The classical tradition in Gulliver´s travels: Gulliver as a new odysseus

Abstract

This project outlines both the differences and similarities between Swift’s novel, its 1996 film adaptation, and Homer’s masterpiece, The Odyssey. On the one hand, the classical tradition provides the foundation for reception studies, which are essentially concerned with the democratic metaphor. These studies are very relevant since they have made it possible to identify the intertext of the aforementioned adaptation. For its part, film studies emphasize the important role that this adaptation (as well as many others) plays from an educational point of view. On the other hand, the similarities between Gulliver and Odysseus are successfully traced, thus reaching the purpose of this project. To summarise, both characters have been shipwrecked several times and they have spent a long time away from their families and homelands. In addition, they discovered all kinds of unknown lands and people during their unfortunate travels. They also managed to survive when their companions passed away. And, finally, they had to reclaim the place that was rightfully theirs. It can be said that director Charles Sturridge chose the Homeric character, Odysseus, to remake an already brilliant work. To do so, he had to be the receiver of both classical works.