By the Waters of Babylon Questions on Post-Apocalyptic
By the Waters of Babylon
What does "UBTREAS" mean in "By the Waters of Babylon"?
In Stephen Vincent Benét's "By the Waters of Babylon," the term "UBTREAS" is a fragment of a broken sign John encounters while exploring New York City, originally reading "SUBTREASURY." This sign,...
By the Waters of Babylon
The significance of the title "By the Waters of Babylon" and its connection to the story
The title "By the Waters of Babylon" alludes to Psalm 137, reflecting a sense of loss and longing. In the story, this mirrors the Hill People's loss of their advanced civilization due to a...
By the Waters of Babylon
What does John reveal about the Forest People in "By the Waters of Babylon"?
In "By the Waters of Babylon," John, of the Hill People, notes that his community is slightly more advanced than the Forest People. The Forest People, unlike the Hill People, eat grubs, have lost...
By the Waters of Babylon
What four clues suggest "By the Waters of Babylon" is set in post-nuclear war New York?
Clues suggesting a post-nuclear New York setting in "By the Waters of Babylon" include the dangerous metal, numerous Dead Places, the term "newyork," and the "gods" dying in everyday positions. The...
By the Waters of Babylon
What three things are forbidden in "By the Waters of Babylon"?
In "By the Waters of Babylon," three main prohibitions govern John's society: it is forbidden to go east, to enter the Dead Places unless searching for metal as a priest, and to cross the great river...
By the Waters of Babylon
What are the old books and writings John learns to read in "By the Waters of Babylon"?
In "By the Waters of Babylon," John learns to read from old books and writings left from a destroyed civilization, likely our own. Although the specific content of these books is not detailed, they...
By the Waters of Babylon
Benet's use of setting in "By the Waters of Babylon" creates suspense and reveals aspects of John's character
Benet's use of setting in "By the Waters of Babylon" builds suspense and highlights John's character traits. The post-apocalyptic landscape, with its mysterious and forbidden places, creates an...
By the Waters of Babylon
What are all the settings in the short story "By the Waters of Babylon"?
The settings in "By the Waters of Babylon" include a post-apocalyptic future landscape, starting in a forested area likely in present-day Pennsylvania. The protagonist, John, travels east through...
By the Waters of Babylon
In "By the Waters of Babylon", what is the temple with its tunnels and caves?
In "By the Waters of Babylon," the "temple with its tunnels and caves" refers to the remnants of skyscrapers and subways. These structures symbolize the ruins of a once-advanced civilization, likely...
By the Waters of Babylon
Key elements and notable aspects of the beginning of "By the Waters of Babylon"
The beginning of "By the Waters of Babylon" introduces the protagonist, John, and establishes the post-apocalyptic setting. Key elements include John's journey of self-discovery and the strict...
By the Waters of Babylon
What does "the high towers of the gods" symbolize in "By the Waters of Babylon"?
John uses the water of an unnamed river to travel from his "primitive" village in the American Midwest to an abandoned New York City. The story is told by John, a young man who lives with his tribe...
By the Waters of Babylon
Why does the author choose a narrator with limited knowledge for By the Waters of Babylon?
The author chose to use a naïve narrator in order to a) craft a detective story b) elicit emotion c) leave the reader in suspense d) provide us with an opportunity to see our world from a different...
By the Waters of Babylon
Mysterious objects and towers John sees in "By the Waters of Babylon"
In "By the Waters of Babylon," John sees mysterious objects and towers that are remnants of a once-great civilization. These include towering skyscrapers, broken bridges, and abandoned machinery,...
By the Waters of Babylon
How does being a priest's son impact the narrator's life in "By the Waters of Babylon"?
John is told by his father (as he well knows already) about what is forbidden on his journey. It is forbidden to travel east, to cross the river, or to go to the Place of the Gods. John, once he...