In both of the futuristic societies of " 'Repent Harlequin!' said the Ticktockman" and "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," rebellion is strongly encouraged by the authors, and discouraged by the societies. In these stories, it is important to each society that every person conforms to certain beliefs and systems. But, in each story, there must be someone who rejects the standards. That someone in the first is Harlequin, and the people who leave Omelas in the second.
             Harlequin lives in a society that is very uptight. It works as a whole, in terms of functioning without major problems, but having your every action controlled by time is no way to live. The society is so rigid that there is a "Ticktockman" whose sole purpose is to make sure the people of his land are on time for everything. If they aren't on time, they are simply "shut off", or killed. The society is so focused on conformity that there are even designated outfits for each day of the week. For example, Ellison explains what the shoppers look like on Thursdays as, "women in canary yellow chitons and men in pseudo-Tyrolean outfits that were jade and leather and fit very tightly, save for the balloon pants," (page 347). Any freedom of expression regarding one's choice of clothing is even stifled in this society. These people know no better than to listen to all of the rules and regulations. They don't know a life that's any better, or any different. Then Harlequin comes along, spreading his non-conformist attitude, along with his jellybeans, and truly messes up the entire plan of the society.
             Omelas also seems to be an attempt at a utopian society. There are no wars, bombs, or armies in Omelas, simply because there is no need for it. Omelas is based on the belief that beauty and simplicity of life should be glorified, not death and suffering. Every aspect of Omelas seems to...