Question

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.

The theme of the poem is expressly stated in the fist few lines.

Answer 1

C. There is no hero and the nameless citizen is praised for conformity.

Answer 2

The whole idea of the Unknown Citizen is a parody of the serious military concept of the Unknown Soldier, which was created in order to recognize the sacrifice of soldiers who died anonymously. The poem is dripping with irony, as the speaker lists off accomplishments that aren’t accomplishments at all. At many points, the poem directly parodies existing American companies or organizations.