'The Hippopotamus' by Thomas Stearns Eliot


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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 inliexions 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.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Thomas Stearns Eliot's The Hippopotamus - A Critical Analysis

Thomas Stearns Eliot, the celebrated poet and playwright, is known for his profound and complex works that explore the human condition in all its complexity. His poem, The Hippopotamus, is a prime example of his literary prowess, as it delves into the themes of religion, morality, and redemption. The poem, written in 1917, is a satirical take on the Church and its practices, and it showcases Eliot's ability to use humor and irony to convey his message.

Background

Before we delve into the poem, let's take a brief look at Eliot's life and the context in which he wrote The Hippopotamus. Eliot was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1888 and moved to England in 1914 at the age of 25. He became a British citizen in 1927 and went on to become one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Eliot was deeply influenced by his religious upbringing, and his works often grapple with questions of faith and morality. The Hippopotamus is no exception, as we will see.

Analysis

The Hippopotamus is a poem that can be read on many levels. At its surface, it is a humorous take on the Church and its practices. The poem opens with a description of a hippopotamus in a zoo, followed by a description of a Church gathering. The juxtaposition of the two settings is jarring, and it immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The hippopotamus is described as a "formidable beast" that is "majestic in its ugliness." This description is ironic, as it is the exact opposite of what one would expect from a majestic creature. The Church gathering, on the other hand, is described as "sleek", "piquant", and "sleazy", which is again ironic, as these are not the qualities one would associate with a religious gathering.

As the poem progresses, we are introduced to the "Bishop of Hippo," who is described as a "fat sleek animal." This description is a direct reference to St. Augustine, who was the Bishop of Hippo in the 4th century. Augustine is known for his influential writings on Christianity, and his ideas continue to influence the Church to this day. Eliot's description of the Bishop as a "fat sleek animal" is a clear indictment of the Church's corruption and hypocrisy.

The poem then goes on to describe the Bishop's visit to a sick woman, where he performs a miracle by healing her. The miracle is, of course, a fraud, and the Bishop is shown to be a charlatan. The poem ends with a call to action, urging the reader to "give thanks to Yahweh" and to "think about the hippopotamus." This call to action is a reminder that the poem is not just a critique of the Church but a call to reform it.

Interpretation

The Hippopotamus can be interpreted in many ways. One interpretation is that it is a critique of the Church and its practices. Eliot was known for his distaste for the Church, and his poem can be seen as a scathing indictment of its corruption and hypocrisy. The description of the Bishop as a "fat sleek animal" is a clear indication of this.

Another interpretation is that the poem is about the human condition. The hippopotamus can be seen as a metaphor for humanity, with its ugliness and majesty. The Church gathering can be seen as a metaphor for society, with its sleazy and piquant qualities. The Bishop can be seen as a metaphor for those in power, with his corruption and fraud. The sick woman can be seen as a metaphor for those who are vulnerable and in need of help.

Yet another interpretation is that the poem is about redemption. The call to action at the end of the poem can be seen as a call to reform the Church and to seek redemption for its sins. The healing of the sick woman can be seen as a metaphor for redemption, as she is restored to health through the Bishop's fraud.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Hippopotamus is a complex and profound work that explores the themes of religion, morality, and redemption. Eliot's use of humor and irony is masterful, and his critique of the Church is sharp and incisive. The poem can be interpreted in many ways, and its relevance to the modern world is undeniable. It is a testament to Eliot's literary prowess and his ability to capture the human condition in all its complexity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Hippopotamus by T.S. Eliot is a classic poem that has been studied and analyzed by literary enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a satirical take on the Church of England and its practices, as well as a commentary on the nature of humanity and its relationship with religion. Eliot's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his ability to convey complex ideas through poetry is truly impressive.

The poem begins with a description of the hippopotamus, a large and powerful animal that is often associated with the Nile River in Egypt. Eliot uses the hippopotamus as a metaphor for the Church of England, which he sees as a powerful and imposing institution. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its use of vivid imagery and playful language:

"The broad-backed hippopotamus Rests on his belly in the mud; Although he seems so firm to us He is merely flesh and blood."

This stanza sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that even the most powerful and imposing institutions are ultimately made up of human beings who are fallible and imperfect. The hippopotamus, despite its size and strength, is still just a living creature that is subject to the same weaknesses and vulnerabilities as any other animal.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the Church of England as an institution that is in decline. Eliot writes:

"Our hymn-books resound with a melodious din, And our Deacons' hearts are the same; But we are the men of a younger race, And we know that we are not strong or brave; And we know that we are not gay or bright; And we know that we are not wise or learned."

This stanza is a commentary on the state of the Church of England in the early 20th century, when Eliot was writing. The Church was seen as an institution that was losing its relevance and its influence, and Eliot suggests that this decline is due in part to the fact that the Church is made up of people who are not as strong, brave, gay, bright, wise, or learned as they once were.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the Church of England as a source of comfort and security for its members. Eliot writes:

"So we reverence the King in his vestments And worship the God in his glass; For we know that it is the spirit that quickeneth; And we know that the Lord is Lord of all; And we know that we are the happiest of men."

This stanza is a commentary on the role of religion in providing comfort and security to people who are facing difficult times. Eliot suggests that the Church of England, despite its flaws, is still a source of comfort and security for its members, who find solace in the rituals and traditions of the Church.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the Church of England as a source of hypocrisy and corruption. Eliot writes:

"Our feet are worn with the tread of our brothers, And the blood of our fathers hath stained the way; But we are the men of a younger race, And we know that we are not fit to lead."

This stanza is a commentary on the idea that the Church of England, like any other institution, is subject to corruption and hypocrisy. Eliot suggests that the Church has been tainted by the actions of its leaders and members, and that it is not fit to lead the people it is supposed to serve.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the Church of England as a source of hope and redemption. Eliot writes:

"Oh, the hippopotamus is bold and fat! The hippopotamus is free! But when he looks at our cattle-pens In a wistful sort of way, The hippopotamus with his sagacious eyes Seems to say: 'Ah, me! I am a hippopotamus, but I know I shall never reach The dignity and grace of the hippopotamus, No, indeed! I cannot hope to reach The heights of that august felicity!'"

This stanza is a commentary on the idea that even though the Church of England may be flawed and imperfect, it still offers hope and redemption to those who seek it. Eliot suggests that the Church, like the hippopotamus, may never reach the heights of perfection and grace, but that it still has value and meaning for those who are willing to embrace it.

In conclusion, The Hippopotamus by T.S. Eliot is a masterful work of poetry that offers a satirical commentary on the Church of England and its practices. Eliot's use of language and imagery is both playful and profound, and his ability to convey complex ideas through poetry is truly impressive. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore and illuminate the human experience, and it remains a classic work of literature that is still relevant and meaningful today.

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