“the Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, ” by Ursula K. Le Guin

637 Words3 Pages
Essay #3 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th ENG-311- DL03 14 August 13 “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” By Ursula K. Le Guin ‘The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas’ by Ursula K. Le Guin is a story set in Omelas containing a philosophical parable and featuring a clear description of characters. Omelas is described as a pleasant city of delight and happiness with cultured and intelligent dwellers. One horrifying event at Omelas is the good fortune that requires an unfortunate child to be subjected and isolated in a filthy, dark and miserable environ. Once each inhabitant of Omelas has come of age, they are informed of this occurrence and they get shocked and disgusted at first, but eventually contend with it and purpose to continue making the child’s suffering worth it. A few occupants of the city however walk away quietly to an unknown place which is thought to be less prestigious. The Omelas people do not really have a form of government but live a lifestyle of survival. The phrase; ‘what would you do?’ clearly shows this moral dilemma (Le Guin). The city of Omelas is a symbol of today’s lavish and luxurious life that many people in the society experience whereas the child symbolizes the manner of making that comfort available at the expense of the poor and disadvantaged. Contrary to visionary Utopia envisioned by Sir Thomas Moore of an ideal community with no war, moral citizens and a fair just government, the life of Omelas people is a warped version of this. It tortures a young child; dwellers ride on horses naked and seem to have no desire to establish a just government. The statement; “…and let the offspring of these delightful rituals be beloved and looked after by all” simply goes to show how torturing a young boy has become an acceptable ritual in motivating Omelas city to be peaceful (Le Guin). Residence of Omelas believe that this is
Open Document