What happens to Gulliver when he refuses to follow the emperor's orders?

When Gulliver refuses to follow the emperor's orders, he faces a serious threat of punishment, including the possibility of blindness. This response highlights the authoritarian nature of the Lilliputian government and underscores the consequences of defiance within their political system. The emperor wields significant power, and Gulliver's resistance leads to a dire warning that illustrates the dangers associated with challenging authority in Lilliput.

The choices that suggest he would receive rewards or be celebrated by the commoners overlook the oppressive environment in Lilliput, where allegiance to the emperor is paramount. Exile from Lilliput is also not a consequence for his refusal; rather, the immediate threat is centered around physical punishment, showcasing the harsh realities of his circumstances in that society.