The Hippopotamus - T.S. Eliot
A Satirical Take on Religion and Society Through the Lens of a Hippo
The broad-backed hippopotamus
Rests on his belly in the mud;
Although he seems so firm to us,
He is merely flesh and blood.
Flesh-and-blood is weak and frail,
Susceptible to nervous shock;
While the True Church can never fail
For it is built upon a rock.
The hippo’s slow and cumbersome,
But in the water he’s at ease;
Though he may seem absurdly numb,
He floats with perfect grace beneath.
The eyes of faith, however dim,
Perceive what logic cannot see:
That Man’s own nature is akin
To beasts like these—though less than free.
Oh, who would guess that pachyderm
Could hold within such holy dreams?
Yet even hippos share the germ
Of immortality, it seems.
For when at last their bodies rot,
And all decays to dust and clay,
Their souls ascend—we know it not—
Perhaps they do, perhaps they may.
But surely we are favored more,
Who bear God's image in our face;
Our sins forgiven, we explore
Eternal realms through saving grace.
So let us sing, though strange the tune,
Of hippopotamus and man:
One destined for celestial noon,
One wallowing where waters ran.
Introduction to "The Hippopotamus" by T.S. Eliot
"The Hippopotamus" is a reflective and philosophical poem written by T.S. Eliot, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Eliot contrasts the physical nature of the hippopotamus with spiritual themes concerning human existence, faith, and divine grace.
Stanza-by-Stanza Explanation
Stanza 1: The Physical Presence of the Hippopotamus
The poem opens with an image of a "broad-backed hippopotamus" resting in the mud. Despite its imposing size and seemingly solid form, the hippo is described as merely "flesh and blood." This line establishes the central theme of fragility inherent in all living beings. Even creatures that appear strong and stable are ultimately mortal and vulnerable.
Stanza 2: Mortality vs. Spiritual Permanence
Eliot transitions from describing the hippo's physicality to contrasting it with the concept of the "True Church." While flesh-and-blood entities are prone to weakness and decay, the Church, symbolizing eternal truth and spirituality, is depicted as unshakable because it is "built upon a rock." Here, Eliot emphasizes the impermanence of earthly life compared to the enduring nature of religious faith.
Stanza 3: Adaptability and Grace
This stanza highlights the dual nature of the hippopotamus—it may seem awkward on land but moves gracefully in water. This observation serves as a metaphor for how appearances can be deceiving. Though humans might judge animals (and even other humans) based on surface-level traits, there exists an underlying harmony or purpose that transcends superficial judgments.
Stanza 4: Human Nature and Animal Instincts
Eliot reflects on the shared characteristics between humans and animals. He suggests that despite humanity’s higher intellectual capacity, our fundamental nature aligns us closer to beasts than we might like to admit. Faith, represented here as "the eyes of faith," allows believers to perceive truths beyond rational understanding, including the idea that humans, too, possess animalistic instincts.
Stanza 5: Hidden Holiness
In this stanza, Eliot muses about the unexpected holiness within the hippopotamus. The phrase "holy dreams" implies that even creatures considered mundane or primitive may harbor profound spiritual significance. It challenges readers to reconsider preconceived notions about what constitutes sacredness and worthiness.
Stanza 6: Immortality and Mystery
Here, Eliot speculates about the afterlife—not just for humans but potentially for animals as well. When their bodies decompose into "dust and clay," he wonders whether their souls ascend to another realm. The uncertainty expressed through phrases like "we know it not" and "perhaps they do, perhaps they may" underscores the mystery surrounding death and immortality.
Stanza 7: Humanity’s Divine Privilege
Eliot asserts that humans hold a privileged position due to bearing "God's image in our face." Unlike animals, humans have access to salvation and forgiveness of sins through divine grace. This privilege grants them entry into "Eternal realms," setting them apart from other creatures bound to earthly cycles of life and death.
Stanza 8: A Paradoxical Conclusion
The final stanza juxtaposes two destinies: the celestial future awaiting humans and the transient existence of the hippopotamus. Yet, Eliot encourages readers to celebrate both paths, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all creation. By singing "of hippopotamus and man," he invites reflection on the shared journey of life, regardless of ultimate outcomes.
Themes and Symbolism
- Mortality vs. Immortality: The poem repeatedly contrasts the fleeting nature of physical existence with the enduring promise of spiritual eternity.
- Faith and Perception: Eliot highlights how faith enables individuals to see beyond logic and reason, uncovering deeper truths about life and divinity.
- Humanity and Animals: The comparison between humans and hippos serves as a reminder of our shared biological roots while underscoring humanity’s unique spiritual potential.
- Holiness in Unexpected Places: The notion that even a creature as ordinary as a hippopotamus could embody holiness challenges conventional ideas of sacredness.
Conclusion
"The Hippopotamus" is a richly layered poem that uses the image of a simple animal to explore complex themes of mortality, spirituality, and human identity. Through its blend of wit, irony, and profound insight, T.S. Eliot crafts a meditation on the interplay between the temporal and the eternal, inviting readers to contemplate their place within the grand tapestry of existence.
Key points
T.S. Eliot’s 'The Hippopotamus' uses the metaphor of a hippopotamus to satirize human frailty, religious pretense, and societal values, contrasting earthly struggles with heavenly promises while encouraging readers to reflect on the superficiality of faith when unaccompanied by genuine action.
