諷刺文學(Satire)小考 : with Reference to Gullivers's Travels Gulliver's Travels를 中心으로 = On Satire

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Satire is designed to urge m en to nerrow the disparity between the actual
and the ideal and to approach the latter as close as possible.
Since it is based on the contrast between reality and ideal, it is requires
a clear-cut definition of the ideal state of man a its indispenseble
prerequisite. Critics are divided in their opinions with regard to the idear
presented in Gulliver's travels. Some of them, representing the view prevalent
until the end of the 19th century, assert that houyhahum stands for the highest
standard of moral perfection that man should strive after while others argue
that he is inadequate as a moral paragon.
As satire aims at revealing and attacking the evils existing in the actual
world, the problems of recognizing what is the real as contrasted with the
ideal is of supreme importance. Travelling among people drastically different
from those whom he has been familiar with, Gulliver is provided with
opportunities to gain a better understanding of the real situation of mankind.
The realization that in viewing himself there can be other standpoints than
that which one is accustomed to is an amazing discovery both to gulliver
himself and the reader.
The object of satire should not be exposed to direct assault but should be
attacked indirectly_______through allegory, ridicule or irony, all of which
compose the technique of satire. The high- and low-heels and the big-and
little-endians in book I of Gulliver's Travels are distingushed examples of
allegory. Ridicule, brought about by ignorance of one's real state, is
essentially similar to irony, which is based on the disparity between what
appears to be and what really is.
In book IV of gulliver's travels the ironic mask concealing the author's
poignant vituperation and bitter mockery behind the veil of laughter disappers
and the author himself steps forth, speaking through the mouth of Gulliver.
Thus, gulliver's travels, beginning as satire, approaches tragedy towards
the end. The author of this biting satire, too deep and too broad-minded
to be restricted within the narrow sphere of satire, at last transcends
the comic spirit and overwhelms the reader with his superb tragic vision.