In Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” there are three distinct types of conflict that directly relate to the overall theme. Firstly, there are two forms of external conflict between the perfect, happy, and utopian society of Omelas and the dirty, secluded, feeble-minded child trapped far below the stunning city. Secondly, internal conflict arises when the exuberant, merry citizens eventually realize that their joy comes at a horrifying and expensive price. The internal and external struggles depicted in this story paint a vivid overall motif that good does not come without evil.
The stark contrast between the child and the citizens of Omelas directly correlates to the central theme. The citizens of Omelas are happy and free “they were mature, intelligent, passionate adults whose lives were not wretched.” Laughter and music dominated the sounds of the newly paved boulevards. The inhabitants of this beautiful metropolis “were not simple …show more content…
The entire population of Omelas learn of the child at some point in their lives. They determine that to have beauty, happiness, and splendor in their own existence the child must have only abject misery in his. “No matter how well the matter is explained to them, these young spectators are always shocked and sickened by the sight.” Most of the people of Omelas go from this encounter and grapple with this paradox for weeks or even years. But as time goes on, they realize that to keep their marvelous society intact, the child must remain shackled in despair. Good can only exist with evil lurking just around the corner. However, not all the residents of Omelas come to accept the need for this balance. A select few do not walk home to try and accept this absurdity, a few walk straight out of the city walls, never to be seen or heard from
The stark contrast between the child and the citizens of Omelas directly correlates to the central theme. The citizens of Omelas are happy and free “they were mature, intelligent, passionate adults whose lives were not wretched.” Laughter and music dominated the sounds of the newly paved boulevards. The inhabitants of this beautiful metropolis “were not simple …show more content…
The entire population of Omelas learn of the child at some point in their lives. They determine that to have beauty, happiness, and splendor in their own existence the child must have only abject misery in his. “No matter how well the matter is explained to them, these young spectators are always shocked and sickened by the sight.” Most of the people of Omelas go from this encounter and grapple with this paradox for weeks or even years. But as time goes on, they realize that to keep their marvelous society intact, the child must remain shackled in despair. Good can only exist with evil lurking just around the corner. However, not all the residents of Omelas come to accept the need for this balance. A select few do not walk home to try and accept this absurdity, a few walk straight out of the city walls, never to be seen or heard from