Here's why:
* Focus on Human Folly: Menippean satire is known for its sharp critique of human nature, especially its follies, hypocrisy, and absurdity. Swift's depiction of the Lilliputians, the Houyhnhnms and Yahoos, and the Laputans all expose the ridiculousness and flaws of human behavior.
* Fantastic Setting and Characters: Menippean satire often employs fantastical settings and characters to highlight the absurdity of real-world issues. Swift's fictional lands and creatures serve as exaggerated mirrors reflecting back at the reader the absurdity of human society.
* Use of Parody and Inversion: Swift frequently utilizes parody and inversion to critique specific institutions and social practices. For example, the Lilliputian war over high heels versus low heels mocks political squabbles, while the Laputan obsession with impractical scientific pursuits parodies intellectual arrogance.
* Dark Humor and Cynicism: While Swift's satire can be witty and humorous, it also carries a dark undercurrent of cynicism and pessimism. His depiction of the Yahoos, which resemble humans in their base instincts, suggests a profoundly negative view of human nature.
While Swift's work also contains elements of Horatian satire (gentle humor and lighthearted criticism) and Juvenalian satire (harsh and biting social commentary), it's the menippean element that most defines his approach in *Gulliver's Travels*. His satiric method is not just about poking fun but also about prompting deep reflection and challenging readers' assumptions about themselves and the world around them.