Read the passage from "By the Waters of Babylon.”
Surely, that was enough to do, and live. Surely it was enough to spend the night upon the cliff. The Forest People themselves do not come near. Yet, all through the night, I knew that I should have to cross the river and walk in the places of the gods, although the gods ate me up. My magic did not help me at all and yet there was a fire in my bowels, a fire in my mind. When the sun rose, I thought, "My journey has been clean. Now I will go home from my journey." But, even as I thought so, I knew I could not. If I went to the Place of the Gods, I would surely die, but, if I did not go, I could never be at peace with my spirit again. It is better to lose one's life than one's spirit, if one is a priest and the son of a priest."
Which quotation best explains why the narrator continues his journey to the Place of the Gods?
A. “When the sun rose, I thought, ‘My journey has been clean.’”
B. “The Forest People themselves do not come near.”
C. “I could never be at peace with my spirit again.”
D. “My magic did not help me at all and yet there was a fire.”
Answer (2)
The best quotation explaining why the narrator continues his journey to the Place of the Gods is C: 'I could never be at peace with my spirit again.' This reflects the narrator's internal conflict between risk and spiritual fulfillment. His identity as a priest drives his need for spiritual peace above all else.
;
The passage from "By the Waters of Babylon" presents a critical decision faced by the narrator, who is the son of a priest. The context of the narrative is a post-apocalyptic world, where the ruins of a once-great civilization are regarded as sacred by the inhabitants, and the Places of the Gods are forbidden to enter due to the perceived divine nature and dangers associated with them.
The key theme in this part of the story revolves around the narrator's inner conflict and his quest for knowledge and truth. He is drawn to the Place of the Gods despite the danger involved. The quotation that best explains why the narrator continues his journey is: "I could never be at peace with my spirit again."
Let's break down why this is the correct choice:
Spiritual Compulsion: The narrator feels a deep need to understand and seek knowledge, viewing it as a vital aspect of his identity and responsibilities as a future priest. This is more important than his physical safety. The fire in his mind signifies his drive and curiosity.
Inner Peace: He is aware that if he does not continue his journey and explore the forbidden territory, he will live with the unrest in his spirit. Finding peace with his spirit is portrayed as more crucial than even life itself, which highlights his dedication and courage.
Sacrifice and Duty: The passage reflects the narrator’s willingness to sacrifice his life for his spiritual integrity. As someone destined to be a priest, he believes it is better to risk his life than to ignore his calling. This passage indicates his acceptance of the potential consequences of his quest.
This conflict between fear and the quest for knowledge is a central theme in the story, emphasizing the universal human drive to seek truth and understanding, even in the face of great peril. The choice of the quote "I could never be at peace with my spirit again" encapsulates this theme well.
