Babylon+OPE+Jinhee

Jinhee Yoo Block E Question: Why was John’s expedition significant?

“Obtained Truth from Experience”


 * Truth is mostly found through one’s persistent examination, courage and through experience.** By the Water of Babylon by Stephen Vincent Ben e t, John, who was the priest’s son, went on a journey to the forbidden places. Many signs have led John to go to the forbidden places. The eagle and the fawn and the panther gave John belief to go toward the east. Despite the legend about the forbidden places, John follows what his heart leads him to do. Due to his clever decision, he was able to obtain the real truth behind the legend. Through his experience, he acknowledged that his expectation toward the forbidden places were too high; he felt disappointed. In the second to the last paragraph, the father told John, “Truth should come little by little or else too much truth can hurt.” As what his father said, since his expectations about the Place of God was too huge, and the truth was revealed unexpectedly, John was confused and disappointed. However, if John have not went to the forbidden places, then he would not have realized that the modern society is getting destroyed and the truth about those places. John’s brave expedition signifies what the author wanted to warn us about: a reflection of how we, people should realize that our society is getting damaged through human’s hand. Like a cycle, society is getting damaged and replaced back. We should attempt to listen to what the author was signifying about the modern society. Will all truth be obtained through courage and experience like John?