CHAPTER IV -Gulliver of Mars

Lodged regally in a foreign Martian city, the narrator awakens from a restful sleep in a luxurious chamber and ventures onto a terrace to absorb the breathtaking sunrise and city view. Below, he observes a colorful gathering of locals participating in a communal food distribution, illustrating the people’s indolence and reliance on a group of diligent yellow-clothed slaves who manage the city’s labor. An, his Martian friend, approaches with a cheerful greeting and informs him that the government is ready to assist him further, an offer he politely declines in favor of independence.

After a hearty breakfast provided by An, the narrator explores the city, marveling at its indolent inhabitants and architectural beauty, while also noticing signs of ancient conflicts. Through conversations with An, he learns about the Martians’ unique societal structure: they value leisure, have no real concept of family or lineage, and live a communal life with minimal personal ambition or responsibility. The city lacks commerce or industry, thriving instead on a culture of shared resources and mutual care among its inhabitants and the serving class.

An reveals the people’s historical fear of barbaric invaders from the West, who previously ravaged the land, leading to a ritual tribute that includes sending provisions and a maiden across the sea to appease the leader of the invaders. Despite the narrator’s disbelief and suggestions of resistance, An explains their preference for peace over conflict, even at great cost.

Exploring the city further, the narrator is struck by the Martians’ contentment with simple pleasures and their casual approach to love and companionship. The absence of family bonds or long-term relationships is alien to him, and he finds their lack of ambition and satisfaction with mere existence both baffling and somewhat melancholic.

Introduced to various Martian wines that can influence emotions, the narrator requests something to ease his feelings of distance and loss. After drinking, he experiences an intense euphoria, losing himself in uncontained joy alongside the Martians, until he’s brought back to his senses by a sobering beverage, highlighting the delicate balance between indulgence and recovery in Martian society.