Big Ideas and Themes in Alas, Babylon
The first of many Big Ideas that are present in Alas, Babylon is the importance of family. Throughout the story, the importance of family is shown on multiple occasions; however, it is specifically shown when Randy's important relationship with his brother allows him to learn about the nuclear attacks before they occur, giving him time to prepare. In this situation, Randy's close relationship with his brother, Mark, is used to his advantage as Mark can only tell a few people about the possible incoming nuclear attacks because the information is extremely confidential. Mark has been informed about the possible attacks because he is a member of the SAC Intelligence Group in the military. After learning about the incoming attacks, Mark only tells his two, closest family members to begin preparing, one of which is Randy. In this situation, family was extremely important because family connections allowed Randy to learn about the nuclear attacks and to begin preparing many days before they occurred. A second occasion on which the importance of family is shown in Alas, Babylon is when Mark's wife, Helen, and her children, are forced to move to Fort Repose. In this situation, family is important for many reasons. First, Helen and her children already have a safe, and free, place to live because Randy allows them to temporarily stay in his house, simply because they are his kin. Also, the importance of family is shown in the events that occur once Helen and her children move to Fort Repose. For example, Randy quickly fills in as the father figure for the children after they discover that Mark is most likely dead. Randy then performs many father-like roles, such as offering protection for the rest of the family, and by helping them survive. Meanwhile, Helen acts as the brains of the family and helps Randy to solve problems and take care of the kids. Overall, the fact that Randy was able to step in as a father figure and help raise the kids truly shows the importance and resilience of family in Alas, Babylon.
Importance of family explanation: The Big Idea of importance of family truly represents all of the possible ways that the people in someone's family can benefit each other.
Importance of family explanation: The Big Idea of importance of family truly represents all of the possible ways that the people in someone's family can benefit each other.
In addition, the Big Idea of courage is also prevalent in Alas, Babylon. Although courage can be seen on countless occasions in Alas, Babylon, Helen's children perform many of the most notable courageous acts. One example of Ben Franklin's bravery can be seen when he volunteers to stand watch outside to discover who, or what has been stealing their chickens. This task may not seem difficult, but for Ben Franklin, a young boy, standing watch outside with a gun, with the possibility of having to shoot an intruder, required an immense amount of courage. Another courageous act involving Helen's children can be seen when Peyton steals Randy's boat and goes out into deep water, by herself, to catch fish. Peyton is extremely afraid during the entire event, but she shows great courage, and eventually catches multiple fish. This act may not seem noteworthy, but Peyton was only an eleven year old girl at the time, and she was extremely scared to take Randy's boat and go fishing, but she shows great courage and eventually catches the fish that her family needs so badly.
Courage explanation: Courage is shown in a story whenever a character has to step outside of their comfort zone in order to benefit the good of their group, or the greater good.
Courage explanation: Courage is shown in a story whenever a character has to step outside of their comfort zone in order to benefit the good of their group, or the greater good.
Another Big Idea that is illustrated in Alas, Babylon is the concept of social equality. For example, racism is present in the beginning of the story, but after the nuclear attacks, all of the people in Fort Repose band together in order to survive. Before the attacks, the local minorities are expected to perform difficult manual labor for little pay; however, after the attacks, they are treated as equals by the white people in Fort Repose. This new racial equality can be seen when Malachai, a local minority, is allowed to go along with the white men when they try to ambush some highwaymen. By combining forces, they are able to take out the highwaymen, and this combined force truly shows the new equality that has developed in Fort Repose after the attacks. Social equality can also be seen in the women in Alas, Babylon. For example, the typical roles of women are completely rethought during the story as Helen and Peyton prove that they are equals to the men in Fort Repose. Helen shows the strength and levelheadedness that at one time was only thought to be possessed by men when she remains calm and continues to take care of the house after it is declared that her husband is dead. Helen's daughter, Peyton, also proves that she is equal to a man when she steals Randy's boat and goes fishing for the good of the family. Peyton has decided that she doesn't want to be "only a girl, fit for sewing, pot washing, and making beds" (Frank 294). In order to prove that she is equally important as her male counterparts, specifically her brother who had recently killed several armadillos and was being praised, she gathers fishing supplies, and Randy's boat, and heads out for a fishing trip. Once she is on the water, Peyton catches many very large bass that will go a long way toward feeding her starving family. By showing her success in fishing, this example shows that women's roles have been eliminated in Alas, Babylon, and that both men and women have proven that they are equals.
Social equality explanation: Social equality is simply the act of all people, no matter how different they are, treating each other as equals.
Social equality explanation: Social equality is simply the act of all people, no matter how different they are, treating each other as equals.