man standing off to the side looking down at a marble bust of another man laying atop a pile of broken columns

By the Waters of Babylon

by Stephen Vincent Benét

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By the Waters of Babylon

The plot of "By the Waters of Babylon" follows John's journey of self-discovery in a post-apocalyptic world. Key events include John's decision to explore the forbidden Place of the Gods, his...

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By the Waters of Babylon

After becoming chief priest, John resolves to fundamentally change his people's beliefs and practices. He plans to dispel their superstitions about the "dead places" and the "Place of the Gods,"...

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By the Waters of Babylon

The resolution of "By the Waters of Babylon" occurs when John returns to his people, having realized that the "gods" were actually humans with advanced technology. He vows to restore lost knowledge,...

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