By The Waters Of Babylon Analysis

John is the main character and the protagonist of the story “By the Waters of Babylon” and the son of the tribal priest. He is a character who displays bravery and determination in his personality. The reason why I chose the words bravery and determination to describe John is because he was brave enough to travel to the Place of Gods even though warned that it was forbidden to journey towards there. He assumed that he would have gotten killed if he trespassed the Place of the Gods instead risked his life anyways. He felt determined when starting his journey when he observed signs to see if he was destined to travel East. When he saw these signs, he was more determined to discover what was in the Place of Gods. Now there is another important
The story is set in the future, drought by destruction, and narrated by John, the son of a leader priest who’s tribe are called the hill people. The conflicts faced in this story are man vs society, because in this story it is forbidden to travel east, the Place of Gods, and cross the river. There are so many restrictions in the society that the narrator has to face. Then there is a man vs self conflict where John has the need for more knowledge. The action rises as follows; First John travels east and faces danger, finds the Place of gods, and crosses the Ou-dis-san river. For rising action, John enters the city in a search for left overs by the gods, and realizes the truth behind the mystery his people have told him. Then comes the climax, were John realizes that the gods were humans just like him. For the falling action, John finally arrives home to his father and explains him what he has learned and experienced in the Place of Gods. At the end of the story his father strictly tells him not to let too much of the truth out to the tribe and speak little of the subject. The story ends with John saying “ We must build again”.

This story is written in first person point of view. It is evident because the story is being told and narrated by John. Throughout the story, the words “I” and “we” are utilized. The text states “ I have been in the Dead Places near us”. It also states “How can I tell you what it was like- you do not know”. These are examples of first person pov in the story. The point of view in this story is important because it puts the reader in Johns minds. As the plot progresses, readers understand his mood, feelings and his central conflict. In conclusion, the point of view gets you more involved with