Alas, Babylon: Survival and Isolation

900 Words2 Pages

When drastic times occur and sweep one of everything they own, do they have a plan of action? Will they be prepared for a life without power, resources, and stability? Many times when people are faced with this situation they find themselves unprepared and unable to live in such conditions. They lose the connections with the world, the water they drink is likely to get contaminated, and the scarcity of goods is a threat to themselves and anyone left alive. Everywhere around them there is death and destruction leaving them isolated in their own dystopia. Pat Frank’s Alas, Babylon illustrates a nuclear bomb simulation. In such a way, he gives the readers a taste of isolation and survival needs when facing such drastic times. So the question is: how does one survive in the isolation left behind from a nuclear war? Everything starts with the warning, if one gets a warning. There are two types of warnings, a strategic and tactical warning. The strategic warning is most reliable as it is based on enemy actions. When enemies start acting offensively and it is perceived an attack is on its way, a strategic warning is given well in advance (Kearny, 23). The most common strategic warning people will recognize is Global Warning, warning citizens of the increase of climate and how they can help protect against it (DIA Web Cite). In Pat Frank's Alas, Babylon, the warning given to Randy is briefly introduced as Mark's last words "Alas, Babylon" leave Randy feeling "sick inside" (Frank, 14). Despite the feeling, Randy knows the meaning of the warning and begins taking action immediately. The strategic warning that is given in this novel is kept secretive contrary to the tactical warning that is also displayed in Alas, Babylon. A... ... middle of paper ... ...nd resources that one is obligated to live with. The hardest part the one will be faced with is the ability to work selfishly and proportionately. Survival is key in times like this and dealing with the isolation from goods, services, and humanity make it all the worse. However, the last outcome you want is to be the victim of a nuclear bomb. Works Cited Kearny, Cresson H. Nuclear War Survival Skills. Cave Junction: Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, 1979. Print. Anonymous. "Strategic Warning: If Surprise Is Inevitable, What Role for Analysis?" Www.cia.gov. Central Intelligence Agency, 21 Apr. 2007. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. Anonymous. "DIA Provides Strategic Warning for the Next Generation." Www.dia.mil. Defense Intelligence Agency, 11 May 2012. Web. 13 Nov. 2013 Anonymous. "What Happens When a Nuclear Bomb Explodes?" Www.sgi.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.

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