This is a significant detail within the story, as it highlights the cultural decline and loss of knowledge that has occurred after the "Great Burning". The narrator, John, is a young man from a tribe that has forgotten much of the past. He only knows the "untreasures" as "ubtreas" because their knowledge has been corrupted and distorted by time.
The word "untreasures" itself is a powerful symbol, implying the loss of the old world's technology and culture. It signifies that the things that were once considered valuable and treasured are now seen as useless or even dangerous, highlighting the disconnect between John's present and the past.
Here's why this is important:
* Underlining the story's theme of cultural amnesia: John's mispronunciation symbolizes the tribe's loss of history and knowledge.
* Creating an air of mystery: The unfamiliar word "ubtreas" contributes to the mysterious atmosphere of the story and makes the reader wonder about the past.
* Signaling John's naiveté: The mispronunciation indicates that John, despite his courage, is still a young man with limited understanding of the world.
By using this mispronounced word, Benét effectively creates a sense of the story's setting, its themes, and its characters.