Blog #6: Symbolism in “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”

Through the actions of the characters in Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, the meaning of the Utopian society, Omelas, has turned from a place worthy of it being called Heaven to a place where people ultimately wonder if it is truly worth it to stay there. The symbolism of the child who is used as a tool for the sake of the happiness of Omelas presents a dark image surrounding the reality of the conditions of the people.

In a peaceful Utopian society named Omelas, an exciting summer festival takes place by a shimmering sea. The sea symbolizes life and birth. Many people are gleefully participating in it. Everything is bright and colorful in Omelas which usually symbolizes the epitome of happiness and the lack of evil. Everyone who lives there is content with their lives. There are no troubles, there are no sicknesses, and there are no conflicts. Outside of the prosperous utopia is complete and utter darkness. The darkness symbolizes the lack of an alternative to the beautiful Omelas. It shows that there is no other perfect utopia than Omelas. Omelas is the light that shines forth in the daunting darkness. No one knows what is out there in the black space of darkness. Some even assume that there is nothing outside of Omelas. There is only happiness and prosperity that is bestowed upon the tranquil utopia. It is like a little bubble of Heaven. However, one must wonder where the source of utter joy comes from.

Everyone in Omelas knows the reason how they are able to live the gracious life they have. It is through the constant suffering of a child. The people strip away every ounce of humanity from the child by perceiving it as an object used for their prosperity. “It” is locked away, given only the amount of food necessary to survive. When children become of age, they confront the reality they are in. The ones who are utterly appalled by it walk away from Omelas into the darkness and the ones who come in terms with it stay.

The child symbolizes the selfishness of people. No one is willing to help alleviate “its” suffering because if they do, the happiness Omelas has always known will crumble into oblivion and darkness will consume it. They know of “its” conditions but won’t do anything about it because they wish to retain the peaceful lives they have. “It” symbolizes a scapegoat in a society that thrives because of “it”. “It” bears the burden in place of all the people. In a way, “it” also symbolizes as a Christ figure. People can live their prosperous lives at the expense of “its” suffering. The symbolism throughout the story forces the reader to wonder if a society can be deemed perfect if it is built upon such conditions like Omelas.