The Modern Myth of 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas

A 'Psychomyth' by Ursula K. Le Guin 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' is a remarkable short story, often hailed as a modern myth, penned by the prolific American writer Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018). She described this 1973 tale as a 'psychomyth,' influenced by a passage from the work of the American psychologist and philosopher, William James, who happened to be the brother of the renowned novelist Henry James. The Power of Quotations In its concise eight pages, 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' contains numerous profound and illustrative quotations. Le Guin's masterful prose style, arguably unrivaled in science fiction for the past half-century, captivates readers with the distinctive voice of the third-person narrator. 1. Exploring the Ineffable Joy of Omelas 'How is one to tell about joy? How describe the citizens of Omelas?' This question, posed by the narrator, highlights the enigmatic nature of Omelas and its citizens' happiness. …