Quotes 1
Structural element
Rising Action: the dark reveal
Language Feature:
Physical imagery
“so thin there are no calves to its legs”
Structural element
Exposition: The utopian introduction
Language Feature: Imagery
“white-gold fire”
Where is the suffering child kept?
In a small, filthy, locked room
What theme is shown by citizens accepting one child’s suffering for everyone else’s happiness?
Apathy
Who wrote The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas?
Ursula K. Le Guin
Structural element
Resolution: The departure
Language Feature: Short, simple sentences
“They go on.” / “They do not come back.”
Structural element
Exposition: The utopian introduction
Language Feature: Foreshadowing
“Then let me describe one more thing.”
What happens when people learn about the child?
They are horrified but eventually accept its suffering
OR
They walk out the gates
What does Omelas force citizens to choose between?
Collective happiness and individual suffering
What season is the story’s festival held in?
Summer
Structural element
Exposition: The utopian Introduction
Language Feature: Imagery
“bright-towered by the sea”
Structural element
Rising Action: the dark reveal
Language Feature: Dark imagery
“a mere broom closet or disused tool room”
What festival is being celebrated at the beginning?
The Festival of Summer
What theme is shown by citizens benefiting from the child’s suffering?
Complicity
What type of society is Omelas presented as?
A utopia
Structural element
Rising Action: the dark reveal
Language Feature: Contrast
Omelas: represents light, freedom, happiness, beauty
The child: represents darkness, imprisonment, suffering, neglect
Structural element
Climax: To stay or walk away
Language Feature: Repetition
“leaves home” / “walk down the street” / “keep walking” / “walk straight out of the city”
How many mountains/peaks surround Omelas?
18
What action represents rejecting Omelas’ injustice?
Walking away
What literary technique is used through the contrast between Omelas and the child?
Juxtaposition
Structural element
Exposition: The utopian introduction
Language Feature: Rhetorical questions
“Do you believe? Do you accept the festival, the city, the joy?”
Structural element
Exposition: The utopian introduction
Language Feature: Direct address
“Perhaps it would be best if you imagined it as your own fancy bids”
What would happen if the child were treated well?
Omelas’ happiness would supposedly disappear
What conflict occurs when citizens understand the child’s suffering but stay?
Their morals conflict with their desire for happiness
What animal is mentioned among the festival preparations?
Horses