Satire is a literary work that uses humor, hyperbole, and derision to ridicule human behavior and customs. Rather than passing judgment, many writers use satire to convey their innovative ideas aimed at changing certain aspects of society. Among the many writers who have used satire to condemn the actions of society, Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels stands as one of the best satirical works in human history. Published in 1726, Gulliver's Travels is an adventure by Lemuel Gulliver whose journey turns into a series of disasters to various strange islands where he lives with humans and animals of varying sizes, behaviors, and philosophies. Through the use of extensive metaphor and symbolism, Swift highlights many of the religious and political follies of 18th-century English society through the characterizations of the Lilliputians. Lemuel Gulliver is his father's third son. He was born in the quiet county of Nottinghamshire, where he attended post-secondary school at Emanuel College. He became an English surgeon after attending medical school at the prestigious University of Leiden. Although Gulliver is an intelligent man, he is undoubtedly gullible. He has a simplistic and impartial view of the world. He believes that everyone is as honest and modest as he is, when in reality the world is full of corrupt individuals. After college, Gulliver took up travel. On his most important voyage, he travels as a surgeon on the merchant ship Antelope. At sea, a catastrophic storm devastates the ship, causing the death of the crew members. Subsequently, Gulliver washes up on the shores of Lilliput as the sole survivor of the Antelope. After waking up from his tribulation, he discovers that he has been captured and tied... middle of paper... the egg breaking ceremony to highlight the absurdity of any religious war. " (Downie) Throughout the book, Swift's use of satire highlights how, in the 18th and 19th centuries, English society was morally, socially, and politically corrupt. Swift makes it clear that any normal person wants to concern with honor, gratitude, good sense and kindness, but on the contrary, human intentions always stray into a wrong path Works Cited Swift, Jonathan and Alfred Bradly Gough's Travels [Eng. .: Clarendon, 1915. Print. Soens, Lewis A. Gulliver's Satire Google Books April 2, 2012. .Ewald, Wiliam Bragg Oxford, Great Britain: Basil Blackwell, 1954. Downie, JA Jonathan. Swift: political writer London Routledge and Kegan Paul., 1984