W.H. Auden gives us many basic facts about "The Unknown Citizen." We know, for instance that no complaints had ever been filed about him, indicating that he did not do anything to hurt anyone else or to damage property or break laws. He is even called a "saint," showing that he must have been a very good person. We also know he worked in a factory and was a satisfactory employee. He was popular with friends and liked to have a drink with them. This citizen read the newspaper--or at least bought one daily. He had insurance and was hospitalized just one time and left well again. He had things...
"...necessary to the Modern Man,
A phonograph, a radio, a car, and a frigidaire." (Auden ll. 20-21)
He went to war when he was called to do so, was married with five children. What we do not know is whether or not he was free or happy.
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