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1. What event is taking place at the start of the story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"?

The Festival of Summer is taking place at the start of the story. As part of the event, many processions wind through the streets, heading toward the Green Fields, where a horse race will take place later in the day.

2. What evidence is present to suggest that there is gender equality in Omelas?

Both boys and girls are named as the ones exercising and racing the horses at the Festival of Summer. This suggests that perhaps gender equality does exist within Omelas. Also, the scapegoat child has a gender that remains ambiguous, suggesting that the suffering inflicted on the scapegoat child does not observe gender lines, either.

3. What is LeGuin's purpose in describing the horses' minimal gear?

The horses being readied for the race at the Festival of Summer are said to wear very little gear. In fact, the only gear they wear is "a halter without a bit" (1). This detail is meant to indicate that the people of Omelas have great respect for animals and that they reject animal cruelty.

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