How did Gulliver learn to laugh at himself?
Answers
Gulliver dined with the Brobdingnagian King every Wednesday. He used to describe the European customs, manners, philosophy and religion to him. The King would make fun of him and ask him whether he was a Tory or a Whig. He felt that Gulliver's accounts displayed human vanity. The politics and religion which were so important to Gulliver were not at all important when seen from a wider perspective. In the beginning Gulliver used to get offended when the king made fun of him but with time he learned to see himself in the same way as the Brobdingnagians. He learned to consider himself funny looking and tiny and laughed at himself.
It was Gulliver’s experiences in Brobdingnag that helped Gulliver master this art. He also understood that though the inhabitants of this place were bigger than him in size, they were not harmful. He had pleasant and mixed experiences interacting with them. The people treated him well and were full of concern and understanding for him. While they laughed at his escapades, it was clear that they did not do it out of malice.
Their attitude towards him made Gulliver learn the art of laughing at himself. He also learnt that it was improper to remain pompous and dignified among people who were not his equals.