What is the significance of the title The Unknown Citizen discuss the use of irony and satire in the poem?
Answer: W.H. Auden’s title “The Unknown Citizen” is ironic because, in fact, much is known about the supposedly “unknown” citizen. Like the unknown soldier whose body has been destroyed—the allusion in…
Why can you can conclude that the poem The Unknown Citizen is written in the ironic mode in The Unknown Citizen?
Why can you can conclude that the poem the unknown citizen is written in the ironic mode? It uses exaggeration to make a point. It was written to trick the reader with a surprise ending. There is no hero and the nameless citizen is praised for conformity.
What is ironic poem?
As a literary device, irony implies a distance between what is said and what is meant. Based on the context, the reader is able to see the implied meaning in spite of the contradiction.
Why is the title of The Unknown Citizen ironic?
… as going to war, but also his private life, such as having children. Thus, the title is ironic, and it represents the satirical view of the author who indirectly comments on the total control of the State over its citizenry. Thus, “The Unknown Citizen” reveals irony.
Who is Auden critiquing in The Unknown Citizen?
“The Unknown Citizen” by W.H. Auden describes, through the form of a dystopian report, the life of an unknown man. By describing the “average citizen” through the eyes of various government organizations, the poem criticizes standardization and the modern state’s relationship with its citizens.
How does Auden describe The Unknown Citizen?
Interpretation. “The Unknown Citizen” by W.H. Auden describes, through the form of a dystopian report, the life of an unknown man. By describing the “average citizen” through the eyes of various government organizations, the poem criticizes standardization and the modern state’s relationship with its citizens.
Why was The Unknown Citizen called as an ideal citizen?
The other reports about his behavior all say that he was basically the perfect citizen, because he did everything he was supposed to do in order to serve his society. He worked the same job his entire life until he retired, apart from a break when he served in the War.
What makes the poem Richard Cory ironic?
Situational Irony The people of the town want to be just like him because his life appears to be perfect. In reality, Cory is lacking happiness, the key ingredient to “having it all.” The irony of the poem is that this man, who seems to have everything, kills himself because he is unhappy.
Can dramatic irony be used in poems?
Dramatic irony is an important stylistic device that is commonly found in plays, movies, theaters, and sometimes in poetry.
Why was the Unknown Citizen by W.H.Auden ironic?
Auden chooses to write with a dull, ordinary tone, which makes it ironic how the poem is supposed to be about a monumental praising of a citizen. Deeper into the poem, the speaker begins to refer the unknown citizen as a “saint” despite knowing his first or last name.
How does Auden use irony in his poem?
In the poem, Auden uses irony to play with our expectations by tone and diction to deliver a message of whether facts and the praising of the government are can be used to determine the well being of an unknown citizen. Auden uses irony by writing a poem of praise with such a dull, ordinary tone.
How is irony created in the Unknown Citizen?
Deeper into the poem, the speaker begins to refer the unknown citizen as a “saint” despite knowing his first or last name. Finally, Auden creates irony by providing two deep questions to the audience regarding the well being of the unknown citizen.
Is the poem rite of passage an example of irony?
“Rite of Passage” by Sharon Olds includes irony as well. This poem talks about children at a party, but holds a deeper meaning. When Olds describes the scene as “a room full of small bankers, they fold their arms and frown,” this is an example of irony because while it sounds like she is describing adults, she is actually describing the children.