Which is a theme of both “One Thousand Dollars” and “By the Waters of Babylon”?
-Things are not always what they seem to be
-If you do what is forbidden, you will pay the price.
-Love can change the world
-Life is not always fair.
things are not always what they seem to be
What do you think these two books have in common?
Life is not fair
To determine which is a theme of both "One Thousand Dollars" by O. Henry and "By the Waters of Babylon" by Stephen Vincent Benét, we can analyze the key messages conveyed in both stories.
The theme that is evident in both stories is that "Things are not always what they seem to be."
In "One Thousand Dollars," the protagonist, Young Gillian, receives a surprising inheritance of one thousand dollars. This windfall initially seems like a significant fortune, but it turns out to be a test of his character rather than a straightforward gift. Through this, the story emphasizes that appearances can be deceptive, as the money comes with the requirement that Gillian must make a wise decision about how to spend it.
Similarly, in "By the Waters of Babylon," the main character, John, embarks on a journey to a forbidden and desolate city. Initially, the city seems like a place of great danger and destruction. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the city was once a prosperous civilization, filled with advanced technology and knowledge. The story underscores the theme that our initial perceptions may mislead us and that things may not always be as they appear on the surface.
To recap, the theme of "Things are not always what they seem to be" is evident in both "One Thousand Dollars" and "By the Waters of Babylon," as both stories explore the idea that first impressions can be misleading or incomplete.