Themes of Individualism in The Ones Who Walk away from Omelas - Essay Example

At the onset of the story, the narrator keeps the darkest side of the story concealed. It is a fact that the narrator knows that truth would come to light eventually, however; he chooses to leave the readers in suspense wondering about the possibility of the existence of such a magnificent city. Le Guin asserts that “…there are happy women carrying their children on their backs, old women passing flowers from their baskets…” (Le Guin 950). In doing this, the narrator wanted the readers to view the city as extremely perfect; thus, eliciting thoughts that the flawless city did not come free, and there is a price for it.

After the young people learn about the price that is paid so that they may live a happy and guilt-free life in the city, most of them try to vindicate the fact that their joy depends on the misery of a child. This group of individuals tries to convince themselves that they do not have any other option other than accepting reality. In accepting the terms of their happiness and being unable to do anything to salvage the child from the anguish, the Omelans are compelling themselves to be happy so that they may continue with their music and parades in the streets.

In order to assert the extent of their stand, the narrator asks if the readers still believe in Orleans. In doing this, the narrator aims to emphasize that the city is not as perfect as it is purported to be. This is attributed to the fact that it is compulsory for them to live with the “terrible justice of reality” (LeGuin 656). It is so mean for these people to continue partying and living happily while a young child is suffering. In simple terms, this is a clear indication of an individualistic society where everyone seeks to satisfy his or her happiness at the expense of the others.

In conclusion, Le Guin’s short story has dealt with the moral question as to how a society can live joyously with full knowledge that the happy life they are enjoying is at the expense of another person’s life. The narrator has done this by first showing the splendor of the city and then introducing the dark side of the city’s joy (Cadden 213). Most of the people are okay with the situation and continue to live with their merrymaking life. This portrays them as individualistic individuals who consider their happiness first before that of others.

However, a small section cannot live with revelation; thus, they decide to move out of the city to a place that they do not know. It is worth noting that this group of people is responsible for the title of the short story, ‘The Ones who walk away from Omelas’. From this, we can conclude that not all individuals in the society are individualistic people who think of themselves first.