Student Question
How does Auden's ironic tone in "The Unknown Citizen" highlight the citizen's conformity to state policies?
Quick answer:
Auden's ironic tone in "The Unknown Citizen" underscores the citizen's conformity by highlighting how the state values his deeds over his identity. The citizen is reduced to a mere number, emphasizing the loss of individuality in favor of societal expectations. This anonymity mirrors the unknown soldiers who are remembered for their actions rather than their personal identities, illustrating the citizen's role as a compliant participant in state policies.
This has to do with the fact that the soldier was a person serving his country. His deeds are what will be remembered, not his name. When one joins the military, one agrees to serve one's country. One is representing one's country and serves with all others who are serving the same purpose. Auden uses the soldier's number and not his name because he will not be remembered for his name, only his deeds. eNotes states:
The title of the poem itself, “The Unknown Citizen,” reminds the reader of the unknown soldiers who followed their countries’ calls, who gave their lives in defense of their countries, who died to ensure the continuity of the society for which they fought, and who stood for the bravery of all soldiers. They are honored for their deeds; only their deeds, not their names, remain as silent witness that they lived.
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