Ursula K. Le Guin uses the contrast between the beautiful city of Omelas and the suffering child in “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” to explore deep questions about morality and societal happiness. Omelas is described as a perfect city filled with joy and celebrations. Everyone seems to live in harmony, but the happiness of the entire city depends on the misery of one child locked in a small, dirty room. This stark difference forces readers to think about whether happiness is worth it when it comes at the cost of another’s suffering.

One example of this is when the narrator describes the child’s condition in detail. The room is “a broom closet or disused tool room” with no windows, and the child is naked, filthy, and malnourished. The shocking description highlights how extreme the suffering is, which contrasts with the beauty of Omelas. This raises the ethical question of whether such a trade-off is fair or justifiable.

Another example is how the citizens react after learning about the child. Some cry and feel angry, but most eventually accept it. They justify the situation by believing that the child’s suffering is necessary to maintain their happiness. This shows how morality can be influenced by societal norms and self-interest.

Finally, Le Guin shows another response to the situation through “the ones who walk away.” These people leave Omelas because they cannot accept the moral cost of their happiness. They represent the idea that true morality might mean rejecting a society built on injustice, even if it means giving up comfort.

By contrasting Omelas and the child, Le Guin challenges readers to think about the cost of happiness and whether morality should prioritize the greater good or individual rights.

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