Summary
Gulliver finally begins his journey home from the land of the Luggnagg, carrying with him the haunting knowledge of the struldbrugs—those immortal beings whose endless lives proved to be curses rather than blessings. The king of Luggnagg, impressed by Gulliver's integrity, grants him safe passage to Japan along with substantial wealth and a letter of recommendation. But this next leg of his journey presents a moral dilemma that reveals much about survival in foreign lands. In Japan, Gulliver faces a test that many Dutch traders routinely undergo: trampling on a crucifix as proof they aren't Christians. Rather than compromise his beliefs, Gulliver cleverly requests an exemption, claiming his shipwreck circumstances make him a special case. The Japanese Emperor, intrigued by this unusual request and wanting to honor the king of Luggnagg, agrees to let the ceremony be 'forgotten'—but warns that discovery by Dutch sailors could mean death. This moment showcases how sometimes survival requires not just courage, but diplomatic finesse. Gulliver then weaves an elaborate false identity, claiming to be a Dutch merchant from Gelderland, demonstrating how travelers must often reinvent themselves to navigate safely through different worlds. After a long voyage, he finally reaches Amsterdam and then England, returning to his wife and family after more than five years away. Yet Swift hints that this homecoming, while joyful, marks not an ending but a transition—Gulliver has been fundamentally changed by his travels, and his story is far from over.
Coming Up in Chapter 28
But Gulliver's wandering spirit cannot be contained by domestic life. Soon he will embark on his most extraordinary voyage yet, to a land where the natural order is completely reversed and he must question everything he believes about civilization, intelligence, and what it truly means to be human.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
The author leaves Luggnagg, and sails to Japan. From thence he returns in a Dutch ship to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to England. I thought this account of the _struldbrugs_ might be some entertainment to the reader, because it seems to be a little out of the common way; at least I do not remember to have met the like in any book of travels that has come to my hands; and if I am deceived, my excuse must be, that it is necessary for travellers who describe the same country, very often to agree in dwelling on the same particulars, without deserving the censure of having borrowed or transcribed from those who wrote before them. There is indeed a perpetual commerce between this kingdom and the great empire of Japan; and it is very probable, that the Japanese authors may have given some account of the _struldbrugs_; but my stay in Japan was so short, and I was so entirely a stranger to the language, that I was not qualified to make any inquiries. But I hope the Dutch, upon this notice, will be curious and able enough to supply my defects. His majesty having often pressed me to accept some employment in his court, and finding me absolutely determined to return to my native country, was pleased to give me his license to depart; and honoured me with a letter of recommendation, under his own hand, to the Emperor of Japan. He likewise presented me with four hundred and forty-four large pieces of gold (this nation delighting in even numbers), and a red diamond, which I sold in England for eleven hundred pounds. On the 6th day of May, 1709, I took a solemn leave of his majesty, and all my friends. This prince was so gracious as to order a guard to conduct me to Glanguenstald, which is a royal port to the south-west part of the island. In six days I found a vessel ready to carry me to Japan, and spent fifteen days in the voyage. We landed at a small port-town called Xamoschi, situated on the south-east part of Japan; the town lies on the western point, where there is a narrow strait leading northward into a long arm of the sea, upon the north-west part of which, Yedo, the metropolis, stands. At landing, I showed the custom-house officers my letter from the king of Luggnagg to his imperial majesty. They knew the seal perfectly well; it was as broad as the palm of my hand. The impression was, _A king lifting up a lame beggar from the earth_. The magistrates of the town, hearing of my letter, received me as a public minister. They provided me with carriages and servants, and bore my charges to Yedo; where I was admitted to an audience, and delivered my letter, which was opened with great ceremony, and explained to the Emperor by an interpreter, who then gave me notice, by his majesty’s order, “that I should...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Strategic Compromise
Maintaining core values while adapting presentation and positioning to survive hostile environments without betraying fundamental integrity.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify who holds real decision-making power versus who just appears to, and how to position requests to appeal to their actual motivations.
Practice This Today
Next time you need something from someone in authority, map out what they truly value versus what they claim to value, then frame your request in terms of their real priorities.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
struldbrugs
Immortal beings in Luggnagg who live forever but continue aging, becoming increasingly miserable and burdensome to society. Swift uses them to show that living forever would actually be a curse, not a blessing.
Modern Usage:
We see this when people say 'be careful what you wish for' about wanting to live forever, or when we realize some dreams aren't as great as they seem.
letter of recommendation
An official document from one ruler vouching for a traveler's character to another ruler. In Gulliver's time, these were essential for safe passage between kingdoms and could mean the difference between life and death.
Modern Usage:
Today's equivalent is a reference letter for jobs, or even LinkedIn recommendations - someone with status vouching for your credibility.
trampling the crucifix
A test the Japanese required of Dutch traders to prove they weren't Christians, since Christianity was banned in Japan. Traders had to literally step on a cross to show they weren't believers.
Modern Usage:
We face similar tests today when we have to compromise our values to fit in at work or in social groups.
diplomatic immunity
Special protection granted to foreign visitors that exempts them from local laws or customs. Gulliver uses his status as a shipwrecked traveler to avoid the crucifix ceremony.
Modern Usage:
Like when celebrities or politicians get special treatment that regular people wouldn't get, or when you use connections to get out of trouble.
false identity
Gulliver pretends to be a Dutch merchant to travel safely, creating an entirely fake background story. This shows how survival sometimes requires reinventing yourself.
Modern Usage:
We see this when people create different versions of themselves for dating apps, job interviews, or social media to fit what others expect.
cultural adaptation
The ability to change your behavior and identity to survive in different environments. Gulliver constantly adjusts who he is based on where he travels.
Modern Usage:
Like code-switching - how people change their speech and behavior depending on whether they're at work, with family, or with friends.
Characters in This Chapter
Gulliver
Protagonist and narrator
Shows remarkable adaptability and moral flexibility in this chapter. He cleverly avoids compromising his Christian beliefs while still securing safe passage, then completely fabricates his identity to survive.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who knows how to work the system without fully selling out
King of Luggnagg
Benevolent authority figure
Demonstrates genuine respect for Gulliver by providing wealth and official recommendation. His generosity enables Gulliver's safe passage but also creates new challenges.
Modern Equivalent:
The good boss who gives you a great reference but now you have to live up to their recommendation
Emperor of Japan
Pragmatic ruler
Shows political wisdom by granting Gulliver's unusual request while warning him of the real dangers. He balances respect for the Luggnagg king with his own kingdom's rules.
Modern Equivalent:
The manager who bends the rules for you but makes sure you understand the consequences
Dutch sailors
Potential threat
Represent the constant danger of discovery that Gulliver faces. Their presence forces him to maintain his false Dutch identity throughout the voyage.
Modern Equivalent:
Coworkers who might expose your secrets or report you to management
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I hope the Dutch, upon this notice, will be curious and able enough to supply my defects."
Context: Gulliver explaining why he hasn't learned more about the struldbrugs
Shows Gulliver's false modesty and his way of deflecting criticism. He's actually quite proud of his discoveries but pretends others could do better.
In Today's Words:
Maybe someone else can fill in the gaps I missed.
"His majesty having often pressed me to accept some employment in his court, and finding me absolutely determined to return to my native country"
Context: The King of Luggnagg trying to keep Gulliver as an advisor
Reveals that Gulliver has value as an outsider with fresh perspectives, but also shows his deep need to return home despite attractive offers.
In Today's Words:
The boss really wanted me to stay, but I was set on going home.
"I desired his general license to excuse me from this ceremony, because of my country and religion"
Context: Requesting exemption from trampling the crucifix in Japan
Shows Gulliver's diplomatic skill - he doesn't refuse outright but requests special consideration. He's learned to navigate authority without direct confrontation.
In Today's Words:
I asked if I could skip this part because of where I'm from and what I believe.
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Gulliver adopts a false Dutch merchant identity while preserving his true beliefs
Development
Evolved from earlier identity confusion to strategic identity management
In Your Life:
You might find yourself code-switching at work, presenting different versions of yourself to different audiences while keeping your core intact.
Survival
In This Chapter
Navigating religious persecution through diplomatic maneuvering rather than direct confrontation
Development
Progressed from physical survival to psychological and spiritual survival
In Your Life:
You face moments where speaking your truth could cost your job, relationships, or safety, requiring strategic thinking about when and how to reveal yourself.
Power
In This Chapter
Understanding how to appeal to those in authority by framing requests in terms of their interests
Development
Advanced from observing power to actively navigating power structures
In Your Life:
You might need to present your needs to bosses, doctors, or bureaucrats in ways that align with what they value to get what you need.
Adaptation
In This Chapter
Learning to function within foreign systems without losing personal integrity
Development
Culmination of lessons learned about flexibility across all previous travels
In Your Life:
You constantly adapt to different environments—family dynamics, workplace cultures, social situations—while trying to stay true to yourself.
Homecoming
In This Chapter
Returning to family after transformative experiences that have fundamentally changed him
Development
First true return home in the narrative
In Your Life:
You might struggle with how much you've changed when returning to old relationships, jobs, or places that expect the old version of you.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does Gulliver handle the crucifix test without betraying his beliefs or getting himself killed?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does the Japanese Emperor agree to 'forget' the ceremony for Gulliver when other foreigners must go through it?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see people today having to present themselves differently to survive in certain environments while keeping their core values intact?
application • medium - 4
If you were in a situation where your honest identity could harm you, how would you decide what parts of yourself to reveal and what to keep private?
application • deep - 5
What does Gulliver's diplomatic solution reveal about the difference between compromising your values and strategically navigating hostile systems?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Strategic Positioning
Think of a current situation where being completely honest about who you are or what you believe might work against you. Map out the power players involved, what they value, and what connections or circumstances might give you leverage. Then design your own 'diplomatic solution' that preserves your integrity while helping you navigate the system successfully.
Consider:
- •What are your absolute non-negotiables versus what's just presentation?
- •Who has the power to make exceptions, and what motivates them?
- •What legitimate reasons could you give for special consideration?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to be strategic about revealing parts of yourself. What did you learn about the difference between hiding who you are and choosing when and how to share your truth?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 28: Mutiny and Strange New Creatures
What lies ahead teaches us good intentions can lead to dangerous situations when we ignore red flags, and shows us first impressions often reveal more about our own biases than reality. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.