External society’s expectations do not limit Omelas’ citizens, who build their lives using prior experiences, but are only able to enjoy such privileges when others are not free. When describing Omelas, the narrator says they lived “without monarchy and slavery, so they also got on without the stock exchange, the advertisement, the secret police, and the bomb.” (Page 968) This shows Omelas transcends societal expectations and is free of systems most other societies need to survive. Yet, how are they able to do so, and how can they be so content when their happiness depends on another’s tragedy? The narrator explains, “it is because of the child that they are so gentle with children.” (Page 972) Despite the sorrow and helplessness many citizens
