Write a brief character sketch of the emperor of Lilliput.
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Answer:
The emperor of Lilliput is not only a small man in terms of physical stature, but he is also small in the figurative sense of being petty. This pettiness is on full display when he becomes angry with Gulliver because Gulliver is unwilling to help him assume total control over Lilliput's enemy and neighbor, the island of Blefuscu. Gulliver helped Lilliput to win the battle, but when he refuses to assist Lilliput to conquer the Blefuscudians completely, the emperor grows angry and forgets the good services Gulliver has already done for the kingdom.
Not only is the emperor petty, but he is also deceptive. When Gulliver goes away to visit Blefuscu, the emperor seems as though he remains Gulliver's friend; however, the emperor -- along with some of his more malicious courtiers -- plot how to rid the kingdom of their giant (and to the emperor's mind, expensive) liability. They accuse him of treason and plan to execute him upon his return to Lilliput.
The emperor of Lilliput proves himself to be savage, merciless, and selfish. He clearly thinks highly of himself and much less of practically everyone else. He only really sees Gulliver in terms of what Gulliver can do to bring him more power, and he is unscrupulous when it comes to anyone who defies or challenges him.