Short Answer 
In “A Modest Proposal,” Jonathan Swift highlights the exploitation of tenants by wealthy landlords, emphasizing their dire economic conditions and the injustices faced due to excessive rents. Swift’s language and imagery powerfully illustrate the oppressive realities of tenant life, while his ethical critique confronts readers with the significant role landlords play in this suffering.
Step 1: Identify the Exploitation
In Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” the exploitation of tenants by wealthy landlords is a central theme. Swift articulates the dire economic conditions faced by tenants, reflecting their struggles and the ruthless nature of the landowners. Key phrases point towards the injustices faced by the poor, highlighting their inability to escape poverty while burdened by excessive rents.
Step 2: Analyze the Language and Imagery
The language used in Swift’s work exemplifies the stark realities of tenant oppression. Phrases like “the oppression of landlords” illustrate the enormous pressures on tenants, emphasizing not just financial strain but also their social and economic demise. This imagery serves to draw readers’ attention to the harsh realities faced by the tenants, making the critique of landlords unmistakably powerful.
Step 3: Understand the Ethical Critique
Swift’s narrative offers a powerful ethical critique of landlords, portraying them as significant contributors to the tenant’s plight. By stating that landlords have “devoured most of the parents,” Swift not only addresses the physical suffering but also hints at the emotional, social, and economic toll on the entire community. This overall portrayal effectively challenges readers to confront the injustices of their society.