Final answer:
The conflict in "The Ones Who Walk from Omelas" revolves around a moral dilemma and philosophical conundrum. The residents of Omelas must decide whether to continue enjoying prosperity at the expense of one innocent child's suffering. This internal conflict raises profound questions about happiness, sacrifice, and society's ethical responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflict in the story, "The Ones Who Walk from Omelas," can be described as a moral dilemma and a philosophical conundrum. The central conflict revolves around the citizens of Omelas who must decide whether to continue living in blissful ignorance and prosperity, knowing that their happiness depends on the suffering of one innocent child locked away in a basement.
This conflict is primarily internal, as the residents of Omelas grapple with their conscience and the ethical implications of their actions. It raises profound questions about the nature of happiness, the value of individual sacrifice for the greater good, and the ethical responsibilities of society.
Symbolically, the child in the basement represents the hidden darkness and moral compromises that underlie human society. The story prompts readers to confront their own beliefs and values, and challenges the notion that happiness and prosperity can be built upon the suffering of others.