The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas Chapter Summary & Analysis | Detailed Summary & Analysis

Summary

With the clamoring of bells, a summer festival begins in Omelas. The city is surrounded by mountains on one side and a bay on the other side. The air is crisp and clean and everything is beautiful. Music drifts through the city and the bells periodically ring with joy. The streets, boats and houses are littered with decorations. Groups of dignified, quiet processions and rowdy, partying processions parade toward the north side of the city. Boys and girls are getting their unbridled horses ready for a big race. The horses seem as excited as the people do because of the impending excitement.

After a description of the town, the narrator begins to speak in first person. The people of Omelas are full of joy but they are not simple people. They have no king, keep no slaves and are plainly not barbarians. The narrator admits to not knowing their laws...
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