Le Guin delves into the themes of guilt and innocence in "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas." While the narrator asserts that there is no guilt in Omelas, the townspeople's responses to the child's suffering suggest otherwise. For example, the narrator notes that many people, upon witnessing the child's condition, are "shocked and sickened at the sight. They feel disgust. They feel anger, outrage, impotence, despite all the explanations. They would like to do something for the child. But there is nothing they can do." Those who decide to leave Omelas because they cannot accept the society's foundation likely experience guilt. Yet, the narrator confesses to being unable to fully comprehend this reaction, merely stating, "I cannot describe it at all."