The Unknown Citizen by W. H. Auden
Short Essay
The Unknown Citizen by W. H. Auden is a satirical elegy written in 1939. It describes the life of a man who lived exactly as society and the government wanted, without questioning or rebelling.
A Perfect Record
The State built a marble monument for JS/07 M378. Reports from the Bureau of Statistics show he never caused trouble or complained. He worked for Fudge Motors Inc. until retirement, except when he served in the war. His employer was satisfied, his political opinions were ordinary, and his union was harmless. Friends enjoyed his company.
Material Comforts and Habits
Official records show he bought newspapers, responded to advertisements, had proper insurance, and only stayed in a hospital once. He owned all the things a modern man should have—radio, car, fridge, and record player.
Family and Public Attitude
He supported the State’s ideas. Public Opinion reports confirmed he had the right views, agreed with peace in peacetime, and fought in wartime. He married, had five children, and never interfered with his children’s education by questioning teachers.
Conclusion
The poem ends by mocking the idea of measuring a person only through statistics. The narrator says it’s silly to ask if he was happy or free—because if there was any problem, the State would have known.
The Unknown Citizen by W. H. Auden in Tamil @Banumathi K's Literature Insights 👇
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