Alas, Babylon
By Group 13
Pat Frank
(May 5, 1908 – October 12, 1964)
Was the pen name of
the American
writer, newspaperman, and
government consultant Harry
Hart Frank.
First Published:
1959, continuously in print to the present day.
Type of novel/genre:
Apocalyptic (post-disaster) novel. The novel is often
described as science fiction, but it does not have the
typical characteristics of science fiction (future
setting, exotic locales, technology not available
today, etc.).
Point of view:
The novel is written from an omniscient, third-person
point of view. The narrator of the novel is aware of th
actions, words, and thoughts of all the characters.
Setting:
The novel is set in a small town in central Florida.
Protagonist:
Randy Bragg
Antagonist:
The forces of decay and decline that follow a
general breakdown of government and authority,
and the lack of essential goods and services
Conflict:
The United States is at war with the Soviet Union, but that is
only the backdrop for the novel. The real conflict is with the
survivors as they try to cope with the loss of essential goods
and services, and the general breakdown of authority.
Climax:
The primary climax of the novel involves the ambush of the
highwaymen who attacked Dr. Gunn and who threaten to
attack Fort Repose.
Major Themes:
(1) survival against the odds, and (2) personal redemption
and recovery.
Minor Theme:
Power placed in weak hands leads to chaos and anarchy.
Mood:
Tense, but hopeful. The novel ends on a cautiously
optimistic note.
Citations
. N.p.. Web. 20 Mar 2014.
<http://thebestnotes.com/booknotes/Alas_Babylon_Frank/Alas_Babylon_
Study_Guide23.html>.
. N.p.. Web. 20 Mar 2014.
<http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/alas/study.html>.