The short story, The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, is a prime example of Utilitarian ideals. Throughout the story both Act and Rule Utilitarianism are presented when conveying the idea of a joyous city vs. the inhumane actions and imprisonment of a young child. The story begins with the appearance of a city with birds soaring, colorful landscape, bells ringing, and people dance. Most will tie these simple images to the idea of enjoyment and happiness, however LeGuin begins to counter this image when he presents the belief of the Omelas that "happiness is based on a just discrimination of what is necessary" (LeGuin). Although the city is conveyed with happiness and satisfaction LeGuin reveals that the ability to live in the joyous city ideal rests solely on the solitude of a ten-year-old child. According to the story, "they all know it is there, all the people of Omelas" (LeGuin), yet the child never is released because "their happiness, the beauty of their city…depend wholly on this child's abominable misery" (LeGuin). This conveys the idea of both
The short story, The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, is a prime example of Utilitarian ideals. Throughout the story both Act and Rule Utilitarianism are presented when conveying the idea of a joyous city vs. the inhumane actions and imprisonment of a young child. The story begins with the appearance of a city with birds soaring, colorful landscape, bells ringing, and people dance. Most will tie these simple images to the idea of enjoyment and happiness, however LeGuin begins to counter this image when he presents the belief of the Omelas that "happiness is based on a just discrimination of what is necessary" (LeGuin). Although the city is conveyed with happiness and satisfaction LeGuin reveals that the ability to live in the joyous city ideal rests solely on the solitude of a ten-year-old child. According to the story, "they all know it is there, all the people of Omelas" (LeGuin), yet the child never is released because "their happiness, the beauty of their city…depend wholly on this child's abominable misery" (LeGuin). This conveys the idea of both