Omelas Essay

Submitted By sallymac28
Words: 602
Pages: 3

All countries, cities, and groups of people have some form of dystopia. This happens because in our world there is no such thing as perfection. Billions of people suffer on a daily basis all around us. However, people don’t feel at fault for the issues or problems other strangers are having because there is no personal connection. When it comes to the suffering of a person who someone cares about very much, then the situation abruptly changes. Humans do everything in their power to protect and nourish the ones they know and love. Once someone fixes an issue to the best of his or her ability then a person feels more content. In the society of Omelas, the people deal with personal suffering every day but there is no way to ease their suffering. These citizens are not truly happy if they know that their good fortune only exists at the expense of a tortured individual. The society of Omelas appears to be absolutely perfect when observed from afar. There are few to no rules, no slavery and no guilt. The city seems to be filled with an abundance of smiles, parades, laughter and cheer but the misery that is the key part to the cities existence cannot be observed from afar. Hidden in a dirty basement or cellar under one of the public grounds is an emaciated child that is malnourished and neglected. His or her daily misery in the dark, cold dungeon allows for the peoples happiness and the beauty of the city. Kids learn about the child from their parents between the ages of eight and twelve and are brought to see him or her. It is upon seeing the child that many are disturbed and some are not able to handle the sight and shame that follows it. The author explains how some of them react when she says, “at times one of those adolescent girls or boys who go to see the child does not go home to weep or rage, does not, in fact, go home at all”(602). If people are walking away and out of the gates of the society how is it honestly a happy place? People walk out because the minute that child becomes real to them, that horrific image can never be taken from their mind. Once