Poem Analysis - The Hippopotamus

An Amused Contemplation of Faith

T.S. Eliot's "The Hippopotamus" is a satirical and gently mocking poem that contrasts the earthly, physical nature of the hippopotamus with the perceived spiritual perfection of the Church. The poem's tone is initially observational and somewhat detached, but it gradually shifts towards irony and even a touch of whimsical absurdity. It uses the image of the hippopotamus to explore themes of faith, hypocrisy, and the perceived divide between the physical and spiritual realms. The poem provokes thought, inviting the reader to question the nature of faith and its institutional expressions.

Historical Context and Eliot's Perspective

T.S. Eliot, writing in the early 20th century, was deeply concerned with the spiritual and cultural state of Europe following World War I. The war had shattered traditional values and beliefs, leading to a sense of disillusionment and skepticism. Eliot's own spiritual journey was complex; while he eventually converted to Anglicanism, his poetry often reflects a critical perspective on institutionalized religion. "The Hippopotamus" can be seen as a reflection of this skepticism, questioning the Church's supposed detachment from worldly concerns and its potential for hypocrisy.

The Frailty of Flesh vs. The Strength of Faith

One of the central themes of the poem is the contrast between the frailty of the physical world and the perceived strength of spiritual institutions. The hippopotamus, described as "merely flesh and blood," represents the limitations and vulnerabilities of human existence. His "feeble steps" and inability to reach the mango symbolize the struggles and desires of the earthly realm. In contrast, the "True Church" is presented as unwavering and eternal, "based upon a rock." This contrast highlights the perceived divide between the physical and spiritual, with the poem subtly questioning whether the Church truly transcends the limitations of human nature.

Hypocrisy and Worldly Dividends

Another prominent theme is the hypocrisy of the Church. The poem suggests that despite its claims of spiritual purity, the Church is not entirely detached from worldly concerns. The lines "while the True Church need never stir / to gather in its dividends" imply that the Church benefits from material wealth, even while claiming to be above such concerns. This theme is further developed through the image of the Church being "refresh[ed] from over sea" with "fruits of pomegranate and peach," suggesting that it enjoys worldly pleasures while preaching a message of self-denial. The poem subtly satirizes the potential disconnect between the Church's ideals and its actual practices.

The Absurdity of Salvation

The final section of the poem introduces a theme of salvation through absurdity. The image of the hippopotamus taking wing and being welcomed into heaven is both whimsical and ironic. The idea that the hippo, a creature of the mud, could be transformed into a celestial being playing a harp of gold is clearly intended to be humorous. The final lines, which state that the "True Church remains below / wrapt in the old miasmal mist," create a stark contrast between the hippo's improbable salvation and the Church's continued existence in the murky depths of earthly concerns. This ironic juxtaposition further underscores the poem's critique of institutionalized religion.

Symbolism of Animals

The hippopotamus itself is a central symbol in the poem. It represents the physical, earthly aspects of humanity. Its large size and ungainly movements symbolize the limitations and desires of the body. The mango tree and its fruit represent earthly pleasures and desires. By contrast, the "pomegranate and peach" that refresh the church from overseas may represent the luxuries and comforts that the church enjoys while preaching detachment from worldly things. The contrast between the hippo's initial earthbound state and its eventual ascension to heaven symbolizes the possibility of redemption and transformation, even for those who seem most mired in the physical world. However, the absurdity of this transformation also raises questions about the nature of salvation and whether it is truly accessible to all.

A Final Reflection on Faith

In conclusion, "The Hippopotamus" is a witty and thought-provoking poem that uses the unlikely image of a hippopotamus to explore themes of faith, hypocrisy, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. The poem's satirical tone and whimsical imagery invite the reader to question the nature of institutionalized religion and to consider the potential for both absurdity and grace in the human experience. The hippopotamus, in its journey from the mud to the heavens, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely creatures may be capable of transformation, while the "True Church" remains grounded in the messiness of earthly existence, its claims of spiritual purity perhaps more aspirational than actual.