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The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas Essay

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A utopian city brimming with wonders, opportunities, and significance—but would anyone flee it? The utopian city of Omelas is introduced to readers by Ursula LeGuin in her short story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas.” It is set during the opulent Festival of the Summer that is taking place in this large city (LeGuin). The city is filled with magnificent parks and old, moss-covered gardens (LeGuin). Omelas also boasts a charming harbor. The theme of Omelas is clear in today's society; it is evident in their striving for excellence, their actions, and their mark on society. Firstly, Omelas' residents show signs of leading a life centered solely on happiness. "Only pain is intellectual, only evil is interesting," says LeGuin. This quote appears to perfectly describe Omelas …show more content…

Thirdly, Omelas' hard-working residents leave their mark on their utopia by adhering to a few simple rules and having the knowledge of a poor child. The people of Omelas are mature, intelligent, and passionate adults who are not marked by wretchedness, which demonstrates the inhabitants' hard work ethic (LeGuin). Children are scattered throughout the city; despite their lack of care, they appear content (LeGuin). As LeGuin points out, there are no kings or weapons, which appears to have decreased violence within the land. A lack of crime is a key factor in defining a utopian city. Despite the lack of laws, some remained in effect, most notably the prohibition on slavery. The idea of slavery and children running through the city is notable, and LeGuin appears to be using foreshadowing here. The law says slavery is banned, but a child is knowingly locked up in a grimy room, naked, and sitting in its own feces, which would seem contrary to this law (LeGuin). The child is a slave to its environment, specifically the utopian environment. Continuing, instead of running around town like the others, this child is sitting in

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