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Current Resident's avatar

Since you taught this story, maybe you can explain one thing to me. How is that the child looks six but is actually 10 if time passes? I realize I may reading it too literally...

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Corinna B's avatar

Not sure, but think the detail suggests that the child is stunted by neglect and near starvation. And that its condition of being a child will never be outgrown, which is essential to the story and our profound sense of the injustice.

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Shelley's avatar

Not only is the child 10 but looks six, this child must be this way for as long as Omelas is a place to walk away from. The child is a metaphor.

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