The unknown citizen
The poem 'The Unknown Citizen' by W. H. Auden is a satirical piece that explores the dehumanizing aspects of modern bureaucratic society. Written in 1939, it presents a fictional report about an unnamed, average citizen who is praised for his conformity and adherence to societal norms. The poem critiques how modern society reduces individuals to mere statistics and data points, stripping them of personal identity and freedom. It highlights the irony of a society that values conformity over individuality, questioning the true meaning of freedom and happiness. The citizen is described as having lived a life that perfectly aligns with societal expectations, yet the poem raises the question of whether he was truly free or happy. Through this, Auden comments on the loss of individuality and personal identity in a world governed by bureaucratic systems.
| Word | In English | Plain (English) | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| citizen | a person who lives in a particular place | a member of a state or nation | sit-uh-zuhn |
| unknown | not known | not recognized or identified | uhn-nohn |
| satirical | using humor to criticize | mocking or ironic | suh-tir-i-kuhl |
| bureaucratic | related to rules and procedures | involving complex rules and processes | byoo-ruh-krat-ik |
| conformity | following rules | compliance with standards | kuhn-fawr-mi-tee |
| identity | who someone is | the qualities that make a person unique | ahy-den-ti-tee |
| freedom | being free | being able to do what you want | free-duhm |
| happiness | feeling good | feeling of joy | hap-ee-nis |
| individuality | being different | being unique | in-di-vij-oo-al-i-tee |
| statistics | numbers that represent facts | data collected for analysis | stuh-tis-tiks |
W. H. Auden was an Anglo-American poet known for his stylistic and technical achievement, his engagement with moral and political issues, and his variety of tone, form, and content. He moved from England to the United States in 1939.
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