Ode On The Lungi Quotations
“Grandpa Walt, I celebrate my lungi / and sing my lungi.”Explanation: The poet proudly tells Walt Whitman that the lungi is something he loves and honours. It shows cultural pride and joy.
Explanation: The poet shows that the lungi is worn by huge populations across many countries. It is a global dress, not a small or local one.“Hundreds of millions... wear the lungi.”
“Now try wearing one/ to a White House appointment/... no way.”Explanation: The poet uses irony to show how unfair dress rules are. A kilt is accepted, but a lungi is not.
“Started hiding / the ‘ridiculous ethnic attire’.”Explanation: The cousin’s son hides the lungi because he feels ashamed. This shows social pressure and prejudice against traditional dress.
“I am a lungi activist.”Explanation: The poet humorously declares himself an activist for a simple cloth. It is funny but also powerful, showing resistance against cultural shame.
“A rectangular cloth... roughly 45x80 inches.”Explanation: The poet gives a simple, clear description of the lungi, showing its practical nature and everyday value.