Society In Omelas

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on the thought-provoking story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula K. Le Guin. The first question invites students to describe the seemingly idyllic life in Omelas, where happiness and prosperity abound for its citizens. It’s a chance for learners to reflect on the story’s vivid depiction of joy and satisfaction that permeates the city, as well as the underlying moral question it poses about the cost of this perfection.

In the subsequent questions, the worksheet delves deeper, asking students to consider and articulate how Omelas has achieved this harmonious state and to define the nature of its utopia. This leads to critical thinking about the ethical dimensions of the society depicted, as the story reveals the unsettling foundation upon which Omelas’ happiness is built. The final question challenges students to categorize Omelas as either a utopia or a dystopia, a task that requires a nuanced understanding of these concepts and their representation in the narrative. This exercise not only enhances comprehension but also encourages students to ponder the ethical implications of societal happiness and the sacrifices that may underlie it.