Show how W.H. Auden views order and universal patterns of human existence with particular reference to his "The Unknown Citizen" and "September 1, 1939".

The Critique of Order in “The Unknown Citizen”

“The Unknown Citizen” presents a chillingly ironic portrait of a man defined entirely by his statistical contributions to society. The poem’s form – a bureaucratic report – itself embodies the kind of rigid order Auden critiques. The citizen, John Doe, is not valued for his individuality but for his conformity. He fulfills all the expected roles: consumer, taxpayer, soldier, and family man.

• Statistical Order: Auden highlights how modern society attempts to impose order through quantification and categorization. The poem is filled with statistics – “He was fully insured,” “He paid his union dues” – reducing the individual to a set of data points.
• Absence of Inner Life: The poem deliberately avoids any exploration of John Doe’s thoughts, feelings, or desires. This absence underscores Auden’s point that the system cares only for outward compliance, not inner authenticity.
• Irony and Satire: The poem’s tone is deeply ironic. The “investigation” into why no one mourned John Doe reveals the absurdity of a society that prioritizes conformity over genuine human connection.

Universal Patterns of Human Existence in “September 1, 1939”

“September 1, 1939,” written on the eve of World War II, shifts the focus from the individual to the collective human experience. The poem explores the pervasive sense of anxiety, guilt, and moral ambiguity that accompanies the outbreak of war. Auden doesn’t offer easy answers but instead delves into the complex psychological and emotional responses of ordinary people.

• Shared Guilt and Complicity: The poem suggests that everyone is complicit in the events leading up to the war, even those who are not directly involved in political or military decisions. Lines like “Those to whom evil is done / Do evil in return” highlight the cyclical nature of violence.
• The Breakdown of Communication: Auden portrays a world where communication has broken down, leaving individuals isolated and unable to connect with one another. The poem’s fragmented structure and shifting perspectives reflect this sense of disorientation.
• The Search for Meaning: Despite the bleakness of the situation, the poem also hints at a search for meaning and moral responsibility. The references to “the just man” and “the word” suggest a longing for ethical guidance in a chaotic world.

Comparing and Contrasting the Poems’ Views on Order and Human Patterns

While both poems address the themes of order and universal human patterns, they do so in different ways. “The Unknown Citizen” focuses on the oppressive nature of societal order and the dehumanizing effects of conformity. It critiques a system that prioritizes control over individual freedom. “September 1, 1939,” on the other hand, explores the breakdown of order in the face of global conflict and the universal human responses to trauma and uncertainty.

Theme	“The Unknown Citizen”	“September 1, 1939”
Order	Rigid, bureaucratic, oppressive	Broken down, chaotic, leading to anxiety
Human Patterns	Conformity, statistical categorization	Guilt, complicity, search for meaning
Focus	Individual dehumanization	Collective human experience

However, both poems share a common thread: a skepticism towards simplistic solutions and a recognition of the inherent complexities of human existence. Auden doesn’t offer a utopian vision of order but instead suggests that any attempt to impose absolute control will inevitably lead to alienation and suffering. He acknowledges the universal patterns of human behavior – fear, guilt, and the desire for meaning – but refuses to romanticize them, presenting them instead as sources of both tragedy and potential for growth.