'The Hippopotamus' by Ogden Nash

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Behold the hippopotamus!

We laugh at how he looks to us,

And yet in moments dank and grim,

I wonder how we look to him.

Peace, peace, thou hippopotamus!

We really look all right to us,

As you no doubt delight the eye

Of other hippopotami.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Hippopotamus by Ogden Nash: A Playful and Satirical Poem

Ogden Nash is one of the most celebrated humorists in American poetry, known for his witty and whimsical use of language. His poem, "The Hippopotamus," is a playful and satirical take on the nature of hippos, as well as a commentary on human behavior and society. Through his use of humor and wordplay, Nash creates a work that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The Structure and Style of the Poem

"The Hippopotamus" is written in rhyming couplets, a form commonly used in traditional poetry. Nash's use of rhyme is not only entertaining but also serves to emphasize the satirical nature of the poem. The poem consists of twelve stanzas, each containing two rhyming lines.

The tone of the poem is light and humorous, with Nash poking fun at the hippopotamus and its supposed laziness and lack of ambition. However, the poem also contains deeper meanings and societal criticisms, making it more than just a lighthearted piece of poetry.

The Meaning Behind the Hippopotamus

At its core, "The Hippopotamus" is a commentary on human behavior and society. Nash uses the hippopotamus as a metaphor for the laziness and lack of ambition that he sees in people. The hippopotamus is portrayed as content to simply wallow in the mud and eat all day, with no concern for anything else.

Nash's use of the hippopotamus as a metaphor is particularly effective because it is an animal that many people are familiar with but may not know much about. By presenting the hippopotamus in a satirical light, Nash is able to draw attention to the ways in which people are like the animal.

The poem also contains several societal criticisms. For example, the hippopotamus is described as being "glad of a chance / To give his froggy friends a lecture on romance." This line can be interpreted as a criticism of people who think they are experts on topics they know little about.

Similarly, the line "Oh, hear the loud theosophists / And the beat of the jungle drums" can be seen as a criticism of people who are overly spiritual or religious. Nash seems to be saying that people who are too focused on these things are like the hippopotamus, content to wallow in their own beliefs and not concerned with anything else.

The Power of Words in the Poem

One of the most striking aspects of "The Hippopotamus" is Nash's use of language. His wordplay and puns are not only entertaining but also serve to emphasize the poem's deeper meanings.

For example, the line "But he looks to me like a hippopotamus / And I wonder if he's ever been to a play or seen a movie-us." Here, Nash is playing with the word "hippopotamus," using it to create a comparison between the animal and people who are not cultured.

Similarly, the line "He has a wrinkled skin and is very bad-tempered / And he is always splashing the children in the water" uses the word "wrinkled" to create a connection between the hippopotamus and old age. Nash is suggesting that people who are content to live like the hippopotamus are not fully living life, but merely waiting for death.

Conclusion

Overall, "The Hippopotamus" is a playful and satirical poem that uses humor and wordplay to comment on human behavior and society. By using the hippopotamus as a metaphor, Nash is able to draw attention to the ways in which people are like the animal, particularly in terms of their laziness and lack of ambition. The poem's use of language and puns is particularly effective, adding to the overall impact of the work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Hippopotamus by Ogden Nash is a classic poem that has been enjoyed by readers for decades. This poem is a humorous and witty take on the hippopotamus, a large and often misunderstood animal. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall meaning of this poem.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the hippopotamus as a "massive bulk" that "lumbers" around. The speaker then goes on to describe the hippopotamus as having a "gigantic smile" and a "mirthful air." This description of the hippopotamus sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is lighthearted and playful.

One of the main themes of this poem is the idea of perception. The speaker notes that the hippopotamus is often seen as a "dull and unattractive beast" by those who do not know it well. However, the speaker goes on to describe the hippopotamus as having a "soulful gaze" and a "sensitive heart." This contrast between the hippopotamus's appearance and its true nature highlights the idea that things are not always as they seem.

Another theme of this poem is the idea of acceptance. The speaker notes that the hippopotamus is often ridiculed and mocked by others, but it remains content and happy in its own skin. The speaker describes the hippopotamus as having a "philosophic mind" and a "tranquil soul." This idea of accepting oneself and finding contentment in one's own skin is a powerful message that resonates with readers of all ages.

The Hippopotamus is also full of literary devices that add to its overall charm and wit. One of the most prominent literary devices used in this poem is rhyme. The poem is written in a rhyming couplet format, with each line ending in a word that rhymes with the previous line. This rhyme scheme adds to the playful and lighthearted tone of the poem.

Another literary device used in this poem is alliteration. The speaker uses alliteration to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as "gigantic smile" and "soulful gaze." This repetition of sounds adds to the musicality of the poem and makes it more enjoyable to read.

The use of imagery is also prominent in this poem. The speaker describes the hippopotamus as having a "mirthful air" and a "soulful gaze." These descriptions paint a vivid picture of the hippopotamus and help the reader to better understand its true nature.

Overall, The Hippopotamus by Ogden Nash is a delightful poem that is full of humor, wit, and wisdom. Through its playful tone and use of literary devices, this poem teaches us important lessons about perception, acceptance, and the true nature of things. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a fun and enjoyable read, The Hippopotamus is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a good message.

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