What is the poet’s attitude towards the unknown citizen?

The poet's attitude towards the unknown citizen in the poem "The Unknown Citizen" by W.H. Auden is one of critical observation and satire towards the societal norms and expectations placed on individuals. The poem presents a satirical commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modern society and the loss of individuality in the face of bureaucratic control and societal expectations.

Throughout the poem, the poet adopts a critical tone towards the unknown citizen, who is portrayed as a conformist figure who follows societal norms without questioning or asserting his individuality. The poet seems to view the unknown citizen as a symbol of the average person in society who is reduced to a mere statistic, devoid of personal identity and agency.

The poet's attitude towards the unknown citizen can be seen as one of lamentation for the loss of individuality and autonomy in a society that values conformity and compliance over personal expression and freedom. The poet highlights the absurdity of measuring a person's worth and identity based on external factors and societal expectations rather than on their inner qualities and values.

Moreover, the poet's tone towards the unknown citizen can be interpreted as a critique of the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy and mass society, where individuals are reduced to numbers and data points, stripped of their humanity and individuality. The poet seems to question the validity of societal standards and expectations that dictate how one should live their life, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and self-expression.

In essence, the poet's attitude towards the unknown citizen reflects a deep sense of irony and criticism towards the societal structures that diminish individuality and humanity in the pursuit of conformity and efficiency. The unknown citizen serves as a poignant symbol of the loss of personal identity and agency in a world that values uniformity and compliance over individuality and freedom.

Overall, the poet's attitude towards the unknown citizen can be characterized as a mix of irony, satire, and criticism towards the dehumanizing effects of societal norms and expectations. The poem serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of conformity and the erosion of personal identity in a world driven by bureaucratic control and societal pressures.

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