Question

Why were the emperor's and his court so much apprehensive of Gulliver?

Answer 1

The Emperor and his court were apprehensive of Gulliver due to his gigantic size as compared to them. They were afraid of being trampled by him if he walked freely. Moreover, while he lay tied to the ground, even by changing his side he could harm them. Lilliputians were also apprehansive about his belongings. That's why the king ordered frisking and whatever they found threatening, they confiscated those items like his pocket knife and gun. The king was so concerned about the safety of all his subjects and his kingdom that he put so many conditions bedore granting him freedom. We can say that they had enough reasons to raise suspicions about Gulliver and the Emperor was farsighted enough to percwive the threats Gulliver could pose due to their diminutive size.