Happiness is a complex concept, and a state most people strive to achieve. Ursula K. Le Guin presents a unique take on achieving happiness in “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas.” Concepts of similar philosophical values are prevalent throughout several pieces of Le Guin’s works. Elizabeth Anderson addresses the themes commonly seen in Le Guin’s writing in her article “Ursula Le Guin and Theological Alterity” when she states: “Her standing as an author and her long years of complex engagements with issues of religion and politics in her fiction suggest that questions of religious difference in contemporary young adult literature are best read through her recent work” (182). Le Guin succeeds in creating a utopian society, with utilitarian values
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He then invites the reader to do just that, imagine it when suggesting that, “perhaps it would be best if you imagined it as your own fancy bids (…) for certainly I cannot suit you all” (141). By allowing the reader to use their imagination as they so please, a set of infinite possibilities for happiness is presented. Assuming that happiness is subjective, the reader is now in control of what additives may be present in the city of Omelas. This is done in order to increase one’s overall well-being. Although these additives are enabled there are certain immutable features of Omelas. For instance, the narrator explains that there are no helicopters or cars present in the city, because they are not “consistent” with the feeling of happiness (Le Guin 141). Nor does practiced or organized religion exist within the constraints of Omelas. Religion is allowed, but no clergy or temples. This suggests that an element of happiness is developed through the feeling of being free – the lack of control exerted over one another. This sense of freedom linked to happiness can be further demonstrated in the normality of the citizen’s nudity. There is no shame, nor guilt when the narrator suggests imagining an orgy or drugs if it will further increase the reader’s happiness. There is a sense of normality present in all scenarios that would be otherwise considered
He then invites the reader to do just that, imagine it when suggesting that, “perhaps it would be best if you imagined it as your own fancy bids (…) for certainly I cannot suit you all” (141). By allowing the reader to use their imagination as they so please, a set of infinite possibilities for happiness is presented. Assuming that happiness is subjective, the reader is now in control of what additives may be present in the city of Omelas. This is done in order to increase one’s overall well-being. Although these additives are enabled there are certain immutable features of Omelas. For instance, the narrator explains that there are no helicopters or cars present in the city, because they are not “consistent” with the feeling of happiness (Le Guin 141). Nor does practiced or organized religion exist within the constraints of Omelas. Religion is allowed, but no clergy or temples. This suggests that an element of happiness is developed through the feeling of being free – the lack of control exerted over one another. This sense of freedom linked to happiness can be further demonstrated in the normality of the citizen’s nudity. There is no shame, nor guilt when the narrator suggests imagining an orgy or drugs if it will further increase the reader’s happiness. There is a sense of normality present in all scenarios that would be otherwise considered