Explain ONE WAY that Stephen Vincent Benet uses either character or plot to illustrate the theme in his short story, “By the Waters of Babylon.”

Consider the theme of courage and determination. John is the main character and the protagonist of the story. He becomes a priest after his father takes him and goes to the Dead Places to make John touch the metal. Throughout the story, John has shown courage and ambition in his character. He was also so determined to get to the Place of Gods. Because of his determination and bravery, he successfully arrived in the Place of Gods and brought back to his village ample knowledge about the place they thought to be sacred.