Monday 8 October 2018

The Unknown Citizen - Poem - by W.H. Auden


The Unknown Citizen
-- W.H. Auden
‘The Unknown Citizen’ is an ironic poem written by W.H.Auden. The poem mockingly criticizes a society which kills a person’s individuality.

The poem narrates the life of a common man in the modern society. There is no complaint against the unknown citizen as per the official records. He led his life almost like a saint. All through his activities, he served the greater community.  He worked loyally in Fudge Motors Company. He was a faithful member of the trade Union. He had friends and led social life. He read news papers and got awareness of the outside world. He took insurance policies on his name.  He was hospitalized for one time. He bought the necessary items such as Phonograph, radio, car, etc. using instalment plans. He expressed his opinions conveniently, i.e., supported peace during peace-time and participated in war during war-time. He was blessed with five children. He got a positive feedback from his teachers. But, it is doubtful whether the citizen enjoyed freedom or happiness in his life.

As seen from the above, the unknown citizen led a routine and monotonous life at the cost of individual freedom and happiness. There is nothing in his life that shows his individuality. Therefore, he remains an unknown citizen, without a name.
----------------------- 
Noojilla Srinivas

Lecturer in English

Govt. Degree College - Alamuru
M: 7981862200
email: noojillasrinivas@gmail.com 

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