The Hippopotamus (Poem by Thomas Stearns Eliot)

The Hippopotamus

By Thomas Stearns Eliot

    Similiter et omnes revereantur Diaconos, ut

    mandatum Jesu Christi; et Episcopum, ut Jesum

    Christum, existentem filium Patris; Presbyteros

    autem, ut concilium Dei et conjunctionem

    Apostolorum. Sine his Ecclesia non vocatur; de

    quibus suadeo vos sic habeo.

    S. IGNATII AD TRALLIANOS.

    And when this epistle is read among you, cause

    that it be read also in the church of the

    Laodiceans.

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 based upon a rock.

The hippo's feeble steps may err

In compassing material ends,

While the True Church need never stir

To gather in its dividends.

The 'potamus can never reach

The mango on the mango-tree;

But fruits of pomegranate and peach

Refresh the Church from over sea.

At mating time the hippo's voice

Betrays inflexions hoarse and odd,

But every week we hear rejoice

The Church, at being one with God.

The hippopotamus's day

Is passed in sleep; at night he hunts;

God works in a mysterious way-

The Church can sleep and feed at once.

I saw the 'potamus take wing

Ascending from the damp savannas,

And quiring angels round him sing

The praise of God, in loud hosannas.

Blood of the Lamb shall wash him clean

And him shall heavenly arms enfold,

Among the saints he shall be seen

Performing on a harp of gold.

He shall be washed as white as snow,

By all the martyr'd virgins kiss,

While the True Church remains below

Wrapt in the old miasmal mist.

Poem Analysis:

T.S. Eliot's poem "The Hippopotamus" is a satirical and thought-provoking exploration of themes related to faith, human frailty, and the resilience of religious institutions. Through the metaphor of a hippopotamus, Eliot comments on the contrast between the physical weaknesses of human beings and the supposed invulnerability of the True Church. The poem serves as a critique of blind religious devotion and highlights the ironic juxtaposition of faith and human imperfection.

Themes:

1. Human Frailty and Weakness: The poem portrays the hippopotamus as a symbol of human frailty. Despite its size and appearance of strength, it is described as "merely flesh and blood" and "weak and frail." This description reflects the vulnerability of humanity.
2. The True Church: Eliot introduces the concept of the True Church, which is depicted as unwavering and unshakeable, contrasting with the frailty of the hippopotamus. The True Church is presented as a metaphor for religious institutions that claim to be impervious to doubt or failure.
3. Irony and Satire: The poem employs irony and satire to critique blind faith and religious dogma. While the hippopotamus is portrayed as physically weak, the True Church is depicted as spiritually strong, creating an ironic contrast between human weakness and divine strength.

Structure and Language:

Rhyme Scheme: "The Hippopotamus" is written in rhymed quatrains (four-line stanzas), with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure provides a rhythmic and organized quality to the poem, contrasting with the irregularities of faith and human nature.

Metaphor: The poem uses the hippopotamus as a metaphor for human vulnerability, while the True Church is a metaphor for religious institutions. These metaphors enable Eliot to convey complex ideas through vivid and relatable imagery.

Religious Imagery: The poem includes religious imagery, such as references to the Church, the Lamb, and angels. These religious elements add depth to the poem's exploration of faith.

Analysis:

1. Satirical Critique: Eliot employs satire to critique religious institutions that claim infallibility and unwavering faith. The contrast between the physical weakness of the hippopotamus and the spiritual strength of the Church underscores the irony of human arrogance.
2. Human Frailty: The portrayal of the hippopotamus as "flesh and blood" highlights the inherent fragility of human existence. Eliot suggests that, unlike the Church, humans are susceptible to doubt and fear.
3. Irony and Paradox: The poem is characterized by paradoxical statements and ironic juxtapositions. For example, while the hippopotamus is described as "flesh and blood," the True Church is considered unerring. These paradoxes serve to challenge the notion of unwavering faith.

T.S. Eliot's "The Hippopotamus" is a satirical exploration of faith and human frailty. Through metaphor and irony, the poem questions the claims of religious institutions to possess unshakeable faith. It emphasizes the paradoxical nature of faith and underscores the vulnerability of humanity in the face of doubt and uncertainty. Eliot's work serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the complex relationship between faith, human nature, and religious institutions.