"By the Waters of Babylon" Reading Comprehension Assessment

What is the primary reason John is allowed to touch metal from the Dead Places?

• He has special magical powers
• He is a skilled hunter
• He is the son of a priest
• He found a secret map

What does John discover about the "gods" by the end of the story?

• They were immortal beings
• They were actually humans
• They were forest spirits
• They were ancient demons

What major event does John witness in his vision at the Place of the Gods?

• The building of the city
• The Great Burning and Destruction
• The arrival of new gods
• The creation of magic

Why does John's father tell him that "truth is a hard deer to hunt"?

• The truth about hunting is difficult to learn
• Deer are the most challenging animals to hunt
• Knowledge must be acquired gradually
• The Forest People guard their secrets well

What does the repetition of "forbidden" in the early parts of the story suggest about John's society?

• They are ruled by fear
• They are strictly regulated by laws
• They are protecting sacred places
• They are fighting with other tribes

What evidence suggests that John's people are more advanced than the Forest People?

• They have better weapons
• They live in bigger houses
• They can read old writings
• They have magical powers

What is significant about the "dead god" John finds sitting by the window?

• He was wearing magical robes
• He had turned to stone
• He showed human courage in facing death
• He left a message for future generations

How does John's understanding of "magic" change throughout his journey?

• He learns to perform stronger magic
• He realizes it's actually technology
• He discovers new magical powers
• He learns to fear magic more

What does the title's allusion to Psalm 137 suggest about the story's theme?

• The importance of religious worship
• The loss of an advanced civilization
• The power of ancient prophecies
• The danger of forbidden knowledge

Why does John's father ultimately accept his son's discoveries?

• He fears John's new powers
• He recognizes the need for gradual change
• He wants to learn the truth himself
• He believes the laws are wrong