“ The Wrong Side of Heaven , the Righteous Side of Hell ”
guard the world from another flood when their worst fear is realized and the miners accidently dig into a reservoir . Hillalum and two others are trapped within the vault , but only Hillalum survives . The rising water forces him upward and the current of water carries him until “ the walls [ open ] out away from him ” ( 25 ). He awakens in a tunnel , but is able to see light ahead . He comes out of what he discovers is a cave and finds himself in the land of Shinnar , which is south of Babylon . Hillalum ’ s return to earth from the vault of heaven forces him to realize that the world is shaped like a seal cylinder , “ wrapped around in some fantastic way so that heaven and earth [ touch ]” ( 28 ). Thus , Hillalum ’ s journey is in itself apocalyptic�as his story unfolds , the world reveals itself through his experience .
The scientific worldview Chiang incorporates is fascinating ; yet , what is even more fascinating is the way the inhabitants view God and their attempts to connect with Him . The people fear God ’ s displeasure and Hillalum feels uneasy at the thought of breaking open the vault of heaven ( 4 ). Standing at the base of the tower even Hillalum ’ s senses rebel , “ insisting that nothing should stand so high ” ( 6 ). He and the others continually wait for a sign from God “ to let men know that their venture was approved ,” yet God is silent ( 14 ). When the star mentioned above first hit the tower , “ everyone descended .... , waiting for retribution from Yahweh for disturbing the workings of Creation . They waited for months , but no sign came ” ( 16 ). God never acknowledges their efforts , either blessing or damning them for their attempts . Their overwhelming desire for knowledge of God ’ s workings cause them to give “ thanks that they [ are ] permitted to see so much ” while at the same time they “ beg forgiveness for their desire to see more ” ( 18 ). Their reactions show lack of surety regarding their purpose as Yahweh fails to respond .
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