The main theme of ”By the Waters of Babylon” is that knowledge can be attained too fast. The narrator and his father discuss this idea as the older man warns about revealing everything he has seen in the Place of the Gods.

What is the main idea of the story By the Waters of Babylon?

The main theme of ”By the Waters of Babylon” is that knowledge can be attained too fast. The narrator and his father discuss this idea as the older man warns about revealing everything he has seen in the Place of the Gods.

What are some themes in By the Waters of Babylon?

By the Waters of Babylon Themes

  • The Pursuit of Knowledge.
  • The Coming of Age Quest.
  • Superstition, Magic, and Technology.
  • Rivalry, War, and Destruction.

What is the thesis of By the Waters of Babylon?

Thesis Statement: In Stephen Vincent Benet’s short story “By the Waters of Babylon”, the narrator helps to establish that knowledge and truth are what impacts the future the most.

What is most important to John in By the Waters of Babylon?

Character: In By The waters of Babylon John is the main character and also a developing character. Throughout the story, John shows courage and ambition in his character. His determination and bravery also standout in the story by showing strong intent to get to the Place of Gods.

What do readers learn about the narrator based on his reaction to the conflict?

What do readers learn about the narrator based on his reaction to the conflict? The narrator has learned to respect the gods, even in death, rather than fear them.

Which statement best describes the primary conflict that the narrator experiences in this passage?

Which statement best describes the primary conflict that the narrator experiences in this passage? The conflict is character vs. nature, since the narrator encounters a dog that presents a danger to him.

What is the conflict of By the Waters of Babylon?

The main character, John, struggles against his own fears (internal conflict) and against real or imagined outside threats (external conflict), such as a pack of wild dogs and the Hudson River (which almost sweeps him away).

What does the following sentence from by the water of Babylon suggest about the culture of the story?

What does the following sentence from “By the Waters of Babylon” suggest about the culture of the story? A priest must know many secretes-that was what my father said. If the hunters think we do all things by chants and spells, they may believe so-it does not hurt them.

What does the narrator’s response to the setting reveal about his character?

What does the narrator’s response to the setting reveal about his character? He is pessimistic due to his experiences. He gains knowledge through experience.

How does the narrator react to the conflict in this passage by the waters of Babylon?

How does the narrator react to the conflict in this passage? The narrator remains calm and levelheaded as he tries to get away from the dog.

How does the narrator respond to the conflict in this passage by the waters of Babylon?

How does the conflict at the beginning of the paragraph move the plot forward?

How does the conflict at the beginning of the paragraph move the plot forward? The narrator realizes that the god was a man.

What is the story by the waters of Babylon about?

” 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 happens at the end of by the waters of Babylon?

In the story’s closing lines, John vows that when he becomes the head priest of the tribe, he will lead his people to the Place of the Gods—which he now refers to as “newyork”—and begin to rebuild the city. Frisella, Emily. “By the Waters of Babylon Plot Summary.”

Who are the hill people in by the waters of Babylon?

The short story “By the Waters of Babylon” was written by Stephen Vincent Benét in 1937. In this story, there are two groups of people—the Hill People and the Forest People. They compete, each group having its strengths. The Hill People are more advanced in technologies such as hunting, metallurgy, and spinning wool.

What drives John’s ambition in the waters of Babylon litchart?

The priests’ lessons only increase John’s powerful desire for new knowledge, and his ambition drives the story forward. Get the entire Waters of Babylon LitChart as a printable PDF. “My students can’t get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof.” -Graham S.