The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas
by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas: Allegory 1 key example

Definition of Allegory

An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The Tortoise and The Hare" is... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and events. The story of "The... read full definition
An allegory is a work that conveys a hidden meaning—usually moral, spiritual, or political—through the use of symbolic characters and... read full definition
Allegory
Explanation and Analysis—Just One Child:

“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” revolves around a central allegory that points out the way society compels some people to suffer so that others can live happily. The city of Omelas is a utopia where everyone lives peacefully together. However, the source of their happiness depends on the perpetual suffering of a single child, who lives alone in filth and misery. The city represents an ideal society, and the suffering child represents a “necessary” sacrifice that makes the citizens' happiness possible. This child's plight is an allegorical device. It’s forced to be a scapegoat through no fault of its own and represents the injustice faced by those who suffer for the benefit of a majority. The story directly questions the morality of any happiness that rests on the suffering of others.