Knowledge and truth combined together can lead to a very dangerous outcome. Stephen Vincent Benét’s post-apocalyptic novel, “By the Waters of Babylon” is about the protagonist, John, destined to be a priest and his journey to the forbidden land his civilization calls “The Place of the Gods.” Throughout the novel Benét entertains us with his vivid descriptions. John’s journey and the discoveries he makes reveal that truth influences his understanding, society, and actions. John’s quest to “The Place of the Gods” and the truth he unravels influence and improve his understanding. At the beginning of the story the narrator says “knowledge burned in me” (Benét 142.) John’s desire for knowledge makes him courageous to go on his journey. It powers
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At “The Place of the Gods”, John starts to uncover his society’s decisions, “What some priests say are not true”(Benét 145.) John learns that his society’s most trusted and intelligent people were false about some things. He willingly accepts what he learns and desires to know more. After learning the truth about the past, John starts ponder on the God’s wisdom, “Their wisdom could not grow until peace” (Benét 148.) The old society’s knowledge was vast, but it still lead to a downfall. John learns from “The Place of the Gods” that knowledge doesn't always lead to success, that all civilizations are bound to fade. At the end of the story, John ponders more on truth, knowledge and its power, “ In the old knowledge, they ate knowledge too fast” (Benét 150.) He understands the Gods learned too much. His ancestor’s society was overwhelmed with knowledge and led to destruction. The truth John uncovers show a relationship between his society and knowledge and truth. The narrator’s journey in the novel reveal that his desire for knowledge and truth influence his actions, “My hunger for knowledge burned in me” (Benét 146.) Knowledge guided his actions and influenced his behavior. We learn knowledge is important to the protagonist and his society. When deciding wether to tell the truth to his civilization, John’s father says,
At “The Place of the Gods”, John starts to uncover his society’s decisions, “What some priests say are not true”(Benét 145.) John learns that his society’s most trusted and intelligent people were false about some things. He willingly accepts what he learns and desires to know more. After learning the truth about the past, John starts ponder on the God’s wisdom, “Their wisdom could not grow until peace” (Benét 148.) The old society’s knowledge was vast, but it still lead to a downfall. John learns from “The Place of the Gods” that knowledge doesn't always lead to success, that all civilizations are bound to fade. At the end of the story, John ponders more on truth, knowledge and its power, “ In the old knowledge, they ate knowledge too fast” (Benét 150.) He understands the Gods learned too much. His ancestor’s society was overwhelmed with knowledge and led to destruction. The truth John uncovers show a relationship between his society and knowledge and truth. The narrator’s journey in the novel reveal that his desire for knowledge and truth influence his actions, “My hunger for knowledge burned in me” (Benét 146.) Knowledge guided his actions and influenced his behavior. We learn knowledge is important to the protagonist and his society. When deciding wether to tell the truth to his civilization, John’s father says,