The Story of the Amulet · Chapter
VI: The Way to Babylon explained
On a rainy day, the children argue about whether to use the charm again after their frightening adventure in ancient Egypt.
What happens
On a rainy day, the children argue about whether to use the charm again after their frightening adventure in ancient Egypt. Jane initially refuses, but after a conversation with the learned gentleman about Babylon's history and culture, she agrees to go. They travel to Babylon, where a kind woman lends them local clothes and shows them the city. Jane decides to stay with the woman and the Psammead while the others go to the palace to seek an audience with the Queen.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Personal Growth
Jane overcomes her initial fear and agrees to go to Babylon, showing personal growth. The other children also confront their own fears through bravado and action.
Friendship and Cooperation
The children work together to plan the journey, support each other, and navigate the unfamiliar city of Babylon with the help of a local woman.
Magic and the Ordinary
The charm transforms from an ordinary object into a magical arch that transports the children from a rainy London day to the vibrant, ancient city of Babylon.
Characters to notice
- Jane
Initially frightened and refuses to use the charm again, but later agrees to go to Babylon after hearing about its culture from the learned gentleman. She decides to stay with the Babylonian woman instead of going to the palace.
- Cyril
Eager to use the charm again and suggests going to Babylon. He leads the group in planning the journey.
- Robert
Initially hesitant but agrees to go to Babylon, showing bravado to mask his fear.
- Anthea
Supports the idea of using the charm again and speaks the word of power to activate it. She takes charge of the group's interactions in Babylon.
- The Psammead
Grumpy but agrees to go to Babylon. It leaves with Jane and the Babylonian woman, preferring sand to queens.
- The Learned Gentleman
Provides historical context about Babylon, sparking the children's interest. He wistfully remarks on the impossibility of actually traveling there.
Key passages
“How many miles to Babylon? Three score and ten! Can I get there by candle light? Yes, and back again!”
Jane sings a nursery rhyme about the distance to Babylon and the possibility of traveling there by candlelight.
This rhyme inspires the children's decision to travel to Babylon.
“Babylon has fallen... You know it was once a great and beautiful city, and the centre of learning and Art, and now it is only ruins, and so covered up with earth that people are not even agreed as to where it once stood.”
The learned gentleman explains that Babylon is now a lost, ruined city, though it was once a magnificent center of culture.
This historical context motivates the children to visit Babylon through the charm.
“I'll go to Babylon if you like.”
Jane abruptly agrees to travel to Babylon, surprising the others.
Jane's change of heart marks a key turning point in the chapter.