Compare And Contrast Unwind And The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas

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In the dystopian short story “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” by Ursala K. LeGuin and the dystopian novel Unwind by Neal Shusterman both authors challenge readers to consider the sacrifices made in pursuit of a utopian society. In “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” the citizens sacrifice a child’s happiness and freedom in order to gain happiness and freedom for themselves. In Unwind, the citizens sacrifice their children if they choose in order to gain happiness. Although both authors employ the use of strict conformity among citizens, Ursala K LeGuin warns the reader against the dangers of greed and staying silent, while Neal Shusterman cautions the reader against the dangers of blindly following one’s government. Both Ursala K. LeGuin and Neal Shusterman create a …show more content…

In Ursala K. LeGuin’s short story “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” the citizens are portrayed as euphoric yet uneasy in their day to day life. LeGuin illustrates strict conformity among citizens when she says, “The terms are strict and absolute, there may not even be a kind word spoken to the child.” (LeGuin 36) This is an example of strict conformity because it emphasizes the society’s attitude toward the child and what they’re willing to do for happiness. It is also an example of greed and staying silent because many citizens are aware of the child’s torment, yet they abide by the rules instead of helping the child. On the contrary Unwind by Neal Shusterman illustrates strict conformity among citizens in order to show the dangers of blindly following the government. The

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