What does Gulliver’s interaction with the Lilliputians illustrate about societal norms?

Gulliver’s interactions with the Lilliputians indeed illustrate that societal norms are often based on arbitrary rules. Throughout his time in Lilliput, Gulliver encounters a society that is governed by peculiar customs and protocols, some of which appear to be absurd or trivial to outsiders. These rules dictate everything from the way in which individuals are addressed to the importance placed on certain ceremonies, reflecting how societies can create and uphold norms that are not necessarily grounded in logic or universal truth.

For instance, the Lilliputians engage in elaborate rituals that emphasize their societal hierarchy and the significance of their absurd laws, highlighting that norms can be established from conventions rather than practical reasons. Gulliver’s confusion and scrutiny of these customs shed light on how arbitrary societal constructs can influence behavior and governance, ultimately showcasing the inherent subjectivity in what cultures perceive as "normal." Thus, this interaction encourages readers to ponder the nature of their own societal norms and the arbitrary foundations they may rest upon.