The use of symbolism in the on

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Literary Essay: "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" At times, in order for one to be happy, one may sometimes base and compare their happiness on the misfortunes of others. The Child, in the story "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" by Ursula K. Leguin, is used as a significant symbol to effectively create emotional responses in the readers mind, and is also used to criticise the members of today's society. Finally in the end, the symbol of the child relays a strong message to the reader, concerning the bases of ones happiness.

Throughout the entire story, because of the effective description used, the author was able to captivate the readers emotions in many different ways. To begin, a child portrays images of innocence, loveliness, and other such beautified characteristics. A child is a human being, who as any other, has feelings and emotions.

However, in this short story, the child was portrayed as completely different.

"It is so thin there are no calves to its legs; its belly protrudes; it lives on a half-bowl of corn meal and grease a day. It is naked. Its buttocks and thighs are a mass of festered sores, as it sits in its own excrement continually." (Le Guin, p. 258) Furthermore, the reader also becomes aware of the filthy, unsanitary surroundings that the child is subjected to. (Le Guin, p. 259) After being given such a detailed description of the child, as well as his/her environment, feelings of pity, and disgust enter the readers mind. Moreover, when the reader realizes that it is because of this appalling child that the citizens of Omelas receive their happiness, and that the sole reason for this child's existence is only because he/she is used as a sacrifice; the reader then...