Understanding the Contrast between Ancient and Modern Societies

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 80 views

**In "By the Waters of Babylon," how is John's society different from the one that came before it?**

Understanding the Contrast between Ancient and Modern Societies

In the thought-provoking novel "By the Waters of Babylon" by Stephen Vincent Benet, the protagonist John, a young Native American, embarks on a journey to explore the ruins of a prehistoric civilization. As John navigates through the remnants of the past, he discovers a society that is vastly different from his own. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between John's society and the one that came before it.

A. Technology is more advanced

Is it true that the prehistoric society had more advanced technology?
- No, the prehistoric society in the novel is depicted as being less advanced than John's society. The ruins that John encounters are a testament to the technological advancements of his own time.
What kind of technology did the prehistoric society have?
- The prehistoric society in the novel is characterized by its primitive technology, including stone tools, wooden structures, and basic farming practices.

B. There is no warfare

Is it true that the prehistoric society was a peaceful one?
- No, the prehistoric society in the novel is depicted as being violent and warlike. John discovers evidence of battles and massacres, indicating a society that was plagued by conflict.
What kind of warfare did the prehistoric society engage in?
- The prehistoric society in the novel is characterized by its brutal and primitive warfare, including raids, massacres, and battles.

C. People eat only plants

Is it true that the prehistoric society was vegetarian?
- No, the prehistoric society in the novel is depicted as being omnivorous, with a diet that includes both plants and animals.
What kind of food did the prehistoric society eat?
- The prehistoric society in the novel is characterized by its diet of wild game, fish, and other animals, in addition to plants and fruits.

D. People believe in magic, spirits, and demons

Is it true that the prehistoric society believed in supernatural entities?
- Yes, the prehistoric society in the novel is depicted as being deeply spiritual and superstitious, with a strong belief in magic, spirits, and demons.
What kind of supernatural entities did the prehistoric society believe in?
- The prehistoric society in the novel is characterized by its belief in a variety of supernatural entities, including spirits, demons, and magical beings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the society that John encounters in "By the Waters of Babylon" is vastly different from the one that came before it. While the prehistoric society is depicted as being less advanced, more violent, and more superstitious, John's society is characterized by its technological advancements, peaceful nature, and rational worldview. Through this novel, Benet offers a thought-provoking commentary on the evolution of human society and the importance of learning from the past.

Key Takeaways

The prehistoric society in "By the Waters of Babylon" is depicted as being less advanced than John's society.
The prehistoric society is characterized by its primitive technology, violent warfare, and superstitious beliefs.
John's society is characterized by its technological advancements, peaceful nature, and rational worldview.
The novel offers a thought-provoking commentary on the evolution of human society and the importance of learning from the past.

Further Reading

"By the Waters of Babylon" by Stephen Vincent Benet
"The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon
"The Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between John's society and the prehistoric society? A: The main difference is that John's society is more advanced, peaceful, and rational, while the prehistoric society is less advanced, violent, and superstitious.
Q: What kind of technology did the prehistoric society have? A: The prehistoric society in the novel is characterized by its primitive technology, including stone tools, wooden structures, and basic farming practices.
Q: What kind of warfare did the prehistoric society engage in? A: The prehistoric society in the novel is characterized by its brutal and primitive warfare, including raids, massacres, and battles.