What is the significance of knowledge in By the Waters of Babylon?

As John reaches new “levels” of knowledge with each step of his journey, he learns enough to recognize that there is even more to know, which pushes him ever further in his quest. Benét also shows how knowledge can diminish fear and the power of superstition.

What is the significance of knowledge in the society from By the Waters of Babylon?

Wha can we infer about the importance of knowledge to the narrator? The narrator discovers there were books and writings (knowledge) and assumes that bc of this "god" who lived there must have been very wise. This further reveals the importance of knowledge to the narrator and his society.

What can we learn from By the Waters of Babylon?

What does John mean when he says that in the old days they ate knowledge too fast?

During his journey, John realizes that the “Gods” were only humans, and the cause of their demise was that they “ate knowledge too fast,” (586). By saying this, Benet means that the humans acquired too much knowledge in a short amount of time, and were therefore unable to use it wisely.

What idea about knowledge do you think Benet is trying to communicate?

What idea about knowledge do you think Benet is trying to communicate? He has realized these "gods" are just the men who started this country to make it thrive & be successful. It (Place of the Gods) must have been forbidden b/c people ("fathers") were ashamed by its downturn/destruction.

[American Literature] Stephen Vincent Benét - By the Waters of Babylon

Does knowledge come at a price By the Waters of Babylon?

In “By the Waters of Babylon,” you will meet John, a character who learns through a difficult journey that knowledge can come at a price.

What advice about sharing knowledge does John's father give him at the end of the story?

John's father advises him to share his new knowledge with the people a little at a time, so that they aren't overwhelmed; John follows this advice, and believes that eventually, he and his people can rebuild society.

What is the climax of By the Waters of Babylon?

The climax occurs when John has a vision revealing the Place of the Gods (New York City) as it was just before, and during, the Great Burning.

What are the dead places and the place of the gods?

The dead places are the homes before the last war and the place of the Gods is New York City. How does John's tribe view the dead places? They're terrified of the dead places.

What does John realize in By the Waters of Babylon?

Summary Of By The Waters Of Babylon

As a father, he made his son a priest and independent on what he wants to do. He let John know of the dangers that anticipate him to the forbidden area, which proves that he is a good father.

Why did the author write By the Waters of Babylon?

Benét wrote the story in response to the April 25, 1937 bombing of Guernica, in which Fascist military forces destroyed the majority of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

What is By the Waters of Babylon summary?

"By the Waters of Babylon" is a post-apocalyptic story about humanity's relationship with technology. The remnants of humanity have gathered into tribes and cling to superstitions for survival. Newly-initiated priest John travels to the Dead Lands, a wasteland that only priests are allowed to visit.

What do Johns references to gods and magic in By the Waters of Babylon most clearly suggest?

What do John's references to gods and magic in "By the Waters of Babylon" most clearly suggest? John is young and lacks experience. The Great Burning was a recent event. The People of the Hills are social outcasts.

What is the theme of By the Waters of Babylon quizlet?

The theme of the story is to seek knowledge, as John set's out on his journey purely because of his "knowledge and lack of knowledge" He wished to know more. This theme plays out in flash backs to his childhood (where he ate the fruit), to when he crosses the river, and finally in his discoveries in the village.

Which theme is reflected in this passage By the Waters of Babylon?

Read the passage from "By the Waters of Babylon." Which theme is reflected in this passage? Spiritual experiences can lead to great understanding.

What is the foreshadowing in By the Waters of Babylon?

The nuclear holocaust is foreshadowed when he describes how the bridges were all burned and "broken in the time of THE GREAT BURNING when fire fell from the sky."

Why is it forbidden to go east in By the Waters of Babylon?

It's forbidden because travelling east brings one closer to the place of gods, the place from which people are "most strictly forbidden to go".

What is the bitter water in By the Waters of Babylon?

The "bitter water" named "Ou-dis-sun" is the Hudson River, bitter because of its salt water.

What conclusion can you draw from this passage from By the Waters of Babylon?

the People of the Hills are very spiritual. What conclusion can be drawn from this passage from "By the Waters of Babylon"? There was also the shattered image of a man or a god. It had been made of white stone and he wore his hair tied back like a woman's.

What do the conflicts reveal about the characters and plot of the story By the Waters of Babylon?

The conflicts with nature create suspense and reveal the importance of perseverance. The narrator's conflict with society shows he is willing to challenge laws to benefit others. The narrator shows bravery and determination through his experiences to gain knowledge.

How does the use of dramatic irony in By the Waters of Babylon affect readers?

How does the use of dramatic irony in "By the Waters of Babylon" affect readers? It creates a feeling of suspense. The word bade is the past tense of the word bid.

What does this repetition suggest about his realizations in that particular moment explain?

What does this repetition suggest about his realizations in that particular moment? Explain. This repetition suggests an epiphany, a sudden flash of insight on his part.

How does the narrative point of view in By the Waters of Babylon impact the story?

Point of view is especially important to this short story because a change in point of view would cause dramatic changes to the plot. Babylon's plot revolves around the fact that The Place of the Gods is merely post-apocalyptic New York rather than some magic place that the beginning of the story hints at.

What does John discover in the place of the Gods?

What does John discover to be untrue about the Place of the Gods? He discovers that there is only water magic and no fire magic in the Place of the Gods.

Does knowledge have a price?

All knowledge comes at a price, but depending on what it is. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon and it has always been hard to come by. The main reason for gaining knowledge is experience. For example, many people gain experience of trying new things, physical activities with new pursuits.