"Unknown Citizen"

" (28-29), the irony is extremely evident, as it is ironic to the reader that those questions are raised while the rest of the poem addresses everything but his freedom or happiness. Thus, he uses symbolism to convey his theme of individualism versus conforming. It is considered a weakness, thus the "State" is promoting conform to their way of life, the everyday hard working man, even if they don't know his name. Obviously, the "State" believes that there is only one normal way to react to things, and any other reaction would be unacceptable. He is a conformist, a person whom the government holds high and promotes for others to strive toward becoming. A symbol can be found in the line "Our researchers into Public Opinion are content / That he held the proper opinions for the time of year;" (22-23). It is through these subtle symbols that Auden is able to reveal how he feels about conforming to government expectations, as most writers stray from conform. " The Bedford Introduction to Literature. It's very humorous that the "State" has these views, as it is holding the man high for his conform, yet they do not even have the respect for him enough to list his name.