I've seen some debate over whether to interpret Omelas as UKLG's statement that the real world demands a tortured child, or UKLG's statement that the reader demands a fictional tortured child. At some point between those two, the difference collapses, which perhaps is the point of that story -- and has generated endless responses.
Is "The Worm in the Apple" Cheever's analogue to "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"?
I don't think so, but if the happy couple had a kid tied up the shady hill neighbors would be relieved.
I've seen some debate over whether to interpret Omelas as UKLG's statement that the real world demands a tortured child, or UKLG's statement that the reader demands a fictional tortured child. At some point between those two, the difference collapses, which perhaps is the point of that story -- and has generated endless responses.