Skip to content

Slowly he edges nearer. He reaches out a hand, so openly…

“Slowly he edges nearer. He reaches out a hand, so openly and plainly that I believe I am going to expire. The held in breath of the audience is not let out again. Half a minute passes. It is unlikely any of them could of holded their breath like this underwater. They have found new size in their…” quote by Sebastian Barry
Download Open image
““Slowly he edges nearer. He reaches out a hand, so openly and plainly that I believe I am going to expire. The held in breath of the audience is not let out again. Half a minute passes. It is unlikely any of them could of holded their breath like this underwater. They have found new size in their lungs. Down down we go under them waters of desire.””

Sebastian Barry

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A tense, immersive moment where anticipation builds, likened to holding breath underwater, revealing deep desire.

In simple terms: Intense anticipation feels like holding breath underwater.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and manage intense anticipation.

Themes

anticipation desire performance

Mood

anxious immersive

Type

literary dramatic

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • creative performance
  • high‑stakes negotiations

Key Concepts

tension psychology audience engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you cope with mounting anticipation?
  • What releases the “breath” in high pressure?
A Different Perspective

Prolonged tension can cause anxiety.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sebastian Barry

Explore all 125 Sebastian Barry quotes

More Underwater quotes

Browse all 248 Underwater quotes