WHANGDEPOOTENAWAH, n. In the Ojibwa tongue, disaster; an…
“WHANGDEPOOTENAWAH, n. In the Ojibwa tongue, disaster; an unexpected affliction that strikes hard. Should you ask me whence this laughter, Whence this audible big-smiling, With its labial extension, With its maxillar distortion And its diaphragmic rhythmus Like the billowing of an ocean, Like the shaking of a carpet, I should answer, I should tell you: From the great deeps of the spirit, From the unplummeted abysmus Of the soul this laughter welleth As the fountain, the gug-guggle, Like the river from the canon [sic], To entoken and give warning That my present mood is sunny. Should you ask me further question -- Why the great deeps of the spirit, Why the unplummeted abysmus Of the soule extrudes this laughter, This all audible big-smiling, I should answer, I should tell you With a white heart, tumpitumpy, With a true tongue, honest Injun: William Bryan, he has Caught It, Caught the Whangdepootenawah! Is't the sandhill crane, the shankank, Standing in the marsh, the kneedeep, Stan”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker describes a deep, spiritual laughter that emerges from the soul’s hidden depths, symbolizing an inner joy that contrasts with external turmoil.
In simple terms: Deep inner joy expressed through laughter.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor inner joy.
Themes
spirituality
joy
language
culture
expression
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- cultural discussion
Key Concepts
Ojibwa concepts
symbolism
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does inner laughter affect your mood?
- What cultural elements influence your expression of joy?
A Different Perspective
The quote mixes invented terms and may misrepresent Ojibwa language; authenticity uncertain.