Gulliver's Travels

“Bessie asked if I would have a book: the word book acted as a transient stimulus, and I begged her to fetch 'Gulliver's Travels'...” (pg. 25)

Gulliver's Travels is a novel that was written by Jonathan Swift. It recounts the story of Lemuel Gulliver, a master of all trades and an avid traveler, who journeys to faraway, surrealistic lands. Bronte chose this novel as the object of Jane's desire not only because of its child-intriguing, fairy tale-esque plot, but because of its protagonist bearing a similarity with Jane. Often times, both characters are depicted as being outsiders. For instance, in Gulliver's Travels, there are multiple circumstances in which Gulliver finds himself surrounded by varyingly sized people making him stand apart from the rest, and in turn, making him unwelcome. In much the same way, Bronte depicts Jane as not fitting properly in the Reed household. However, both characters share the same quality of wanting to be accepted and not constantly shunned. Aside from the connection made between Gulliver and Jane, this quote shows precisely how inquisitive Jane is and how she strives for knowledge.

"Gulliver's Travels - Notes: The Story." Jaffe Bros. Home Page. Web. 26 Nov. 2009. http://www.jaffebros.com/lee/gulliver/notes/story.html