The Houyhnhnms are a fictional race of intelligent horses described by the author Jonathan Swift in his classic novel Gulliver's Travels Swift created the Houyhnhnms as a foil to the humans that are so often the protagonists in literature. Swift's intent was to illustrate how humans are not perfect, and that their actions are often flawed.
The Houyhnhnms live in an isolated, utopian society in which they are the sole inhabitants. They lack any vices, such as greed, violence, and pride, and are vegetarians. They are highly intelligent, rational and logical beings, with sophisticated language and culture. They are honest and virtuous, and they always strive to do what is morally right.
In contrast, the humans in Gulliver's Travels, known as Yahoos, are portrayed as dirty, violent, and silly creatures. They are deceitful and are driven by strong emotions and irrational desires. The Houyhnhnms view the Yahoos as an inferior species and do not understand why they behave the way they do.
The contrast between the Houyhnhnms and the humans serves to highlight the shortcomings of humans and to remind us of the importance of living a moral life. Here are five great essay topics about the Houyhnhnms:
1. Analyze the relationship between the Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos in Gulliver's Travels.
2. Compare the societies of the Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos.
3. Examine the literary devices Swift uses to contrast the Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos.
4. Discuss the implications of the Houyhnhnms' moral values on our own society.
5. Analyze how Swift's depiction of the Houyhnhnms serves as a commentary on human behavior.