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Which themes are reflected in the resolution of the narrator’s …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the passage from “By the Waters of Babylon.√¢¬Ä¬ù My knowledge made me happy√¢¬Ä¬îit was like a fire in my heart. Most of all, I liked to hear of the Old Days and the stories of the gods. I asked myself many questions that I could not answer, but it was good to ask them. At night, I would lie awake and listen to the wind√¢¬Ä¬îit seemed to me that it was the voice of the gods as they flew through the air. We are not ignorant like the Forest People√¢¬Ä¬îour women spin wool on the wheel, our priests wear a white robe. We do not eat grubs from the trees, we have not forgotten the old writings, although they are hard to understand. Nevertheless, my knowledge and my lack of knowledge burned in me√¢¬Ä¬îI wished to know more. When I was a man at last, I came to my father and said, “It is time for me to go on my journey. Give me your leave.” Which themes are supported by the resolution of the narrator√¢¬Ä¬ôs internal conflicts in this passage? Select two options. Being content does not always lead to growth. Gaining new skills is critical to survival. Following traditions leads to new awareness. Learning about the past can bring wisdom. Studying the past requires great courage.

Short Answer

The narrator reflects on the distinction between contentment and growth, noting that true personal development involves confronting unanswered questions and seeking further knowledge. They use the metaphor of fire to illustrate how knowledge can illuminate but also expose gaps that drive the quest for deeper understanding, culminating in a commitment to pursue greater insights for both personal and collective advancement.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Contentment and Growth

The participant narrator reflects on their experience of being content with their knowledge. Although they felt happiness from their understanding of the ‚ÄöAuOld Books,‚ÄöAu they soon confronted the reality that they had unanswered questions. This illustrates a fundamental truth: being satisfied does not equate to personal growth, as there is always more to discover and learn beyond what one already knows.

Step 2: The Metaphor of Fire

The narrator employs the metaphor of fire to represent knowledge. Fire has dual properties; it provides light and warmth, yet it can also burn and consume. Knowledge serves as a guiding light, helping individuals understand themselves and their surroundings. However, just as fire requires more wood to keep burning, gaining knowledge reveals more complexities and gaps in understanding, which motivates the pursuit for further insights.

Step 3: The Journey for Knowledge

The narrator’s decision to leave their family signifies a commitment to seek out greater knowledge. This journey symbolizes the quest to feed their inner ‚ÄöAusacred fire,‚ÄöAu reflecting the idea that personal growth often requires moving beyond comfort. The desire for knowledge not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the advancement of humanity, as every new insight can illuminate collective understanding.

Related Concepts

Contentment

A state of satisfaction where an individual feels fulfilled with their current knowledge or situation, but this does not necessarily lead to personal growth

Knowledge

Information, understanding, or skills gained through experience or education, often compared to fire for its dual nature in providing enlightenment and posing risks

Personal Growth

The process of improving oneself through self-reflection, learning, and expanding one’s understanding, often requiring stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the passage from "By the Waters of Babylon.” My knowledge made me happy—it was like a fire in my heart. Most of all, I liked to hear of the Old Days and the stories of the gods. I asked myself many questions that I could not answer, but it was good to ask them. At night, I would lie awake and listen to the wind—it seemed to me that it was the voice of the gods as they flew through the air. We are not ignorant like the Forest People—our women spin wool on the wheel, our priests wear a white robe. We do not eat grubs from the trees, we have not forgotten the old writings, although they are hard to understand. Nevertheless, my knowledge and my lack of knowledge burned in me—I wished to know more. When I was a man at last, I came to my father and said, "It is time for me to go on my journey. Give me your leave." Which themes are supported by the resolution of the narrator’s internal conflicts in this passage? Select two options. Being content does not always lead to growth. Gaining new skills is critical to survival. Following traditions leads to new awareness. Learning about the past can bring wisdom. Studying the past requires great courage.

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