Traveling with Gulliver, Part II Quiz

Answer: They were very large.

When describing his newly-discovered land, Swift said "...but that which first surprised me was the length of the grass, ...above twenty foot high, ...and the corn rising at least forty foot high, ...which was fenced in a hedge at least one hundred twenty foot high." The inhabitant he met is described as "as tall an ordinary church steeple; and took about ten yards in every stride."

Answer: Farmer

Gulliver was first captured by a servant field worker who "ran along with me to his master, who was a substantial farmer ... [He] carried me home to his house."

Answer: Rats

"Two rats crept up the curtains, and ran smelling backwards and forwards on the bed. ... [I] drew out my hanger to defend myself. These horrible animals had the boldness to attack me on both sides, and one of them held his fore feet at my collar. I had the good fortune to rip up his belly before he could do me any mischief.

He fell down at my feet; and the other seeing the fate of his comrade, made his escape. ... These creatures were the size of a large mastiff, but infinitely more nimble and fierce... I measured the tail of the dead rat, and found it to be two yards long..."

Answer: A 9-year-old daughter of a farmer

[The farmer] "had a daughter of nine years old, ... very dextrous at her needle... She made me seven shirts, ... these she constantly washed for me. ... She likewise was my school-mistress to teach me the language... To her I chiefly owe my preservation in that country."

Answer: He was shown at market for the profit of his master.

"My master, pursuant to the advice of his friend, carried me in a box the next market-day to the neighbouring town. He hired the... cryer to give notice through town, of a strange creature to be seen, ... and in every body part resembling an human creature; could speak several words, and perform an hundred diverting tricks. ... My master gave publick notice, that he would shew me again the next market-day. I was so tired with my first journey, and with entertaining company eight hours together, that I could hardly stand upon my legs, or speak a word.... My master, now finding how profitable I was like to be, resolved to carry me to the most considerable cities of the kingdom.... We were ten weeks in our journey."

Answer: The Queen.

"[Her majesty] asked my master, whether he were willing to sell me at a good price. He, who apprehended I could live a month, was ready enough to part with me."

Answer: His previous care-giver.

"Since I was now her majesty's most humble creature and vassal, I must beg favour, that Glumdalclitch, who had always tended me with so much care and kindness, and understood to do it so well, might be admitted into her service, and continue to be my nurse and instructor.

Her majesty agreed to my petition; and easily got the farmer's consent, who was glad enough to have his daughter preferred at court."

Answer: While at the seashore, a large eagle picked up Gulliver's carrying box and dropped him into the sea.

"[Glumdalclitch] was so ill as to be confined to her chamber. I longed to see the ocean.... [I] desired leave to take the fresh air of the sea, with a page whom I was very fond of... The boy took me out in my box about half an hour's walk from the palace, towards the rocks on the seashore. ... I had a mind to take a nap in my hammock.... I felt myself suddenly awaked with a violent pull upon the ring which was fastened at the top of my box. ... I heard a noise over my head like clapping of wings. ... some eagle had got the ring of my box in its beak, ... then all of a sudden felt myself falling, ... I now perceived that I was fallen into the sea."

Answer: Aboard an English ship.

"I found myself hoisted up by degrees... I now heard ... somebody calling... with a loud voice in English. ... The voice replied, I was safe for my box was fastened to their ship. The Captain, ... an honest worthy Shropshire man, ... took me into his cabin."

Answer: That he had lost his wits and should never go to sea any more.

"In short, I behaved so unaccountably, that they ... concluded that I had lost my wits. ... My wife protested that I should never go to sea any more, ...[but] she had not the power to hinder me."