Hobbes in Calvin and Hobbes: More Than Just a Stuffed Tiger

The Genesis of a Philosopher: Introducing Thomas Hobbes

Background

To fully appreciate the nuances of Hobbes’ character within *Calvin and Hobbes*, it’s crucial to understand the ideas of the philosopher whose name he bears. Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher, is best known for his political philosophy, particularly his landmark work *Leviathan*. Hobbes lived through a period of political and social upheaval, witnessing the English Civil War. This experience profoundly shaped his view of human nature and the need for a strong government to maintain order.

The State of Nature

At the core of Hobbes’ philosophy is the concept of the “State of Nature.” He posited that in a hypothetical state without government or social structures, human life would be a “war of all against all,” characterized by constant fear, competition, and a relentless pursuit of self-interest. In this environment, individuals would be driven by a desire for power, a fear of death, and a lack of morality. Life, in such a state, would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To escape this chaotic existence, Hobbes argued, individuals would rationally choose to enter into a social contract, surrendering some of their individual freedom to a sovereign power in exchange for security and order. This sovereign, the Leviathan, would hold absolute authority and enforce the laws necessary to prevent society from descending into chaos.

Relevance to Calvin and Hobbes

The philosophies of Thomas Hobbes are a lens through which to analyze the behaviors and actions of Calvin and his friend, Hobbes.

Hobbes as Calvin’s Mirror: An Id in Tiger Form

The Alter Ego

In *Calvin and Hobbes*, the line between reality and imagination blurs, and Hobbes often appears as a physical manifestation of Calvin’s inner desires and impulses. He functions as a sort of alter ego, the embodiment of Calvin’s id – the primal, instinctual part of the psyche that operates on the pleasure principle. Hobbes encourages Calvin’s more selfish and rebellious tendencies, egging him on in his adventures and helping him to create chaos whenever possible.

The Voice of Mischief

Consider the numerous instances where Hobbes supports Calvin’s outlandish schemes: from building elaborate snow forts for warfare to hatching ambitious plans to torment Susie Derkins. Hobbes is always ready to participate, reveling in the mayhem and the transgression of rules. He is the voice that whispers, “Why not?” when Calvin contemplates mischief. This mirroring of Calvin’s desires allows us to see a reflection of the individualistic and self-interested inclinations that Hobbes believed governed human beings in the “State of Nature.” Hobbes, in a sense, helps Calvin express and enact the desires of his ego.

The State of Nature in Calvin’s World

The world Calvin inhabits, with its constant battles with parents, teachers, and the outside world, also mirrors the chaotic environment of Hobbes’ “State of Nature.” Calvin’s struggle for dominance, his disregard for authority, and his tendency to view the world in terms of potential threats and opportunities for self-gratification, all echo the principles of self-preservation and the pursuit of power that Hobbes identified as driving forces in human behavior. Calvin’s worldview, as reflected in his relationship with Hobbes, is often marked by a lack of empathy, a focus on individual gain, and a willingness to use force or trickery to achieve his objectives.

The Tiger’s Touch: Friend and Moral Compass

A Source of Comfort

Despite Hobbes’ role as a catalyst for Calvin’s mischief, his character is far more complex. He also serves as a source of profound comfort and companionship. He is Calvin’s closest friend, sharing secrets, engaging in imaginative play, and offering emotional support. There are moments of genuine tenderness and affection between the two, particularly during times of vulnerability or sadness. Hobbes listens patiently to Calvin’s woes, offers advice, and provides a much-needed sense of belonging.

A Hint of Guidance

Hobbes is not simply a reflection of Calvin’s darker impulses; he also occasionally serves as a subtle moral compass, offering a degree of guidance and balance. While he often participates in Calvin’s more reckless endeavors, there are instances when Hobbes questions Calvin’s actions or offers a contrasting viewpoint. For instance, he might express concern about the consequences of Calvin’s actions, remind him of the impact his behavior has on others, or even subtly discourage him from pursuing a particularly selfish or cruel goal. Hobbes’ moments of empathy towards Calvin, when they help someone, or the times he expresses genuine joy, illustrate his deeper character and provide a touch of humanity that balances Calvin’s actions.

The Duality

This duality, the ability to be both a co-conspirator and a source of moral guidance, is a crucial element in Hobbes’ appeal. It demonstrates that even in a world often defined by self-interest and power struggles, there is room for friendship, loyalty, and the capacity for good. Hobbes, therefore, is not simply a personification of Hobbesian egoism; he is a complex individual capable of growth and empathy, revealing the potential for individuals to learn and adapt within their environments.

Exploring Deeper Layers: Imagination, Childhood, and Society

Imagination and Reality

The interplay between imagination and reality is a recurring theme in *Calvin and Hobbes*. The fact that Hobbes appears to be a stuffed tiger to everyone else yet is a living, breathing companion to Calvin raises fundamental questions about the nature of perception and the power of the imagination. Is Hobbes a real entity, existing only in Calvin’s mind, or does he occupy a space beyond the confines of reality? The answer, of course, is deliberately ambiguous. This ambiguity allows Watterson to explore the profound role imagination plays in shaping our understanding of the world, our ability to create meaning, and our capacity for empathy and connection. The creation of Hobbes is Calvin’s means of dealing with the outside world and finding a companion in his solitude.

Childhood’s Journey

The comic strip, centered on a six-year-old child, naturally explores the complexities of childhood and the process of growing up. Hobbes represents a part of the innocence of childhood, while also providing the challenges to Calvin’s development. Their adventures, their squabbles, and their shared experiences reflect the joys, frustrations, and challenges that characterize the formative years. Hobbes provides a companion for Calvin on his journey into adulthood. The lessons Calvin and Hobbes learn, the mistakes they make, and the growth they experience are all presented in a way that resonates with readers of all ages, regardless of their own stage in life.

Society’s Reflection

Furthermore, the relationship between Calvin and Hobbes offers a commentary on the nature of society and the social order. Calvin’s interactions with Hobbes reflect his own understanding of the world. Calvin often perceives the adult world as a source of rules, constraints, and limitations, a world that is in constant tension with his desire for freedom and self-expression. Hobbes, as Calvin’s confidante, becomes a powerful symbol of nonconformity, a reminder of the importance of questioning authority, and a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity for rebellion.

Considering Contrasts: Limitations and Reflections

Imperfect Applications

It’s important to note that while the similarities between Hobbes, the tiger, and the philosopher Thomas Hobbes are striking, the application of Hobbesian philosophy to *Calvin and Hobbes* isn’t a perfect fit. The comic strip, after all, is primarily a work of art, not a philosophical treatise. The world of *Calvin and Hobbes* is not necessarily meant to be a literal embodiment of the philosopher’s ideas. Rather, it uses those ideas as a framework to explore the realities of childhood and the human experience in general.

Nuance and Complexity

The difference between the actual philosophical perspective of Hobbes and Hobbes’ behaviors in the comic strip also underscores the need for nuance. Hobbes, the philosopher, argued for a strong sovereign as the only way to prevent societal breakdown. The Hobbes in *Calvin and Hobbes*, while often advocating for Calvin’s self-interest, doesn’t consistently advocate for the establishment of authoritarianism, or any kind of “Leviathan” that would impose order upon the world. His advice to Calvin is usually self-serving and for the sake of pleasure. The fact that the creators of *Calvin and Hobbes* were able to weave together two very different perspectives of Hobbes’ character is a testament to their genius.

The Core Ideas

However, the core ideas of Hobbes are still represented in the comic strip. The exploration of self-interest, the conflict between order and chaos, and the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility all serve as reflections of the struggles of childhood, and ultimately reveal the complexity of the human experience.

The Enduring Legacy: The Heart of a Tiger

In conclusion, Hobbes, the tiger, is far more than just a stuffed animal and a source of entertainment. He is a complex character, reflecting the philosophical ideas of Thomas Hobbes. He embodies the primal urges and self-interests that the philosopher described, mirroring Calvin’s ego and acting as a catalyst for his mischievous adventures. However, he also offers companionship, support, and even a touch of moral guidance. Hobbes’ ability to serve these different roles, and to navigate the line between reality and imagination, reflects the richness and depth of *Calvin and Hobbes*.

The enduring appeal of *Calvin and Hobbes* lies in its ability to resonate with readers of all ages. The comic strip, through its brilliant humor, its insightful observations, and its memorable characters, allows us to reflect on the complexities of childhood, the power of imagination, and the enduring human struggle to make sense of the world around us. The world of *Calvin and Hobbes* is a safe space where even the most complex philosophical ideas can be understood by a child. The comic strip’s continuing relevance lies in its ability to make us laugh, make us think, and, perhaps most importantly, to remind us of the importance of imagination, friendship, and the value of a good stuffed tiger.