Discussion Prep Questions: “By the Waters of Babylon”
Name:
Class:
Date:
Directions: Respond to the questions below in the space provided. For any questions about the story, cite
specific details/page numbers from the story. Write 2-3 sentences per question.
1. What is the main idea (theme) behind this story?
2. Benet published “By the Waters of Babylon” in 1937 and he died in 1943 – two years before the bombing of
Hiroshima. How does this information change your perception regarding the story?
3. Did John gain knowledge? What kind? Was it what he expected?
4. Is knowledge the ultimate power?
5. Do you think it is possible for an entire civilization to be destroyed? Could it happen today?
6. What role does technology have in your gaining knowledge?
7. What are the destructive or negative effects of technology?
8. The young man followed his father’s advice not to tell his people about his discovery right away. Why?
9. What do you think might have happened if John told everyone immediately? What would you have done in his place?
10. What does it mean to “eat knowledge too fast” in the story? What does it mean today?
11. In light of 9/11 and Hiroshima, do Benet’s references to the falling towers seem somewhat prophetic (predictive)? If
not, why is he so accurate in his story?
12. Do Benet’s warnings about the complete destruction of civilization sill have relevance today?
13. What hardships or challenges would you be willing to endure to gain knowledge?
14. Does John’s story make you feel encouraged or discouraged about humanity? Why?