In "Saving Fish from Drowning," Amy Tan explores the complex relationship between intentions and their consequences, posing a critical question about responsibility. The idea that every intention carries inevitable outcomes leads to an examination of who bears the burden of those consequences. The narrative challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of their actions and the ripple effects they have on others.

Tan uses the metaphor of saving fish from drowning to illustrate this point, questioning the effectiveness and morality of our interventions. It raises awareness about the disparity between those who benefit from intentions and those who do not, prompting reflection on the implications of our choices in the broader context of society and individual lives.