Question

Part A: What is the effect of telling the story in first-person point of view? By the Waters of Babylon Study Guide by Stephen Vincent Benét


A. The reader learns less about John

B. The reader understands John’s thoughts and fears

C. The story becomes more confusing

D. The setting is less clear

Part B: Which evidence best supports this?

A. “I felt my heart beat faster as I stepped into the room.”

B. “The fire fell from the sky.”

C. “The people spoke of gods and demons.”

D. “The buildings rose up like cliffs.”

Answer 1

Part A: B — The reader understands John’s thoughts and fears.

Part B: A — “I felt my heart beat faster as I stepped into the room.”
Explanation: That line gives John’s internal feeling, which is possible because the story is told in first person. The other choices are descriptions or reports, not inner thoughts.