Poem Analysis - The Hippopotamus

Initial Impression and Tone

The poem The Hippopotamus by Ogden Nash presents a whimsical yet thought-provoking reflection on human perception and self-awareness. The tone is lighthearted and humorous at the outset, inviting readers to share in the amusement of observing the hippopotamus. However, the mood shifts to a more contemplative and introspective note, encouraging readers to consider how others might perceive us. This shift highlights the poem's underlying themes of perspective and self-awareness.

Main Themes

The poem explores several interconnected themes, including the relativity of perception, self-awareness, and the humor in human vanity. The opening lines immediately draw attention to the theme of perception, as the speaker acknowledges the amusement humans find in the hippopotamus's appearance. This sets the stage for the poem's central question: how do others perceive us, and how might we appear to them? The speaker's wonder about how the hippopotamus views humans underscores the theme of self-awareness, as it prompts readers to consider their own appearances and behaviors from an external perspective.

The poem also touches on the theme of humor in human vanity. The speaker's assertion that humans look "all right" to themselves is a playful nod to human self-satisfaction and vanity. This theme is further emphasized in the final lines, where the speaker suggests that hippopotamuses likely find each other delightful, mirroring human self-approval. By highlighting this shared trait, Nash invites readers to laugh at their own vanity and consider the absurdity of human self-perception.

Imagery and Symbolism

The hippopotamus serves as a central symbol in the poem, representing the otherness and strangeness that humans often find amusing. The image of the hippopotamus is vivid and humorous, with its "dank and grim" moments suggesting a creature that is both comical and somewhat grotesque. This duality reflects the poem's exploration of perception, as the hippopotamus is both a source of amusement and a mirror for human self-reflection. The speaker's wonder about how the hippopotamus views humans further emphasizes this symbolic role, as it invites readers to consider the possibility that they, too, might appear strange or amusing to others.

The poem's imagery also contributes to its themes of self-awareness and vanity. The speaker's assertion that humans look "all right" to themselves is a playful image that underscores the theme of human self-satisfaction. The final lines, which suggest that hippopotamuses delight in each other's appearances, further emphasize this theme, as they highlight the shared tendency of humans and animals to find approval in their own kind. This image invites readers to laugh at their own vanity and consider the absurdity of human self-perception.

Final Insights

The Hippopotamus by Ogden Nash is a playful yet profound exploration of perception, self-awareness, and human vanity. Through its vivid imagery and humorous tone, the poem invites readers to consider the relativity of perception and the absurdity of human self-satisfaction. The hippopotamus serves as a powerful symbol of otherness and strangeness, reflecting the poem's central themes and encouraging readers to laugh at their own vanity. Ultimately, the poem offers a gentle reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the humor in human self-perception. By inviting readers to consider how others might view them, Nash encourages a more humble and introspective approach to life, one that acknowledges the shared absurdity of human existence.