The Unknown Citizen is a satirical poem by W. H. Auden. It criticises a modern society where people are judged by official records and statistics rather than by their true feelings, dreams and individuality.
The poem begins with the State erecting a marble monument for a dead citizen. Surprisingly, the man is identified only by a code number, "JS/07/M/378," instead of his name. This shows that in modern society, people often lose their personal identity and become just numbers in government records.
The government says that there was never any complaint against him. He worked in a factory until he retired and always did his job honestly. His employers were happy with his work, and he was also a responsible member of the trade union. He got along well with his co-workers and enjoyed normal social activities.
The Press reports that he bought a newspaper every day and responded to advertisements like any ordinary citizen. He had insurance, received proper medical treatment when he was ill, and owned all the modern comforts of life, including a radio, a car, a refrigerator and a phonograph. According to the government, he had everything needed for a happy life.
The poem also says that he always supported the government's views. During peace, he supported peace; during war, he supported war. He never questioned authority or expressed independent opinions. He simply followed what society expected from him.
The citizen was married and had five children, the number considered ideal by the government. His children went to school, and teachers reported that he never interfered with their education. Every part of his life was carefully recorded and approved by different government departments.
At the end of the poem, the speaker asks two important questions:
"Was he free? Was he happy?"
The speaker immediately says that these questions are "absurd." The government believes that if the man had been unhappy or not free, it would have known. This is deeply ironic because no government record can truly measure a person's happiness or freedom.
Through this poem, Auden warns that modern society often values obedience, efficiency and conformity more than individuality, freedom and happiness. The poem reminds us that a successful life cannot be measured only by official records or material possessions. Real happiness comes from freedom, independent thinking and being true to oneself.