By The Waters Of Babylon Character Analysis John

John, in the short story: “By the Waters of Babylon”, is a tenacious and brave man who undoubtedly believes matters of the soul take importance over his own life. John ,a young priest's son, feels compelled to follow his purpose of reaching intrinsic fulfillment. He understands that being at peace with his spirit is more important than living a long, unfulfilling life. “It is better to lose one’s life than one’s spirit…” (21). John keeps this at the forefront of his thoughts during his journey because this is motivation he utilizes to guide him through doubtful times. John has an unbreakable bond with his village of the hill people. While, at first, it may seem there is no evidence for this, John returns from his eye-opening journey and thinks, “After that, I wished to tell all the people…” (29). This shows that John wants his people to be informed and cares enough to show them the truth and the lie they’ve been living. After revealing to his father thoughts of showing this knowledge, another relationship to which John is more loyal is presented to the reader. “...but he showed me otherwise.” (29). He is diverted from his original position of telling the village because John respects his father’s wishes like a dog would his master and in doing so he goes against his own believes for the time being. John has strong bonds
John uses this as the theme for all his decisions and actions, which is why this is repetitive throughout the story. I think John is a representation of human nature because following your heart is an imperative lesson to learn in life. Some people never learned that this was an important action and lived unfulfilled lives with riches, but never truly being satisfied. “It is better to lose one’s life than one’s spirit…” (21). This quote is his true motive, as this influences his thoughts and actions throughout the