Lying

Lying is a very prominent theme in this book due to Gulliver having to lie on a constant basis to stay alive or out of harm’s way. However, many of the cultures Gulliver meets do not understand the concept or need for lying, and many don’t even have words for it in their own tongues. Gulliver lies to the Houyhnhnms about his clothing being a part of his body so they won’t strip him. The Houyhnhnms don’t even have a word for lies and Gulliver uses this to his advantage to avoid getting hurt. Gulliver explains to the Master Horse that lawyers lie to confuse people. Gulliver also finds out when talking to the sorcerer’s ghosts of famous people that many who formerly held famous positions of power lied their way to the top.

What seems to come from the theme...