Poetry Analysis

In 'The Hippopotamus,' W. H. Auden employs the hippopotamus as a metaphor for the Church, illustrating its perceived solidity while subtly critiquing its complacency and moral frailty. The opening lines, 'The broad-backed hippopotamus / Rests on his belly in the mud,' establish a vivid image of the hippo's physicality, which contrasts sharply with the Church's supposed strength. The line 'He is merely flesh and blood' suggests that beneath the surface, both the hippo and the Church share a vulnerability that belies their outward appearances.

As the poem progresses, Auden highlights the weaknesses of the hippo, noting that 'Flesh-and-blood is weak and frail,' which parallels the Church's reliance on material gains, as seen in 'While the True Church need never stir / To gather in its dividends.' This juxtaposition emphasizes the Church's detachment from the struggles of humanity, suggesting a critique of its institutional nature. The hippo's inability to reach the mango on the tree symbolizes the Church's failure to attain true spiritual nourishment, while the 'fruits of pomegranate and peach' represent the external sources that sustain it.

The emotional arc of the poem shifts from a playful observation of the hippo to a more serious reflection on the Church's role in society. The tone oscillates between humor and solemnity, culminating in the vision of the hippo taking flight, 'Ascending from the damp savannas,' which serves as a surprising turn. This transformation suggests a divine redemption that contrasts with the Church's earthly existence, 'Wrapt in the old miasmal mist.'

Auden's use of literary devices, such as metaphor and irony, enhances the poem's critique. The hippo's 'feeble steps' and 'hoarse and odd' mating calls serve to humanize the creature while simultaneously highlighting the Church's shortcomings. The final lines evoke a sense of hope for redemption, as the hippo is 'washed as white as snow,' yet the Church remains mired in its own failings. Ultimately, Auden's poem reflects on themes of faith, institutional corruption, and the quest for genuine spirituality, revealing the complexities of religious life in the modern world.