illustration of a young boy in a cage in the center with lines connecting the boys cage to images of happy people and flowers

The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas

by Ursula K. Le Guin

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Themes: Happiness

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"The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" is a work of Utopian literature, a genre that portrays seemingly flawless societies, exploring the significance and implications of happiness. Early in the narrative, the storyteller attempts to clarify why people find it difficult to embrace happiness: "The trouble is that we have a bad habit, encouraged by pedants and sophisticates, of considering happiness as something rather stupid. Only pain is intellectual, only evil interesting.... But to praise despair is to condemn delight, to embrace violence is to lose hold of everything else. We have almost lost hold, we can no longer describe a happy man, nor make any celebration of joy." Le Guin's observations resonate with truth, encouraging readers to ponder whether people truly dismiss happiness as "rather stupid" because they are overly critical and pessimistic to trust in genuine joy. This idea further invites readers to entertain the acceptance of Omelas and, by extension, the potential of Utopian societies despite their inherent imperfections.

Expert Q&A

Are the inhabitants of Omelas happy?

In "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas," the people of Omelas are indeed generally happy. The problem is that such happiness is entirely artificial, as it's based on the suffering of a small child. When some people find out that their happiness depends on the continued suffering of the child, they choose to walk away from the town. However, the majority remain, an indication that they regard their happiness as more important than that of a suffering child.

Do you agree that "happiness is based on distinguishing what is necessary, what is neither necessary nor destructive, and what is destructive"?

Agreeing with the statement about happiness involves defining terms like "necessary," "destructive," and "just discrimination." The concept suggests happiness arises from balancing needs, comforts, and harm. However, this view may be too materialistic, overlooking ethical and intangible aspects like peace of mind. The story of Omelas questions whether material prosperity, when rooted in injustice, can lead to true happiness, indicating that ethical considerations are crucial for genuine fulfillment.

What's a hook for a compare and contrast essay on happiness and suffering in "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"?

Why do we often equate happiness with "simple folk" in "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas?"

The people of Omelas are not simple, and they are not happy. They accept that there is a child in the basement who suffers for their own happiness. Only those who can't abide another's suffering leave Omelas, because they realize that true happiness cannot be bought by intentionally degrading someone else.

Happiness in Ursula Le Guin's "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"

Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" explores the theme of happiness intertwined with suffering. The story depicts a utopian city where the joy of its citizens depends on the misery of a single child, raising moral questions about the cost of happiness. The setting, described as idyllic, contrasts with the dark secret of the child's suffering, prompting some citizens to leave Omelas in moral protest. This narrative critiques utilitarianism, highlighting the ethical dilemma of sacrificing one for the happiness of many.

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Themes: Guilt and Innocence

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