"By the Waters of Babylon," Stephen Vincent Benét
Study Guide

Comprehension
1. Why does John set out on his journey? Why is John’s journey unusual?

2. Describe three things John sees in the Place of the Gods.

Interpret
3. What significance does the journey have for John and his people?

4. Explain why John’s father wants to keep secret what John has learned about the Place of the Gods?

5. Explain the title of the story. Why is it appropriate that this story would appear in a collection called Thirteen O’clock?

Literary Focus
First – Person Point of View
6. Identify two ways that the first-person point of view adds to the mystery of the story.

7. What does the narrator reveal about his feelings toward the past?



"By the Waters of Babylon," Stephen Vincent Benét
1. Why does John set out on his journey?
He sets out to rescue the gods from their destroyed city.
He sets out as a rite of passage to manhood.
He sets out to collect useful pieces of old technology.

2. Who is permitted to touch the metal found in the dead places?
The farmers are permitted to touch the metal.
The blacksmiths are permitted to touch the metal.
The priest or the son of a priest is permitted to touch the metal.

3. When is the story set?
It is set in the past, when people were ignorant of science.
It is set in the present, in a region far from civilization near a dump for old machines.
It is set in the future, after a technologically advanced civilization has destroyed itself.

4. Why does John's father want to keep secret what John has learned about the Place of the Gods?
He wants to use the secret to his own advantage.
He first wants to confirm the truth for himself.
He wants the truth to be revealed gradually.

5. Why is it appropriate that this story should appear in a collection called Thirteen O’clock?
The story contains thirteen main events.
The story is about time.
That hour, like the events in this story, lies in a future that has never happened.