How do the Lilliputians treat Gulliver when he first arrives?

The Lilliputians treat Gulliver with curiosity and awe when he first arrives in their land. This reaction stems from their astonishment at encountering a giant, as Gulliver is significantly larger than any of the inhabitants of Lilliput. Their initial response is not one of aggression or hostility, but rather a sense of wonder and fascination about his size and presence. The Lilliputians are intrigued by Gulliver, reflecting their sense of smallness and the novelty of meeting someone so imposing. This dynamic sets the stage for the interactions that follow, where Gulliver experiences their culture and society, which is dramatically different from his own. Their curiosity leads them to engage with him, albeit from a place of trepidation about what a figure of such vast size might mean for their community.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture this initial encounter. Hostility and aggression would imply a violent response that is not present, while indifference suggests a lack of interest altogether, which is inconsistent with their reaction. Fear could be an element of their response, but it is secondary to the predominant feelings of curiosity and awe.