What act leads to Gulliver’s ultimate falling out with Lilliput?

Gulliver’s ultimate falling out with the Lilliputians is primarily due to his refusal to serve the emperor's personal interests. This act signifies Gulliver's moral stance and highlights the themes of power and loyalty present throughout the narrative. In the story, Gulliver finds himself in a position of strength because of his size, and the Lilliputian emperor expects him to use this strength to benefit the state and to fulfill his personal whims. When Gulliver declines to engage in actions that would unduly benefit the emperor or serve his personal desires—especially against his principles—this breach creates significant tension between him and the Lilliputian leadership.

The other options do not capture the essence of the pivotal conflict that leads to Gulliver’s estrangement from the Lilliputians. His decision to leave Lilliput stems from the fallout itself rather than causing it, while criticism of Lilliputian customs reflects his evolving perspective but is not the central reason for his conflict. Similarly, an attempt to escape may be a direct consequence of his conflicts with the people and the emperor but does not represent the foundational disagreement concerning loyalty and service. Thus, Gulliver's refusal to serve the emperor's interests is fundamental to