The Unknown Citizen - W.H. Auden
A Satirical Take on Modern Society and Conformity
He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be
One against whom there was no official complaint,
And all the reports on his conduct agree
That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint,
For in everything he did he served the Greater Community.
Except for the War till the day he retired
He worked in a factory and never got fired,
But satisfied his employers, Fudge Motors Inc.
Yet he wasn't a scab or odd in his views,
For his Union reports that he paid his dues,
(Our report on his Union shows it was sound)
And our Social Psychology workers found
That he was popular with his mates and liked a drink.
The Press are convinced that he bought a paper every day
And that his reactions to advertisements were normal in every way.
Policies taken out in his name prove that he was fully insured,
And his Health-card shows he was once in hospital but left it cured.
Both Producers Research and High-Grade Living declare
He was fully sensible to the advantages of the Installment Plan
And had everything necessary to the Modern Man,
A phonograph, a radio, a car and a frigidaire.
Our researchers into Public Opinion are content
That he held the proper opinions for the time of year;
When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went.
He was married and added five children to the population,
Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation.
And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education.
Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd:
Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.
Overview of "The Unknown Citizen" by W.H. Auden
"The Unknown Citizen" is a satirical poem written by W.H. Auden, first published in 1939. The poem presents a dystopian view of society, critiquing the way modern life reduces individuals to statistics and bureaucratic data. Through irony and sarcasm, Auden highlights how societal institutions define an individual’s worth based on their compliance with norms rather than personal fulfillment or freedom.
Structure and Style
The poem is written in a straightforward, almost report-like style, mimicking official documents or bureaucratic reports. This tone reinforces the theme of dehumanization, as the subject of the poem is never referred to by name but only as "JS/07 M 378"—a mere number and code. The language is deliberately dry and impersonal, reflecting the cold efficiency of the systems that evaluate human lives.
Themes Explored
- Conformity vs. Individuality: The central theme revolves around the tension between societal expectations and personal identity. The "unknown citizen" is praised for his unwavering adherence to societal norms, yet there is no mention of his personal desires, emotions, or inner life.
- Bureaucratic Control: The poem critiques how governments and organizations use data to monitor and control citizens. Every aspect of the man's life—from his job performance to his purchasing habits—is scrutinized and approved by various agencies.
- Happiness and Freedom: A recurring question in the poem is whether this model citizen was truly happy or free. The final lines dismiss these questions as irrelevant, suggesting that happiness and freedom are secondary to conformity and utility in this society.
Detailed Explanation of Key Lines
"He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be / One against whom there was no official complaint..."
This opening sets the tone for the entire poem. The protagonist is defined not by his humanity but by his lack of infractions—a person whose value lies in his ability to meet external standards without causing trouble.
"For in everything he did he served the Greater Community."
This line underscores the idea that the individual exists solely to serve the collective good, as dictated by societal structures. His actions are judged not by their intrinsic merit but by their alignment with communal goals.
"Yet he wasn't a scab or odd in his views, / For his Union reports that he paid his dues..."
Here, the poem emphasizes conformity even within smaller social groups like labor unions. Being "odd" is portrayed as undesirable, further illustrating the pressure to fit into predefined roles.
"Our researchers into Public Opinion are content / That he held the proper opinions for the time of year..."
This line mocks the superficiality of public opinion polls and the expectation that individuals adopt popular beliefs uncritically. It suggests that independent thought is discouraged in favor of aligning with prevailing trends.
"Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd: / Had anything been wrong, we should certainly have heard."
The closing lines deliver the poem's most biting critique. By dismissing questions about freedom and happiness as irrelevant, the speaker reveals the ultimate tragedy: in this society, personal well-being is deemed unimportant compared to systemic compliance. The absurdity lies in the assumption that absence of complaints equates to contentment.
Satire and Irony
Auden employs satire throughout the poem to expose the dangers of reducing human life to quantifiable metrics. The repeated references to bureaucratic entities ("Bureau of Statistics," "Social Psychology workers") highlight the mechanistic approach to evaluating individuals. Irony is particularly evident in phrases like "in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint," where the notion of sainthood is stripped of its spiritual meaning and reduced to blind obedience.
Historical Context
Written just before World War II, the poem reflects anxieties about rising authoritarian regimes and the increasing power of state-controlled systems. Auden critiques the growing influence of industrialization, consumerism, and government surveillance, warning against the loss of individuality in the face of institutional control.
Conclusion
"The Unknown Citizen" serves as both a cautionary tale and a sharp critique of modern society. Through its portrayal of a man who embodies all the virtues demanded by bureaucracy yet remains emotionally and spiritually vacant, Auden challenges readers to consider what it truly means to live a meaningful life. The poem reminds us that while conformity may ensure societal approval, it often comes at the cost of personal authenticity and genuine happiness.
Key points
The poem critiques how modern society reduces individuals to statistics, emphasizing conformity over individuality; it highlights the dangers of bureaucracy valuing compliance and data over personal freedom and identity, urging readers to reflect on their own societal roles and resist dehumanization.
