Babylon+OPE+Ian

Yeehyun (Ian) Chang, E Block Question to investigate: What will John’s voyage to the east cause? Title of the essay: The Pandora’s Box


 * In Stephen Benét’s story, "By the Waters of Babylon," John’s voyage to conquer his thirst for knowledge will lead to another destruction of the human race; thus, opening the Pandora’s Box.** When Zeus gave a box to Pandora, it was forbidden to open; however, Pandora's curiosity overwhelmed the caution. Pandora opened it and led to the world’s exposure to misery, grief, jealousy, and hatred. In “By the Waters of Babylon,” traveling east was a forbidden activity. Traveling east could cause a lot of damage, as John’s father quotes, “It may eat you up.” What John’s father says is that the dangers during the journey may danger John; however, what the author says is that the discoveries made during and after the journey could lead to the destruction of the mankind again. Even though he knew the complications or the dangers involved of the journey, John’s thirst for knowledge motivated his journey. When John arrived at the Place of the Dead, he discovered the mankind’s development before the destruction and realized the need to reform. He quoted that “They were men who were here before us. We must build again.” After looking at the devastating destruction of the complex and developed society, instead of being discouraged, John was compelled to "rebuild" it and follow the ancestor's footsteps. Rapid absorption of technology will give dominance to the Hill people over Forest people, which will trigger war and conquests and eventually human inequality and brutality. History will repeat itself, yet, lead to another destruction, as it is human nature to compete and win over others.