Final answer:
Gulliver refuses to help the king of Lilliput conquer Blefuscu due to moral objections against tyranny and oppression, reflecting Enlightenment principles and serving as a satirical critique of European imperialism.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver refuses to assist the king of Lilliput in turning Blefuscu into a province because he disagrees with the king's ambitions on moral grounds.
Gulliver believes it is unjust to enslave or destroy a defeated enemy and views the Lilliputians' request as tyrannical. He holds the conviction that people should not be subjected to oppression or conquest, as he values justice and kindness over political power and might.
Furthermore, Gulliver's actions embody the Enlightenment principles of individual rights and opposition to despotism. His refusal serves as a critique of European imperialism and absolutism.
The subplot concerning Gulliver's capture of the Blefuscudian fleet and his subsequent refusal to further engage in conflict reflects author Jonathan Swift's satirical commentary on the wars and political dynamics of his time.