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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