The Hippopotamus
The Hippopotamus - meaning Summary
Perspective and Comic Empathy
Nash uses a short, playful address to an inspected animal to upend human smugness. The speaker notes how people laugh at the hippopotamus but then imagines how the hippo might view humans. The poem gently reverses perspective, prompting readers to consider mutual judgment and the limits of aesthetic confidence. The tone is comic and conciliatory, turning ridicule into a modest reminder of reciprocal perception.
Read Complete AnalysesBehold the hippopotamus! We laugh at how he looks to us, And yet in moments dank and grim, I wonder how we look to him. Peace, peace, thou hippopotamus! We really look all right to us, As you no doubt delight the eye Of other hippopotami.
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