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What is the setting of "By the Waters of Babylon" by Stephen Vincent Benét?

"By the Waters of Babylon" is set sometime in the future. The date is never specified, but it has to be a long time in the future. During the story, readers will learn about a "Great Burning" that happened. We also learn that at some point before the story begins, simply touching metal meant certain death. A cataclysmic nuclear disaster or war would explain a great burning. Metal that is full of harmful radiation would have the power to kill as well. The story takes place far enough into the future where that harmful radiation is gone. Additionally, nobody remembers exactly what the Great Burning was. Nobody remembers huge cities of people. A lot of time has passed.  


As for a physical location, the story begins just west of present day New York City. Readers are told John travels east for eight days before finally seeing the Place of the Gods (New York). John explores the former New York City for a bit and then returns to his village.

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