Omelas is not really free because its citizens cannot make decisions as an individual thus cannot transcend personal problems, only societal ones. The narrator notes about Omelas’ citizens treatment of the child that “the terms are strict and absolute; there may not even be a kind word spoken to the child.” (Page 971) Although Omelas is free, no one can make a personal decision to help free the child in the basement. Doing so would defy Omelas’ code of conduct, which dictates that all citizens must act for the greater good. This is not because the people of Omelas are insensitive to the child’s condition. Rather, “They feel anger, outrage, impotence ... they would like to do something for the child. But there is nothing they can do.” (Page