"By the Waters of Babylon," Part 2: Analyzing Theme — Quiz
Question 15 • English Language Arts 10
Read the passage from "By the Waters of Babylon.” Why should I lie about it? I am a priest and the son of a priest. If there are spirits, as they say, in the small Dead Places near us, what spirits must there not be in that great Place of the Gods? And would not they wish to speak? After such long years? I know that I felt myself drawn as a fish is drawn on a line. I had stepped out of my body—I could see my body asleep in front of the cold fire, but it was not I. I was drawn to look out upon the city of the gods. Which theme is reflected in this passage?
Answer
A
Men strive to speak to the spirit world.
B
Maturity is a result of being courageous.
C
Sons must try to follow their fathers.
D
Spiritual experiences can lead to greater understanding.
Explanation
The narrator describes a spiritual experience in which he feels drawn out of his body and is able to look upon the city of the gods. The passage emphasizes that this experience gives him access to something he wants to understand. This reflects the theme that spiritual experiences can lead to greater understanding, rather than a general lesson about sons following fathers or courage.
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