By The Waters Of Babylon Summary

The Knowledge of the Truth Is the knowledge you have known about a place true? In the short story, “By the Waters of Babylon”, the main character John has to venture out into unknown lands because he seeks knowledge. John is a son of a priest and is now a priest and he is always hungry for knowledge. He wants to go out into the Place of the Gods where the Gods once lived before the Great Burning. Before John leaves for the adventure he has his father do a ritual with him to see his dreams to know if he is ready. John had a dream of the Place of the Gods and said he wasn't afraid of it. After that, his father said he can go out and see the Place of the Gods. People only went as far as the Dead Places to get metal for their village. Only priests and sons of priests were aloud to enter that area, and when they came back the metal and the people had to get purified. What John finds out is not what he was told his whole life. So this makes you ask, do i really know what I know. …show more content…
He uses his skills though to get through them. Every step he took he was gaining knowledge that the townspeople haven’t known. He says, “Nevertheless, my knowledge and my lack of knowledge burned in me – I wished to know more.” (p. 312, line 43-44) When John reaches the Place of the Gods, he thought the curse would kill him. It turns out he lives. John describes walking around the streets of this large city with towers standing so tall. A group of dogs were following him around. He was told that the land was always on fire and fog was always settled there but really he sees a peaceful empty and quiet city. John also finds a monument with the name of Ashing. We can all infer it was Washington. As night sets, John enters a standing building with many rooms and chooses a room to stay for the night. He sets a fire and falls