Swift was criticized for
    hisbecause the novel itself is highly critical of the English government and English customs,
    the country's religious struggles, the monarchy's handling of those struggles, and so forth.
     For example, the Tories and Whigs, the two main political parties in England during Swift's
    life, are satirized by the Tramecksans and Slamecksans, respectively, of Lilliput.  The
    Tramecksans wear high heels on their shoes, and the Slamecksans wear low heels.  This makes them
    seem quite ridiculous, and Swift goes on to not-so-subtly criticize King George II for his
    sympathies for one side and style of shoe.
In addition, the debate between
    the Big Endians, those who believe one should crack their eggs on the wider end, and the Little
    Endians, those who believe one should crack their eggs on the smaller end, satirizes the divide
    between Catholics and Protestants, respectively.  Gulliver says, at one point, "that eleven
    Thousand Persons have, at several Times, suffered Death, rather than submit to break their Eggs
    at the smaller End."  In characterizing the differences between Catholics and Protestants
    in this way, Swift makes the wars fought over religious disagreement seem ridiculous.  Why
    should one be willing to die for something as minor as which end to crack one's egg?  Swift's
    answer seems to be that one should not.  Either way, you end up with a cracked egg; likewise,
    whether you are Catholic or Protestant, you still believe in the same Goddoes it really matter
    whether the communion bread is symbolic or actually miraculous?  Again, Swift seems to suggest
    not.  This kind of satire would certainly draw criticism from those who saw the differences as
    crucial.
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