The Unknown Citizen by W. H. Auden

Introduction

The Unknown Citizen is a poem by W. H. Auden, written in 1939. It satirically explores the idea of conformity and the loss of individual identity in modern society. Here's a brief explanation of the poem:

The poem is presented as a tribute or epitaph to a "model" citizen who lived an ordinary life according to societal norms. It describes how the citizen fulfilled all the expectations of a "good" citizen: he paid his taxes, held a job, served in the military, and never caused any trouble.

The poem uses irony to highlight the absurdity of measuring a person's worth solely based on their conformity to societal standards. Despite the citizen's seemingly perfect adherence to these norms, he is ultimately reduced to an "unknown" figure, lacking any distinct identity or individuality.

Auden criticizes the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy and mass culture, where individuals are reduced to mere statistics and labels. The poem challenges readers to question the true meaning of citizenship and the importance of retaining one's individuality in a world that values conformity above all else.

About poem

The Unknown Citizen by W. H. Auden is a poem that takes a critical look at society's expectations and the loss of individuality within a bureaucratic system.

Title: The title, "The Unknown Citizen," already sets the tone for the poem. It suggests that despite this person's seemingly exemplary life, they are still unknown and unrecognized by society.

Form: The poem is written in traditional rhyming quatrains (four-line stanzas), giving it a structured and rhythmic flow.

Narrative Voice: The poem is narrated by a government official or an institution, which is evident from phrases like "our report," indicating a collective or bureaucratic perspective.

Subject: The poem presents the life of a citizen who is portrayed as a model of conformity. He is described as having led a life in accordance with societal expectations, fulfilling all the requirements of a "good" citizen.

Irony: The irony in the poem lies in the discrepancy between the citizen's conformity and the fact that he remains unknown. Despite his adherence to societal norms—holding a job, paying taxes, being married, etc.—he is reduced to a mere statistic, lacking any individual identity or significance.

Dehumanization: Auden highlights the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy and mass society, where individuals are reduced to numbers and checkboxes on a form. The citizen is referred to by a series of impersonal labels and identifiers, further emphasizing his loss of individuality.

Satire: The poem satirizes the notion of the "model citizen" and questions the true value of conformity. It suggests that blindly following societal expectations does not guarantee recognition or fulfillment.

Social Critique: Auden uses the poem to critique the conformist tendencies of modern society and the ways in which individuals are commodified and devalued by bureaucratic systems.

Overall, "The Unknown Citizen" serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity and the loss of individual identity in a society governed by impersonal institutions and norms. It prompts readers to reflect on the true meaning of citizenship and the importance of maintaining one's individuality in the face of societal