The Things They Carried Formalist Analysis/ Readers...

The Things They Carried Ben Cornelius The story â€Å"The Things They Carried† by Tim O’Brien is an enormously detailed fictional account of a wartime scenario in which jimmy Cross (the story’s main character) grows as a person, and the emotional and physical baggage of wartime are brought to light. The most obvious and prominent feature of O’Brien’s writing is a repetition of detail. O’brien also passively analyzes the effects of wartime on the underdeveloped psyche by giving the reader close up insight into common tribulations of war, but not in a necessarily expositorial sense.. He takes us into the minds of mere kids as they cope with the unbelievable and under-talked-about effects or rationalizing†¦show more content†¦They serve only as a tangible reminder of what they are missing and who will miss them if they fall to the earth in the war. Character growth is also essential to the story. In the beginning Cross fantasized about a girl named Martha. He fantasizes weather or not she is a virgin and subsequently, fantasizes about different ways to take her virginity. This fantasy consumes him until the day his best friend and army compatriot, Lavender, dies. Cross believes Lavenders death to be his fault and decides to put his fantasies to rest and assume, fully, a position of true leadership. This change in character is also marked by Cross’ destruction of the picture. The destruction of fantasy is also significant in that it shows Cross’ transition from boyhood into man hood. The primary difference between childhood and adulthood is the burden of responsibilities. At a certain point every young adult must submit to these or be a failure. This submission is a melancholy time as it marks the end of unbridled optimism and the beginning of pragmatism. For Cross, this change is especially melancholy because the catalyst for his change was the death of a loved one. Cross loss of innocence here is, however, not singular in the sense of the story. Cross’ loss of innocence is symbolic the loss of innocence that all of his soldiers must face. But even more so, it is symbolic of the lost

Comparing Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism Essay

Comparing Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism Works Cited Not Included The belief in some higher presence, other than our own, has existed since man can recollect. Religion was established from this belief, and it can survive and flourish because of this belief. In Chinese history, Taoism and Buddhism are two great philosophical and religious traditions along with Confucianism. Taoism, originated in China around the sixth century BCE and Buddhism, came to China from India around the second century of the Common Era, Together have shaped Chinese life and thought for nearly twenty-five hundred years. One dominant concept in Taoism and Buddhism is the belief in some form of reincarnation. The idea that life does not end when one dies is†¦show more content†¦Eventually the hope is to become immortal, to achieve Tao, to have reached the deeper life. The desire for immortality sharply contrasts Buddhist values; the Buddhist appreciates impermanence above all else. The after life for a Taoist is to be in harmony with the unive rse, to have achieved Tao (Watts, 1957). To understand the relationship between life, and the Taoism concept of life and death, the origin of the word Tao must be understood. The Chinese character for Tao is a combination of two characters that represent the words head and foot. The character for foot represents the idea of a persons direction or path. The character for head represents the idea of conscious choice. The character for head also suggests a beginning, and foot, an ending. Thus the character for Tao also conveys the continuing course of the universe, the circle of heaven and earth. This is similar in Buddhism, where wheels and circle symbols are prevalent, representing continuity, and the cyclic nature of the world. Finally, the character for Tao represents the Taoist idea that the eternal Tao is both moving and unmoving. The head in the character means the beginning, the source of all things, or Tao itself, which never moves or changes; the foot is the movement on the p ath (Schipper, 1978). Taoism upholds the belief in the survival of the spirit after death. This is something most Buddhist practitioners either disagree with entirely, orShow MoreRelatedEssay about Comparing Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism1019 Words   |  5 PagesComparing Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism 4. Compare and contrast Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. How are they similar? How are they different? -Question 4. Buddhism Has over 300 million members, and was founded around 2, 500 years ago in India. The founder is Gautama Siddhartha, the Buddha, or referred to as the Enlightened One. Their major scripture are The Triptaka, Anguttara-Nikaya, Dhammapada, Sutta-Nipata, Samyutta-Nikaya and many others. Buddhism today is dividedRead More Comparing Buddhims, Taoism, and Confucianism Essay1469 Words   |  6 PagesComparing Buddhims, Taoism, and Confucianism There are many similarities and differences between the three religions of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. While researching this paper, I came across this quote from an unknown source that stated, ?No civilization is monochrome. In China the classical tones of Confucianism have been balanced not only by the spiritual shades of Buddhism, but also by the romantic hues of Taoism?. As each religion is surmised the similarities and differencesRead MoreThe Night Watches Of The Buddha1747 Words   |  7 PagesQuestion 2 Analyze the night Watches of the Buddha, and explain how the content was developed in the Mahayana Sutras. Mahayana Buddhism is originated in the first century C.E. and focuses on new concern for liberation through the assistance of a bodhisattva (Voorst ). Also, Mahayana Buddhism requires a body of scripture, and so began the Mahayana Canon (Voorst ). Mahayana Sutras is one of section of the Mahayana Canon, which focuses on the denial of the reality of existence and nonexistenceRead MoreChin The Four Noble Truths1353 Words   |  6 Pageswhich opened the way to the spread of Buddhism. Before this new way of life could take hold, however, the Chinese people had to learn the teachings of Buddha, such as the first sermon preached by Buddha in the fifth century B.C.E., known as â€Å"The Four Noble Truths.† Although Buddhism eventually became popular throughout China, there was opposition to the new beliefs and Chinese people struggled with replacing their old beliefs, such as Confucianism and Taoism, with this new, strange belief systemRead MoreEast Asian Concept Of Human Nature 1715 Words   |  7 PagesEast Asian Concept of human nature Introduction The Eastern Asia region is diverse. It include: Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Taoism, Shinto and Christianity. Confucianism and Buddhism and Taoism have dominated most parts of the region with some states governing system being based on these religions. Chinese government, constitution and the administration policies have been based on the ethics of Confucian traditions and ethics as well as philosophy. Similar to the governing ethics in these regionRead More Comparing the Philosophy of Life in Christianity and Chinese Buddhism820 Words   |  4 PagesComparing the Philosophy of Life in Christianity and Chinese Buddhism Chinese Philosophy not only is the fruit of thinking of the Chinese nation, but also is the important component part of world culture. In Chinese philosophy, there are three main parts: Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Among them, Chinese Buddhism, which came from India, experienced a course of sinicization under the influence of Chinese traditional culture represented mainly by Confucianism and Taoism , so it keeps theRead MoreEssay on Confucianism vs. Buddhism1607 Words   |  7 PagesConfucianism vs. Buddhism By Robert Truckle In this essay, two world religions will be compared to see how similar and/or how different they are; these two religions are Confucianism and Buddhism. Confucianism speaks about the wise thoughts that Confucius came across throughout his life. Buddhism speaks about how to acquire great knowledge throughout life. Confucianism was founded by a Chinese man, but Buddhism was founded by an Indian man. These quick comparisons show how the religions differRead MoreReflection On And Comparison Of Religions1598 Words   |  7 Pagessins every day, through salvation and the power of reflection, God forgives. The practice of reflection within oneself can also be found in other religions including Taoism and Buddhism. The worldview of Taoism emphasizes on achieving harmony in oneself (Religious Chart, 2006). According to Monaghan Viereck (2011) followers of Taoism â€Å"practice spiritual and physical asceticism that ultimately transforms the body into a luminous being of light.† The Buddhist religion also emphasizes on reflectionRead MoreSocial Philosophy Of Confucianism1398 Words   |  6 PagesConfucianism was founded by the philosopher Confucius who was born in 551 in the Lu state of China (Biography.com Editors 2017). Confucius’s teachings focused on creating ethical models of family and public interactions and setting educational standards (Biography.com Editors 2017). Confucius died in 479 B.C., but Confucianism became the official imperial philosophy of China and its influence was significant during the Han, Tang and Song Dynasties (Biography.com Editors 2017). Confucius’s philosophyRead MoreThe Cultural Analysis Of Outdoor Leisure Essay1732 Words   |  7 Pagespractices, there is no exemption of leaving cultural aspect in analysing outdoor leisure practices. This Chapter aims to culturally analyse the outdoor leisure practices in the field sites. It firstly explains the conception of culture. Secondly, by comparing with the western outdoor leisure practices, Chinese outdoor leisure in the selected cities represents the mixed phenomenon with Chinese tradition, Socialism as well as Western popular culture. I will then argue that rather than by directly adopt

The Challenges and Rewards of Managing a Diverse Work Force

Question: You have to research and prepare an academic essay on The challenges and rewards of managing a diverse work force.The essay task requires critically evaluatation of chosen topic statement, discussing the arguments for and against the statement. Answer: In spite of that the fact that there are certain challenges toput into practice and administer diverse work force, the advantages obtained from diversity are incredible and worth assigning purposeful endeavors to make sure a winningaccomplishment. In an organization HRis believed to be a source of competitive advantage thus, diversity improves this feature and strengthen the circumstances of worth, complexity, incapability to be emulated and complexity to relocate. Founded on the relationship to RBV, quite a few studies have categorized diversity into two categories, i.e., demographic and human capital. Demographic diversity indicates the set of unchallengeable andvisible characteristics, such as nationality, race, orientation, gender, physical ability or age. While, Human capital diversity are thethe less noticeable traits such asan individuals aptitudeto carry out definite tasks. (Pollitt, 2005) emphasized in his research that HumanResource Management diversity is not only about making sure a alternate workforce in terms of physical ability, religion, age gender or ethnicity. It is really about the worth to the organization that puts into practice equality and enclosure, its the worth of a diverse set of points of view, thoughts and practice (Andrea Marie, 2013). Organizing diversity in a workplace is said as the measures considered and carried out through human resourcemanagement to put into practice a diversitymodel in the organization and make sure make the most of the probable targeted benefits and reducing the anticipated difficulties. Diversity managementdoes not only differentiates but also ties together the disparities of workers and value them, such asindividual characteristics, diverse backgrounds, orientations and religious beliefs, so that individual capacities are fully engaged and objectives of the organization are meet.Despite the fact that Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) strategies are determined by legislative, diversity management is determined by the precise business case of each and every organization. Drivers for Diversity Understanding how profit can be obtainedfrom applying diversity is better when appearing at the reasons behind the requirements for diversity. Itis the want for a new set of new capabilities in this swiftly altering world. In this day and age there arechief inclination drivers giving emphasizing to the role of variety andinsertion.These drivers are technological advancements globalization and immigration, amplified requirement for specific education and skills, and therising aging workforce around the world. Immigration Globalization Globalization is the most important factor which has impact onhuman resources. There are precise abilities that are required in order to guidebusinesses with customers and partners from around the world into accomplishment, as well as operating with team members and employees from diverse backgrounds. Divers categories of employees can give the necessary expert employees to deal with all types of customers and partners.In the same way, immigration has distorted the face of many workforces all over the world which also insist for greater than beforecultural capability, and animportance for making sure winning diversity strategy. Demographic Shifts In developing countries, high economic growth rates that are coupled with insufficient numbers of skilled workers result in high levels of turnover.The labor pool indeveloped countries like United States, Canada and European Union is aging, which triggers the demand for reassessing employee prospect, increase flexibility and needs. These coordinated tendencies call for altering conventional events of employing and keeping workforces. Technology Fast technological advancements hadto great degree amplified convenience to information andgives clearness in organizations. In todays era Global communication has become easy and faster than ever. The free accessibility of information improves the purpose of diversity by offering employees and managers the right of entry to resources and teaching andadds to prospects of employees concerning the directness of the culture and elasticity (Leigh, 2014). Socio-Political Environment Strong political, nationalist and religious splits are quickly growing in communities all over the world and managing these receptive clashes andbuilding a culture of diversity and enclosure within the business in spite of these types of splits is a most important and vital process nowadays. Advantagesof Diversit This is run into due to employeespleasure of being treated moderately, likewise valued and the organization is protecting their self-respect which generates betterproductivity, happiness and motivation. According to a research of (Ilmakunnas, P, 2011) a mixed worker comprise of both genders, , old and young,and people with varied work experiences is a enjoyable environment to work in. Italso conveys economic benefits to workers. Forexample, a diverse image workers is going to profit productivity and therefore it will be mirrored on individual salaries too (Sanchez,Vinces, Apellaniz, 2011). Productivity Financial Performance The right policies of diversity have an effect on productivity in production purpose, a mixed or diversified staff achieves better than anon-diversified staff. Different skills and practices are placed harmonizing to each other, such as that younger personnel can learn from the older and experienced employees, younger personnel canalso be more creative than older workers. In studies made by EthnoConnect,a most vital multicultural marketing consultant in the US- Soon (Lee, 2014) the chief specialist and advertising guru, declared that Overseas administrators are enormously winning in the American business world because ofinternationalization and globalization. People from India and China profit U.S.firms with their astral quantitative skills. And people from Swiss, Germany, Britain, and French- do wellin high-level jobs. A research done on Catalyst nonprofit organization on 354 of 500 Fortune companies discovered that the Financial Performance is Higher in the Companies which have more women at the Top which give emphasis on the fact that good corporate governance is connected with gender diversity (Lahiri, 2008). OrganizationalCulture Diversityhas a great consequence onorganizational culture as it extremely emphasizes on attaining ordinary organization objectives rather than individual ones, which wasestablished to be a causebehind enhanced quality management end result of a varied set of problem resolving aptitudes in aproject group. According to a research it was found that the amplification of number of women in the employees is taking thebusiness towards horizontal managerial structure. The horizontal structure by itself improves practices and policies to make the most of the positive influence of diversity. Employee obligation Group Dynamics When the human resourcemanagers put into practice the best practices of diversity and equal breaks, the promise of workers to the organization and their work groups is elevated. It reduces the likelihood of absenteeism and attrition, which practices workers normally follow to keep away from stress, unnecessary dissatisfaction or low morale. Hence,high pretention between the brilliant labor force and the organization has proved tohave a constructive effect on the capability to managing personal conflicts, and it also produces a greater level of contribution, agreement and accord while following solutions for the project which creates better decision making (Ilmakunnas, Ilmakunnas, 2011). New Products and Services Diversitystrains ideas in balanced development firing bigger imagination and novelty. It can stimulate deliberation of less blatant options.These outcomes are the result of thriving needs of new products and services that meets the customers expectations and demands, because each varied individual symbolizes a section in the market tobe beleaguered, and is more conscious of the needs of these segment consumers. LOREAL Diversity is Innovation The cosmetic giants modus operandi for diversity management is INCLUSION = INNOVATION SUCCESS+ INNOVATION = INCLUSION + DIVERSITY This simple formula controls many functions in LOREAL According to Sumita Banerjee, Vice President of Loreal, USA The staffing of varied aptitude for our organization is significant to our capability to construct ourbusiness and impel growth in future. Loreal links with skilled talent holders such as stupendouswomen in through references, inrecruitment fairs, through placement consultants etc. Better and Bigger Talent Pool An organization which has a good repute of supporting effectual diversity polices is more capable of attracting a diverse employeesset and finding the top quality employees becomes much easier for such organization. When employing the ideal set of varied talents, the competitive environment of organization is hoisted and therefore performance is raised. Also in a growth plan, the company will have all the neededskills to better converse with clients and companies from a range of parts and countries and this is the way it can keep upwith globalization and migration trends that were mentioned earlier in the essay (Edwards, Robinson, and Woodall, 1999). Economic Growth A study was made by TheCenter for American Progress, and it was found in that study that economic growth of the country is moving ahead and is joined with theincrease of minorities and women inflowing the personnel chiefly at the entrepreneurial level. The National Association of Women Business Owners stated that women possessed 1.8 million firms, engaged 1.3millionpeople and made $164 billion in profits annually, as of 2005, another report byNational Women's Business Council, Minority reported that Latins industry owners only have created $55.6 billion between 2003 and 2011 Exchangingawareness and Forming New Attitudes For example, in Western countries the culture is that the time is money and deadlines are vital inbusiness, while in Arab countries giving deadlines is considered to be rude and there is no time set for performing important tasks. Swap those insights and putting together those with presently adopted ones can turn out better and improved attitudes that can help in better performance to the company. A model projected by (Beena, 2004) shows how team performance will be have an effect on diverse awareness of time. Better Image Companies who supportdiversity havebetter image, reputation and status and might be positionedand honored for putting into practice diversity (Kirton and Greene, 2005).. Because of a better brand image and name it would be easier for the company to attract best talent in the market. While there are many advantages of diversity, there arealso some challenges in having a diverse workforce, these challenges are mostly a product of peoples resistance which canbe prevail over assured events and gradually get rid of negativeeffects of diversity. Some of themost common challenges in diversity are - Resistance to Change This is the chief challenge which comes into force whileputting into practice diversity in a workplace, forlong recognized corporate, the staff might be very opposed to change which is anobstruction to the varied workforce who wants to survive in the organization. Interpersonal Conflict Even though diversity can lead to more creativity and enhanced problem solving; it might also lead to conflict and disorder if thereis lack of admiration amongst groupmembers. As organizations raise into more varied, they might face superior peril that employees will not work togetherefficiently and conflicts may become the custom (Morgan, 2014). Stereotypes and Biases It happens if people allocate individuality to the whole grouprather than reviewing each individual on his own qualities, and if unconstructive attitude is formed, it might result topestering. Thismanner can in future lead to the employee leaving the company which can cost the company A diversity plan should be put into practice effectively to keep away from such issues. The best way to conquer these challenges is to increase knowledge of thediversityplan and the positive points of diversity to the employees, as well as to the whole business. Trainingprograms should start with managers and should also cover all the employees, which is advantageous in making sure that the awareness is not underestimated. It is vital for organizations to realize thatDiversity is about people and people needto be taught about acknowledging this change. Employees can oppose and haveunconstructive attitudes which can in future affect the whole environment off the company. It is needed for the workers to be conscious and be trained on agreeing to and even endorsing diversity. Another significant factor in conquering the challenges are the right HRs and policies to put into practice the diversity; this can best be done through top level management (Shen, Chandra, DNetto, Monga, 2013). Conclusion In a globally competitive business world, having avaried workforce is becoming a norm.It offers theorganization with a variety of competitive advantages in the market which differs from a happy, dedicated and imaginative and innovative work force to an improved production, presentation and strong status and name. These plus points surpass the challenges as diversity certainly have an effect on the entire company structure and nature of doing business, while challenges take place only because of people who arenot willing to agree to or are not able to handle the diversity requirements. These challenges can be conquered by making the workforce conscious and skilled on accommodating diversity. We can also conclude that the role of HR managers is vital in realizing diversity in a way that helps theorganizations strategic objectives. References Andrea B., Marie S., (2013). Reaping Beneà ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ts From Diversity , STRATEGICHR REVIEW VOL. Vol. 7 NO. 5 2008, Pp. 5-10, Emerald Group Publishing Limited Beena S., (2014). Workforce Diversity, Temporal Dimensions and Team Performance, Cross Cultural Management Journal, Volume 11 Number 4 2004, 40-59 Edwards, C., Robinson, O. and Woodall, J. (1999). Lost opportunities? Organizational restructuring and women managers. Human Resource Management Journal, 9 (1) Ilmakunnas, P., Ilmakunnas, S., (2011). Diversity atthe workplace: whom doesitbenefit? De Economist, 159, 223-255. Lahiri, I., (2008). Creating a Competency Model for Diversity andInclusion Practitioners,Council Perspectives, Insights from the Conference Board Council on WorkforceDiversity, US Lee, M.., (2014). Business Advantages of Diversity in the Workplace, Ethno Connect. Leigh G., (2014). Challenges of Diversity in the Workplace. Morgan, S, (2014). What Are the Benefits of Workplace Diversity?, Demand Media, GlobalPost - International News. Kirton, G., and Greene, A., (2005).The Dynamics of Managing Diversity: A Critical Approach, 2nd edition, Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann Marinas, C., Bacaescu, M.,(2009). Cultural diversity andhuman resources management in Europe. Review of International Comparative Management, 10(1), 176-186. Sanchez, T.,Vinces, J., Apellaniz, M.,(2011). HRM is Spain its diversity and the role of organizational culture: an empiricalstudy. European Journal of Social Sciences, 26(3), 389-407 Shen, J., Chandra, A., DNetto, B. Monga, M. (2013).Managing diversity through human resource management: aninternational perspective and conceptual framework. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 20(2), 235-251.

Rip Van Winkle Essay Essay Example

Rip Van Winkle Essay Paper Freedom brings felicity. This is a major message shown in the narrative Rip Van Winkle. Rip Van Winkle is about a adult male who slept through the American Revolution for twenty old ages. During those 20 old ages he slept. his small town and the whole state underwent a major alteration that affected the hereafter of America. Written during the early 1800s when American literature was to a great extent influenced by the Europeans. Washington Irving portrays America’s hunt for an individuality through one of the first true American literature. Rip Van Winkle. utilizing elements and features of the literary epoch of American Romanticism. We will write a custom essay sample on Rip Van Winkle Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Rip Van Winkle Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Rip Van Winkle Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Washington Irving was born on April 3. 1783 to wealthy parents as the youngest of 11. His older brothers influenced Irving’s gustatory sensation in literature. One brother that indirectly led Washington Irving to success was named Peter. In 1815. Peter sent Irving to Liverpool to seek to salvage their household concern at that place which was on the brink of bankruptcy. He failed to salvage it. and the concern became bankrupt in 1818. Irving chose to stay in Europe after this incident and decided to do a life as an writer. As he traveled Irving recorded his ideas. observations. and ideas in a bantam diary. He subsequently turned these entries into short narratives and compiled them into a aggregation in which he called The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. This aggregation contained short narratives based off of European common people narratives but in American scenes. every bit good as essays. Included in the aggregation is Rip Van Winkle. which was based off of the German folk tale. Peter Klaus. The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon became a success and was well-received by Europe. in which during the collection’s publication. 1819. did non respect American literature and even thought there was no such thing. The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon became an of import milepost in American literature history. and proved that American literature could be independent of European literature. Rip Van Winkle is considered one of the theoretical accounts of American Romanticism and it demonstrates many features of this literary epoch. Normally. the chief character or hero of some literatures are already well-known and are of high position. One of the features of American Romanticism is the common adult male as the chief character or hero. The common adult male is an mundane individual ; he’s non particular or person well-known. This characteristic is demonstrated in Rip Van Winkle. â€Å"I have observed that he was a simple good-natured ; he was. furthermore. a sort neighbour. and an obedient henpecked hubby. † Rip Van Winkle is merely a common small town adult male. He does non come from a reputable household. nor does he hold a high place such as governed. He is merely a sort adult male who obeys his married woman and enjoys assisting his neighbours. Another prevailing feature of American Romanticism is the chief character’s inclination to seek safety in nature. They turn to nature when they are confronting jobs or experiencing inferior. â€Å"Poor Rip was at last decreased about to desperation ; and his lone option. to get away from the labour of the farm and blare of his married woman. was to take gun in manus and saunter off into the forests. † Here hapless Rip Van Winkle is in hurt from being invariably nagged by his married woman. Dame Van Winkle. The lone topographic point he can acquire off from her and hold peace is in the forests of the Kaatskill mountains. Nonconformity is another trait that American Romantic plants tend to possess. â€Å"Rip. in fact. was no politician ; the alterations of provinces and imperiums made but small feeling on him ; but there was one species of absolutism under which he had long groaned. and that was- petticoat authorities. † In twenty old ages. Rip Van Winkle’s small town and the whole went through a drastic alteration. Before the American Revolution. the the villagers. normally the work forces. would sit in an hostel dish the dirting about small town events. After the American Revolution. alternatively of dish the dirting about small town events. they gossip about political relations and politicians. America’s swayer changed from a male monarch to a president. These critical alterations did non involvement him. Although he did accept the fact that the people he was familiar with are gone. he chose to non conform to this â€Å"new† state. Washington Irving uses symbolism in Rip Van Winkle to showcase how the the American Revolution impacted the American society and their hereafter. Rip Van Winkle represented America. and his married woman represented England. Rip Van Winkle was controlled by his married woman. much like how America was controlled by England. When America eventually broke off from England’s control. Americans found happiness in their freedom which led them to bit by bit happen their ain individuality. including their literature individuality. When Rip Van Winkle gained freedom from the decease of his married woman. he was eventually able to be happy. to be at peace. and to be able to make as he wishes. Overall. Rip Van Winkle symbolizes how Americans are what they are today. because they eventually gained the freedom to make their ain individuality.