Ashtray Quote by Grace Paley
““Air was filtering out of my two collapsing lungs. Water rose, bubbling to enter, and I would have died of instantaneous pneumonia - something I have never heard of - if my hand had not got hold of a glass ashtray and, entirely apart from my personal decision, flung it.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Glass Ashtray”, 1972
A desperate act of survival emerges when a character instinctively uses an object to escape a lethal situation.
In simple terms: Instinctive actions can save lives in crisis.
Trust gut reactions in emergencies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- first aid training
- disaster preparedness
- mental health coping
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prepare for unexpected crises?
- What role does instinct play in decision‑making?
Rational planning may be impossible in sudden danger.