Inmates Quote by José Saramago
““the inmates of the second ward in the right wing have decided, at long last, to bury their dead, at least we shall be rid of that particular stench, the smell of the living, however fetid, will be easier to get used to.””
About This Quote
The narrator observes that the dead are finally being buried, removing a literal stench, while the lingering odor of the living—though unpleasant—will become tolerable over time.
In simple terms: Burying the dead eases the smell; the living’s odor remains but will be accepted.
Key Takeaway
Loss and adaptation to unpleasant realities.
Themes
mortality
acceptance
sensory perception
human resilience
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- a funeral home after a disaster
- a community dealing with a pandemic
- a family adjusting after a loss
Key Concepts
the psychological impact of death
social coping mechanisms
Practical Applications
- Use scent‑neutralizing strategies in care facilities
- Facilitate communal rituals to process grief
Questions to Reflect On
- How does confronting death change our perception of everyday life?
- Can we ever fully become accustomed to loss?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may over‑emphasize sensory discomfort, overlooking emotional nuances of mourning.
