Short Answer 
“By the Waters of Babylon” presents two main conflicts: character vs. society, as John defies laws to explore forbidden areas, and character vs. nature, driven by his hunger for knowledge. John’s journey to the forbidden “Place of the Gods” reflects his desire to escape societal constraints and highlights the universal struggle between the pursuit of knowledge and adherence to societal norms.
Step 1: Identifying Conflicts
In “By the Waters of Babylon,” two main types of conflicts are presented. The first is character vs. society, where John defies established laws as he seeks to explore forbidden areas. The second is character vs. nature, represented by John’s overwhelming hunger that drives him to take significant risks in pursuit of knowledge. Understanding these conflicts helps to unravel the themes of the story.
Step 2: John’s Journey
John, the protagonist and son of a priest, embarks on a journey to the Place of the Gods, a locale prohibited to him. Though his father endorses what he believes to be a spiritual quest, he is unaware of John’s true intentions. This exploration symbolizes John’s desire to break free from societal constraints and learn about the ‘dead places’ that reflect a lost civilization.
Step 3: The Motivation for Exploration
John’s hunger for knowledge is a central driving force that propels him to risk breaking the rules set by his society. He is motivated by a profound curiosity that leads him to challenge the boundaries imposed by his priesthood. This inner conflict not only adds depth to his character but also highlights the universal struggle between the desire for discovery and the adherence to societal expectations.