People
“Ha-ha”, said Eeyore bitterly. “Merriment and what-not. Don’t apologize. It’s just what would happen.”
— A.A. Milne • Winnie the Pooh
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The bitter laughter makes the mention of merriment sound sarcastic. Eeyore dismisses an apology and treats whatever happened as entirely predictable. The line combines resentment with resignation, suggesting someone who expects disappointment and finds little comfort in being proved right.
Context reviewed