preview

How Does Auden Use Satire In The Unknown Citizen

Good Essays

We use extensive use of satire in two poems, the one written by W. H. Auden and the other by Edwin Robinson. While the combined morales from both poems creates an image in the reader's mind of the basic three classes throughout society (upper, middle, and lower class), it also be-sheathes the brainwashing that we were conditioned to. "The unexamined life is not worth living" by socrates does provide a summary of the poems. We find comfort in living unexceptional lives simply because it is the road well traveled. The author's direct setting of the poems elaborates on that simplicity kicking the reader in the head awakening their perspective to following society's standards. In this essay I will be analyzing the use of satire in two poems also revealing the context that lies within. "The Unknown Citizen" written by W. H. Auden in the 1940's is a poem full of satire that to the first read would reflect nothing less than a mere life of individuals that travel through their lives being told what do. Considering the title, people who's names are not ever mentioned in history. Often satire is used to ridicule a situation by the use of mere description …show more content…

Others would condemn what they had when comparing their lives to that of Richard's. Although seemingly happy with all his lifestyle and riches could provide killed himself. Here the Author uses satire to portray both the upper and lower class and the vast differences in ideology. In modern society we are conditioned to believe that money is our only means to obtaining happiness. One would assume that life would be perfect because we are led to believe by our society that being rich is the key to happiness, which has been proven quite the contrary. Perhaps the author is suggesting that happiness can only be radiated from within as well as being content with what you

Get Access