All the same, when I came to the Place of the Gods, I was afraid, afraid. The current of the great river is very strong—it gripped my raft with its hands. That was magic, for the river itself is wide and calm. I could feel evil spirits about me, I was swept down the stream. Never have I been so much alone—I tried to think of my knowledge, but it was a squirrel’s heap of winter nuts. There was no strength in my knowledge any more and I felt small and naked as a new-hatched bird—alone upon the great river, the servant of the gods. –“By the Waters of Babylon,”

Stephen Vincent Benét

Which external conflict does the character face in this passage?

Which line from this passage serves as evidence that supports the conflict?

How does the character respond to the conflict?