Poem Analysis - Hippos Hope

Introduction: A Whimsical Tale with a Twist

Shel Silverstein's "Hippo's Hope" is a lighthearted and fantastical poem that explores the familiar theme of ambition. The poem opens with a playful, almost nonsensical tone, driven by the repetition of "hi-dee" rhymes. However, this seemingly simple narrative takes a turn as it presents three different endings, each offering a contrasting perspective on the hippo's quest to fly. This multi-ending structure creates a sense of uncertainty and invites the reader to consider the complexities of dreams and aspirations.

The Allure and Risk of Ambition

The central theme of "Hippo's Hope" is undoubtedly ambition. The poem establishes this immediately: "There once was a hippo who wanted to fly." This simple declaration sets the stage for a story about striving for something seemingly impossible. The hippo's actions – sewing wings, climbing a mountain – demonstrate his determination to achieve his goal. However, the three alternative endings reveal the inherent risks associated with ambition. The "happy ending" presents a triumphant realization of his dream, while the "unhappy ending" showcases the devastating consequences of failure. The final "chicken ending" suggests a retreat from ambition, prioritizing comfort and safety over the pursuit of extraordinary goals.

The Significance of Flight and Height

The recurring imagery of flight and height acts as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. Flying, in this context, represents aspiration, freedom, and the transcendence of limitations. The hippo's desire to "fly through the sky" embodies a longing to escape his ordinary existence. The "mountain of snow" he climbs symbolizes the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome to reach one's goals. The placement of the hippo "with the clouds high above and the sea down below" emphasizes the precarious position of someone reaching for the extraordinary – a great height can lead to a great fall. The "happy ending" affirms the positive connotations of flight, while the other two endings highlight the potential dangers and disappointments associated with aiming too high.

Poop, Glop, and the Humor of Failure

The poem employs humorous and somewhat absurd images, especially in the alternative endings, to soften the blow of potential failure. The use of words like "proud-hi-dee-poop," "groans-hi-dee-glop," and "scare-hi-dee-boo" introduces a comical element that prevents the poem from becoming overly sentimental or tragic. Even in the "unhappy ending," where the hippo "crashed and he drowned and broke all his bones," the lighthearted language prevents the reader from taking the situation too seriously. This blending of ambition with absurdity is a characteristic feature of Silverstein's work, reflecting a playful approach to complex themes.

A Concluding Thought: Choosing Your Own Ending

"Hippo's Hope" is a deceptively simple poem that offers a multi-faceted exploration of ambition. By presenting three distinct endings, Silverstein encourages readers to consider the potential rewards, risks, and compromises associated with pursuing their dreams. The poem doesn't offer a definitive answer about whether or not the hippo should have tried to fly. Instead, it leaves the reader to ponder the value of ambition and to decide for themselves which ending best reflects their own perspective on the pursuit of extraordinary goals, or perhaps that the cookies and tea ending is the most satisfying of all.