W. H. Auden's "The Unknown Citizen"

 W. H. Auden's "The Unknown Citizen"

The poem -

He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be

One against whom there was no official complaint,

And all the reports on his conduct agree

That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint,

For in everything he did he served the Greater Community.

Except for the War till the day he retired

He worked in a factory and never got fired,

But satisfied his employers, Fudge Motors Inc.

Yet he wasn't a scab or odd in his views,

For his Union reports that he paid his dues,

(Our report on his Union shows it was sound)

And our Social Psychology workers found

That he was popular with his mates and liked a drink.

The Press are convinced that he bought a paper every day

And that his reactions to advertisements were normal in every way.

Policies taken out in his name prove that he was fully insured,

And his Health-card shows he was once in hospital but left it cured.

Both Producers Research and High-Grade Living declare

He was fully sensible to the advantages of the Instalment Plan

And had everything necessary to the Modern Man,

A phonograph, a radio, a car and a frigidaire.

Our researchers into Public Opinion are content

That he held the proper opinions for the time of year;

When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went.

He was married and added five children to the population,

Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation.

And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education.

Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd:

Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.

Introduction

W. H. Auden's poem "The Unknown Citizen" is a thought-provoking piece that delves into themes of conformity, identity, and the dehumanization of modern society. Published in 1939, the poem remains relevant today as it raises questions about the individual's place in a bureaucratic and standardized world. Before we dive into the poem, let's learn a bit about the poet behind this compelling work.

About W. H. Auden

Wystan Hugh Auden (1907-1973) was a renowned Anglo-American poet, playwright, and critic. Known for his intellectual depth and versatility, Auden's works often explored themes of morality, politics, and the human condition. He was deeply influenced by the turbulent socio-political climate of the 20th century, and his poetry reflects a keen awareness of the complexities of modern life.

Context and Background -

Auden wrote "The Unknown Citizen" during a period marked by industrialization, rapid technological advancements, and the rise of bureaucratic systems. The poem's setting in a highly regulated and standardized society reflects the growing emphasis on efficiency, productivity, and conformity during that era. 

The aftermath of World War I and the looming threat of World War II also shaped Auden's worldview. He was critical of totalitarian regimes and the dehumanizing effects of modernity, themes that are echoed in "The Unknown Citizen."

Analysis of the Poem -

"The Unknown Citizen" presents a scathing commentary on the loss of individuality and humanity in a society obsessed with standardization and conformity. The citizen, who is praised for being "sensible" and "normal," ultimately becomes a faceless figure, stripped of personal agency and complexity.

Auden's use of irony highlights the gap between society's perception of success and the true essence of human life. The poem challenges readers to question the metrics by which we measure worth and achievement, urging us to consider the importance of individuality, freedom of expression, and human dignity.

Exploring the Themes of the Poem -

Conformity and Identity: The poem critiques the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. The "unknown citizen" is portrayed as an average, ordinary individual who follows all the prescribed rules and regulations, ultimately losing his unique identity in the process.

Dehumanization: Auden explores how bureaucratic systems and standardized metrics can dehumanize individuals, reducing them to mere statistics or cogs in a machine. The citizen's life is evaluated based on checkboxes and criteria that fail to capture his true essence or complexity as a person.

Irony and Satire:  The poem employs irony and satire to highlight the absurdity of measuring a person's worth solely based on external factors such as productivity, conformity, and adherence to societal norms. The "monument" erected in honor of the citizen becomes a symbol of society's shallow understanding of human value.

Style and Language - 

Narrative Structure: "The Unknown Citizen" takes the form of a report or official document, adding to its bureaucratic tone. The use of third-person narration creates a sense of detachment, emphasizing the impersonal nature of the assessment.

Juxtaposition: Auden juxtaposes mundane details about the citizen's life with grandiose language used to describe his conformity and compliance. This contrast underscores the gap between surface-level appearances and deeper truths.

Rhyme and Meter: The poem's regular rhyme scheme and meter contribute to its formal and structured feel, mirroring the regimented nature of the society it critiques.

Conclusion

W. H. Auden's "The Unknown Citizen" remains a poignant critique of modern society's tendency to prioritize conformity and efficiency over individuality and human connection. The poem serves as a reminder to reflect on the true meaning of identity, value, and personal agency in a world that often reduces individuals to mere statistics or checkboxes.

As we ponder the fate of the unknown citizen, we are prompted to consider our own roles and responsibilities in shaping a society that values the richness of human experience and celebrates the diversity of individual expression. "The Unknown Citizen" invites us to question the status quo and strive for a world where each person is recognized and valued for their unique contributions and intrinsic worth.