 cm tall. At first, they are hospitable to him. Then, he understands that his size intimidated them. Gulliver is sentenced to be blind. Luckily, his kind friend helps him.

He continues his journey. His ship is wrecked in  Brbdingnag island. Being rescued by giant farmer of 22 meters tall. They treat him with curiousity and display him for money. It makes him sick. He, then is sold to the Queen. After discussing about Europe with him, the Queen feels unhappy. The giant drops him into the sea for the sailors to rescued him and brings him back to England.

Still, he sets out his ship again. Unfortunately, his ship is attacked by pirates. He is rescued by the flying island of  Laputa. A kingdom who dedicated their sources into arts of music's, mathematics, and astronomy for knowledge only. No practical use. 

He also travels to Bainibarbi under Laputa ruler. They become Laputa victims for their desire to pursue science and neglect their responsibility to act it out. 

Then, he goes to magician's home in Glubbdubdrib. They discuss history with the ghost of historical figure. The ghosts are Julius Caesar, Brutus, Homer, Aristotle, Rene Descrates and Pierre Gassendi. 

He continues his journey and lands on the island of Luggnagg. He meet immortal people. Struldbrugs who are not given forever young gift. They, actually died at the age of eighty.  

After reaching Japan and asking for  the Emperor to excuse his performance, he returns home. He is willing himself to stay at home forever.

Though his intention to stay at home, he sails out again as a merchantman. He once again stays away from his wife and children.

In this voyage, he meets a race of deformed savage humanoid creature he dislikes. He also encounters with Houyhnhnms, a race of talking horses. They are called yahoos. Wise, generous, and kind. Unluckily, he finds out their lack of humanity traits. Greediness. It makes Gulliver feel disappointed of human kind morality. 


The Strenght of the book


I think, this exceptional satire book can enrich our perception of morality.  Besides portraying human nature in its depth, it gives us a glimpse of the perspective of life. 

This book can bring out our adventurous streak, remind us that we can't judge others simply because of their appearance, status, or thought. We only have to define others as they are. Mistakes, errors, and faults are accepted because we are only human after all.

 

Discussion


Gulliver Travel, I think is created to enhance human wisdom. Though it might reflect how pessimistic  Gulliver thought about life, he, at least tries very hard to find his way. 

One thing for sure, life is not always rose and sunny. It is challenging and full of hope. No matter how hard, we can not shut down others. 

Instead of being recluse and thinking hard about the universe problem by ourselves, it's better we find friends to talk to. So, we can share our feeling and emotion. Then, happy for being a happy breathing human who can tend to others when they need us. Hopely.

So, before we come up with some conclusion of how live is unfair, human is greedy, or no one is acceptable because of some creature lack of morality. We've got to realize that human is neither complex nor simple.  It's I think - we've got to accept our weaknesses and strenghts as a human. We need to keep moving on by forgiving ourselves and others.

Bandarlampung, 12 September 2020


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