Literary Research assignment about The Unknown Citizen by W.H. Auden

“The unidentified Citizen”, in writing by W.H. Auden throughout 1940, is a poem where the speaker, a representative of the state or government, directs a speech to the assembly about a monument being erected for a citizen. Written in free verse, whereas utilising numerous couplets, this poem is a poem that describes the life of a certain individual through his notes and documents. This civilian is depicted as a usual and average human being who is being respected for being normal. Auden, although, utilises the fact that the state is honouring someone for being usual to criticise his society. By emphasizing certain grammatical conventions and the structure the author interprets the true significance of this verse, and the unidentified civilian.

“The unidentified civilian” is a verse that directs an epitaph to a common man in the country. In honour of the monument for the citizen, a speech is given as a tribute to his doings. This man is depicted as a man who obeyed the law and never did anything incorrect, and he was known for taking part in many government handled activities. He assisted his obligation in conflict, worked in Fudge Motors Inc., had a Health-card, and not ever initiated any sort of rebellion in the direction of the state. This civilian had an general mean life, where he was wed and had five children. Auden is writing about the state erecting a monument in respect of this civilian's doings as a large civilian in the community whom comprised numerous other people in the country.

This verse might appear to be very direct and clear; although, the author does not literally signify what he wrote. The title, “The unidentified Citizen”, is a quotation to countries that erect a monument for the “Unknown Soldier”; this is an honouree for one soldier, who comprises all soldiers, and his or her accomplishments in battle. Thus, the unknown citizen refers to one citizen that describes all or most of the population in a certain country. Throughout the poem, Auden sarcastically shows that the state is erecting a monument for a nobody. Monuments are usually erected as a memorial to a person with outstanding accomplishments who stand out from the rest of the population. However, this citizen does not do anything that makes him different from the rest of the population.

Both Producers study and High-Grade dwelling declare He was fully sensible to the benefits of the Installment Plan And had everything essential to the up to date Man, A phonograph, a wireless, a vehicle and a frigidaire. Our researchers into Public attitude are content Thead covering he held the proper opinions for the time of year; When there was peace, he was for calm; when there was conflict, he went. (14-24)

The author describes this citizen as being an overall regular man in society, who did not change or impact the world by any means. He was a normal man who bought a paper every day and had ...