"The Unknown Citizen" by W. H. Auden: An Analysis
Auden's well-known poem, "The Unknown Citizen" exposes the impact of materialism on human life in modern society where there is no value in humanity or brotherhood or fellow feeling. In this world, human life is measured not by his value as a human being, but by his engagement with and contribution to this materialistic society. In this world, every citizen is reduced to a mere number that denotes his identity.
Auden through the portrayal of 'the unknown citizen' represents how this society is indifferent and feelingless to every citizen. The relation between a citizen and the society depends completely on the give-and-take policy. Everything is controlled by fact and there is no value of human emotion or feeling.
The poem as a parody of the grave of the unknown soldier shows that the life of an average man depends on statistics. To the bureaucracy, human individuality or happiness means nothing. This transforms a citizen anonymous, a mere commodity, an unknown citizen. The unknown citizen is described as 'a saint' denoting his complete adherence to every value of his society. He was a flawless and faultless citizen who was devoted to his work and social concern. He was a conformist like other of his contemporaries who had no personal opinion and supported what a large number of people asserted. The unknown citizen was with peace when all sided for peace, but when the press called for everyone's participation in war for the motherland, he reacted accordingly.
Auden's ironical tone is clear in his satirical questions - "Was he free? Was he happy?". He evokes the valuelessness of this society.
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