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1 [2]
Comment 2 of 12, added on June 16th, 2005 at 1:02 PM.
I believe the poem is meant to contrast people's conception of an idealized
church with the actual result of belief in God. The hippopotamus is
portrayed as slovenly and dirty, coarse, feeble, odd, etc. While the church
is always shown as a strong and joyous institution. In the end, however,
the hippopotamus is the one which is truly glorified while the church is
left behind in a haze which blinds it from the salvation the hippo
recieved. A few thematic observations: salvation is personal, and not
wholly dependent upon an organization, no matter how strong; and while the
church seems to be doing everything perfectly with a joyous attitude, the
lazy, disgusting hippopotamus is the one recieved into choirs of angels and
saints. I believe this reflects the Bible's message that Jesus 'the Lamb'
came to save those who are most in need of salvation. open to more points
of view, of course.
Ben Thomason from United States
Comment 1 of 12, added on June 15th, 2005 at 2:02 PM.
do not understand this poem at all
audra inglis from Canada
This poem has been commented on more than 10 times. Click below to see the other comments.
1 [2]
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I believe the poem is meant to contrast people's conception of an idealized
church with the actual result of belief in God. The hippopotamus is
portrayed as slovenly and dirty, coarse, feeble, odd, etc. While the church
is always shown as a strong and joyous institution. In the end, however,
the hippopotamus is the one which is truly glorified while the church is
left behind in a haze which blinds it from the salvation the hippo
recieved. A few thematic observations: salvation is personal, and not
wholly dependent upon an organization, no matter how strong; and while the
church seems to be doing everything perfectly with a joyous attitude, the
lazy, disgusting hippopotamus is the one recieved into choirs of angels and
saints. I believe this reflects the Bible's message that Jesus 'the Lamb'
came to save those who are most in need of salvation. open to more points
of view, of course.
Ben Thomason from United States