The narrator's profound knowledge of his postapocalyptic world in "By the Waters of Babylon," largely shaped by tribal lore, myths, and strict prohibitions, significantly dictates his initial reactions to different settings, driving both his avoidance of feared places and his imaginative interpretations of what he encounters. This inherited understanding instills deep-seated fear and respect for the forbidden "Dead Places," yet also compels him to formulate explanations for the remnants of the old world.
The Narrator's Worldview and Its Impact
John, the narrator, is a son of a priest from a tribe that reveres ancient knowledge while simultaneously fearing the ruins of the past. His people live by strict laws, particularly concerning the "Dead Places" where the "gods" once resided. This dualistic education—a thirst for knowledge tempered by extreme caution and superstition—profoundly influences his journey.
Fear and Avoidance of the Dead Places
One of the most immediate effects of John's knowledge is the intense fear it instills regarding settings outside his familiar hill country, particularly the "Dead Places."
- Prohibition and Peril: His tribal laws strictly forbid entry into these areas, warning of death, madness, and the lingering presence of malevolent spirits. This deeply ingrained fear causes him to approach the journey with solemnity, performing purification rituals and constantly seeking omens.
- Initial Hesitation: Despite his spiritual calling to seek knowledge, he feels a strong pull to avoid the forbidden city, describing the act of journeying there as going "against the law." The river, the "Ou-dis-sun," serves as a tangible boundary of this fear, representing the threshold of the forbidden.
- Cautious Exploration: Upon entering the ruins, his fear manifests as extreme caution. He moves silently, constantly vigilant for signs of danger, and experiences a constant sense of dread and awe as he navigates the desolate streets and silent structures.
Reinterpreting the Past: Myth and Storytelling
Concurrently, John's inherited knowledge motivates him to make up stories or interpretations about the world and the places he explores. Lacking true historical context, he interprets the advanced civilization's remnants through the lens of his tribe's limited understanding and superstitions.
- Mythologizing Technology: He perceives complex machinery, skyscrapers, and everyday objects as supernatural or divine artifacts. For instance, he refers to the "great tunnels" (subways), "enchanted towers" (skyscrapers), and "metal bones" (bridges or frameworks) as products of powerful "gods."
- Explaining Catastrophe: The "Great Burning" that destroyed the old world is understood not as a nuclear or man-made disaster, but as a divine punishment for the "gods'" hubris. This narrative provides a moral framework for his people's existence.
- Personal Narratives: When he finds the skeleton of a "god" and later understands they were merely people, his initial "stories" begin to shift. He starts to construct a new understanding based on his direct observations, integrating new truths with his existing mythical framework.
The Journey of Discovery and Shifting Perspectives
John's journey is a powerful illustration of how initial knowledge evolves through experience. His inherited beliefs act as a filter, shaping his initial reactions, but his bravery allows him to challenge these preconceptions.
| Setting | Narrator's Initial Knowledge/Beliefs | Reaction and Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hill People's Territory | Safe, sacred, governed by strict laws, source of tribal wisdom. | Comfort, familiarity, adherence to traditional practices (purification, rituals) before venturing out. His initial knowledge reinforces a sense of security and belonging. |
| The Forest / Wilderness | Dangerous, unknown, forbidden path to the "Dead Places." | Trepidation, cautious movement, reliance on spiritual guidance (dreams, omens). The unknown nature amplifies fear, prompting careful navigation and ritualistic behavior. |
| The Great River | A boundary, the "Ou-dis-sun," a forbidden passage to the land of the "gods." | Fear mixed with determination, respect for its power. Crossing it represents a significant defiance of taboo, yet he approaches it with solemnity and a sense of gravity due to his instilled beliefs. |
| The "Dead Places" / Ruined City | Cursed, haunted, filled with the spirits of the "gods," forbidden, causes death. | Profound fear, apprehension, awe, and a sense of danger. He approaches with extreme caution, constantly looking for omens and signs of harm, driven by the strong tribal warnings about death and madness. |
| Structures of the "Gods" | "Enchanted towers," "great tunnels," "bones of the gods," "magical roads." | Wonder, confusion, misinterpretation as supernatural or divine constructs. His limited knowledge forces him to invent explanations, transforming advanced technology into mythical elements (e.g., interpreting electrical wiring as "pipes of the gods"). |
| Artifacts of the Old People | "Burning lamps," "food of the gods," "metal bones," "writings on stone." | Curiosity, fear of desecration, reinterpretation based on tribal myths. He struggles to understand their function, often attributing magical properties or ritualistic significance to common objects. |
| The Place of the Gods | The sacred, forbidden land where the "gods" lived and died in fire. | Intense fear, reverence, overwhelming awe, eventual realization and revelation. This is the culmination of his inherited knowledge and direct experience; his initial fear gives way to a profound understanding that reshapes his worldview, acknowledging the humanity of the "gods." |
Practical Implications of Limited Knowledge
John's limited, myth-based knowledge leads to practical misunderstandings that affect his reactions to objects and environments. He doesn't know how to operate the machines or understand the purpose of many structures. This lack of functional understanding amplifies his awe and leads him to assign mystical significance to ordinary things, like a working lamp, which he regards as a "magic that still burns."
Conclusion
The narrator's knowledge of his postapocalyptic world serves as both a barrier and a guide, initially imposing profound fear and prompting mythologized interpretations of the settings he encounters. However, his courage to transcend these ingrained beliefs ultimately allows for a deeper, more accurate understanding of his world's past, transforming his initial reactions into a foundation for a new, more enlightened future for his people.
