"The Unknown Citizen" by W. H. Auden
Write a statement of Auden's view of society with three quotations to support it. Then write another statement on his view of society with three examples to support that.
Any help would be great, please and thank you!
What have you come up with so far?
So far I have that Auden thinks that a hard-working and sociable man is normal/ideal in society.
You do recognize that it's satire, right?
Have you read these?
http://www.bachelorandmaster.com/britishandamericanpoetry/the-unknown-citizen.html
http://www.the-rathouse.com/popAudenOpenClosedSociety.html
I haven't read those, but I will now!
OK ... let us know what you come up with. =)
In "The Unknown Citizen" by W.H. Auden, the poet provides a critique of modern society. Auden's view can be conveyed through two statements, each supported by three quotations or examples.
Statement 1: Auden views society as a dehumanizing force that values conformity over individuality.
1. Quotation: "To be needed and happy in a state / Is highly desirable."
Explanation: Auden suggests that society places a high value on individuals who conform to its expectations and who are content with fulfilling their assigned roles.
2. Quotation: "He was married and added five children to the population."
Explanation: Here, Auden highlights the societal expectation for individuals to get married, reproduce, and contribute to the population growth, disregarding personal preferences or aspirations.
3. Quotation: "And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education."
Explanation: Auden's reference to the citizen's lack of interference with education implies the pressure to conform to societal norms, as the citizen accepts the education system as it is, without questioning or challenging it.
Statement 2: Auden depicts society as an oppressive force that suppresses individual expression and critical thinking.
1. Example: The poem's title, "The Unknown Citizen."
Explanation: By labeling the citizen as "unknown," Auden implies how society reduces individuals to mere numbers, disregarding their unique identities and accomplishments.
2. Example: The repeated use of euphemistic language throughout the poem.
Explanation: Auden employs phrases like "normal conformity," "proper behavior," and "sound normal health" to emphasize society's tendency to use language that masks individual experiences and suppresses the expression of true emotions or thoughts.
3. Example: The citizen's dismissal of his "Privacy Act," which states he had "no official complaint" about his treatment.
Explanation: Auden uses irony here to criticize how society disregards an individual's right to privacy, as the citizen willingly renounces it, further highlighting the oppressive control exerted by society.
By analyzing Auden's "The Unknown Citizen" through these two statements and their respective supporting quotations or examples, we gain an understanding of Auden's critical view of society as both dehumanizing and oppressive.