Write a three-paragraph analytical essay on Ursula K. Le Guin ‘s “The Ones Who Walk Away
From Omelas” (250-300 words).
In “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas,” Ursula K. Le Guin uses a fantasy setting to pose
a profound moral question: If everyone could enjoy complete happiness on the single condition
that one human being suffer, would that happiness be worth the price?
The simplest question to ask ourselves is: What would I do? Would I stay or would I walk away?
But this is not a very useful question unless we read it the right way. This story is Le Guin’s
imaginative way of making a philosophical point.
She wrote: “The dilemma of the American conscience can hardly be better stated.”
Analyze “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” in terms of this statement.
Begin by explaining the moral dilemma of Omelas. Then apply the story to something in real
life. With both Omelas and your real life example in mind: Do you agree or disagree with James
when he says: “how hideous a thing would be its enjoyment when deliberately accepted as the
fruit of such a bargain?”
Use the same essay structure you used for Essay Three (except there are no quotations in this
essay).*
Title – The title is specific, interesting , and unique.
Introduction – The introduction conveys the purpose of the analysis.
Body – The body is an application of the story to something in real life.
The body begins with a summary of the story
followed by an interpretation of its meaning.
Then comes an example of the story applied to something in real life
followed by an argument for or against enjoying happiness at such a price.
Conclusion – The essay ends with a final thought about the story.
* See Module Seven – Essay Three for a sample analytical essay.
