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In "By the Waters of Babylon," how is John's society different from the one that came before it?
People believe in magic, spirits, and demons.
In "By the Waters of Babylon," why does John go to the Place of the Gods?
to try to gain knowledge
What do John’s references to gods and magic in “By the Waters of Babylon” most clearly suggest?
John’s people lack knowledge about technology.
In “By the Waters of Babylon,” what does John finally realize about the gods?
They were human beings.
What is one central idea of “By the Waters of Babylon”?
True wisdom may require knowledge of painful truths.
What is the most likely way in which water would be purified?
by removing impurities from it
What would a stern parent most likely do if his or her child misbehaved?
punish the child’s behavior
What must happen when a person is fasting?
The person must not eat.
What does the following sentence from “By the Waters of Babylon” suggest about the culture of the story? A priest must know many secrets—that was what my father said. If the hunters think we do all things by chants and spells
The priests are more educated and powerful than the hunters are.
After which of these events does “By the Waters of Babylon” most likely take place?
a destructive war
In “By the Waters of Babylon,” John sees the city “as it had been when the gods were alive.” What is he seeing?
New York City in the past
From what point of view is “By the Waters of Babylon” narrated?
first-person, by John
How does “By the Waters of Babylon” offer a strong example of dramatic irony?
The reader understands more about the Place of the Gods than John does.
How does the use of dramatic irony in “By the Waters of Babylon” affect readers?
It creates a feeling of suspense.
