The Unknown Citizen: Chapter 7

In this poem, the author, W.H. Auden, creates an image of the society at the time. He shows that having kids and being married was important, as well as keeping up with technology and owning a "phonorgraph" and "fridgaire." He also says that not being a scab (working when everyone else is striking) was important, while also remaining loyal to the company. In addition, one must be loyal to the nation. However, Auden seems to be addressing all of this with a sarcastic tone. It is hard to explain, because sarcasm is something we just know as people. However, one example where it seems pretty obvious the author is sarcastically mocking the expectations of the time period is when he says, "He held the proper opinions for the time of year; When there was peace, he was for peace; when there was war, he went." This is clearly sarcastic because it shows how people put little thought into how they actually felt and just went with the popular opinion. In the title, there lies some irony. If it wasn't for the title, one would think the "unknown citizen" would have been a very memorable person. He appears to have many good qualities and to be an all around good person. However, the author means to say that to be known one cannot simply do what everyone else does. That possibly being good in this society, or maybe even great, does not constitute as memorable. The last lines seem to be ironic as well. The author points out that the only way anything would have been known about the man was if something had been wrong. I enjoyed the poem because it is one that can be adapted throughout the ages. I just change phonograph to iphone, and I was able to see this poem very well.