Swift�s Misanthropy in Gulliver's Travels:
Gulliver's Travels is an anatomy of human nature, a sardonic looking-glass, often criticized for its apparent misanthropy. Gulliver's Travels was unique in its day; it was not written to woo or entertain. It was an indictment, and it was most popular among those who were indicted. On the subject of misanthropy Swift famously said, �Principally I hate and detest that animal called man" Swift called man not the " animal rationale " but only the " rationis capax �, animal capable of reason. In a letter to Alexander Pope Swift wrote: �I have ever hated all Nations professions and Communities and all my love is towards individuals. . .Upon this great foundation of misanthropy the whole building of my travels is erected� He admits that the chief end of all his labour is �to vex the world rather than divert it�. Swift so violently �vexed� the world that different critics from his own time to this day have bitterly criticized him. Thackeray attacked his book c...