A Summary of the Story “The Ones who Walk Away from Omelas”

Society's vicious cycle is embedded into every action, dialogue, and expression. Every being has their place, whether that would be the delighted, faceless characters or the meager, pitiful scapegoat. The short story, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," gives insight on how life is one infinite cycle of misery and happiness. The title, itself, is significant because it feels unfinished, hinting that any path can accrue to change or continue the cycle.

In the last pages of "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," the author breaches the subject of the people who walk away.

Initially seen as cowards, they could really be the saviors and change the fate of Omelas. The first page of the story painted a beautiful picture of a flawless utopia. No sickness or misery, just happy, playful children, and smiling adults. However, the more Omelas was described, the painting became clearer, showing the more corrupted side of the town; the side that can be at peace with torturing young, innocent children for their happiness. The phrase "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" tells of the few that could not, and will not stay, and let a child suffer for them but can't help it either. These people did appear to have a higher purpose than just running headfirst away from what's troubling them. Instead of walking away, they can be walking toward. They can be going for help, someone that can help them and the city of Omelas: possibly even heading to a different area or a place where no being is forced to suffer for them. The title proposes that the physical ending of the story of "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" might not be the complete and absolute ending.

While some of "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" possibly had hearts of pure gold and might have the underlying motivation to change the circumstance, the chance that some would have left with more selfish intents is certain. While these types of people also don't feel comfortable with letting innocents suffer for them, they are more likely leaving because they can't feel happy or at ease knowing about the child, not because they want to change the fact that they are in anguish. These are true cowards, but even they are better than the ones who, in the story, have come to accept the child's condition. If everyone left Omelas, selfish reasons or not, would there be a need or reason for the child to suffer?

The author told of townspeople who were angry or unhappy with the child's situation but have come to accept the fact that life is life, and the child simply got the short end of the stick. The title also sheds light onto these people. When the author chose to highlight "the ones who walk away," it immediately shows who chose the better path of the two types of people.

The theme is completed by the title's meaning, which suggests that the infinite cycle of misery and happiness can be acted upon (changed), but has not been so far. In history, others' misery has ended through protest, action, or negotiation. The title introduces a new dimension to the theme. In Omelas, it's not a stretch to surmise that, in the entire history of Omelas, despite the "Horror Story" (the fate of Omelas if the child is removed), eventually someone will tire of silence and advocate for the child.

In a corrupted society where many's miseries are forced onto one, the theme can be one-sided and consistently overlooked; essentially meaningless to anyone who doesn't take a deeper look. However, it can also be insightful, shedding more light onto a story's theme. The title "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" is closely intertwined with the theme of the story. The theme accurately represents common society, even if the detailed circumstance is horribly inaccurate. Humans, indeed, often cause each other unhappiness for their own enjoyment or find gratification in other people's sorrows. The bonds between misery and happiness are formidable and seem to be around every corner - to the extent that it is challenging to experience or observe anything without encountering an admixture of joy and sorrow. The title "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" has an unfinished quality. The vacant, indefinite feeling of the title suggests that there is still an untouched white page after the story's end. Significantly, the title closely aligns with the theme and narrative of "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas".

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