UVA- Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music,
science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. (250 min)
A brilliant man. An entrepreneur. An enigma. An unmistakable celebrity. His simply
unique name: Willy Wonka. Begot by the mind of Roald Dahl in the book, Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory, Mr. Wonka has plunged into the minds of children and adults everywhere
with recent, cinematic adaptations (*Note: this essay is based on the Gene Wilder portrayal of
Willy Wonka). While most people will view this intriguing character as just an out-of-theordinary candy man, I see him in a much different light. For me, Willy Wonka has influenced my
life in unexpected ways. Mainly, with his unparalleled wisdom, extreme individuality, and
bountiful benevolence, he has made me think. This thinking has led to new outlooks on life and
the society I live in.
Among history’s greatest men and women, whose image litters the walls of classrooms
and college dorm rooms in hopes of inspiring supreme intellect? Einstein of course. Yet, I
believe that a headshot of Mr. Wonka deserves to watch over the hopeful students as well. While
he may not have created a world-famous equation, Willy Wonka did accomplish many feats that
would have required vast amounts of intelligence, ingenuity, and expertise in various fields.
From the start, one can easily deduce that Mr. Wonka has built quite an impressive chocolate
empire, because his sweets are eaten by children world wide. It would take a lot of business
savvy and strategic marketing to become such a widely recognized and successful company. His
ability to create all kinds of delicious treats is exemplified in the scene where the group tours a
room where Wonka experiments with new tastes, new candies, and new spins on food
(everlasting gobstoppers, three-course meal gum, etc.). However, his innovations are not limited
to appealing to the taste buds. Wonka dabbled in the field of genetics with golden-egg producing
geese, worked with teleportation by creating Wonka-Vision, took to the skies by creating a flying
elevator, and even pioneered a new method of churning chocolate by creating a waterfall of the
cocoa variety. He exercises the greatest sagacity though, when dealing with people. In every
crisis in the factory, he gives swift and simple orders to his orange employees: even in the face
of raging parents and spoiled brats. Wonka’s decision to hide golden tickets in his chocolate bars
was ingenious; surely there’d be at least one genuine soul to take the reins of the business. His
smarts, both social and scientific, have inspired me to become a modern Renaissance man of
sorts. Why should limit all my skills and abilities to certain subjects? Instead of say focusing on
biology, I’ve begun to dabble in subjects I never would have dreamed of taking. For example, I
used to think history was especially boring. I then began to take the time to try and understand
what I was reading, instead of strictly memorizing. I soon appreciated all the connections
between different eras, the cause and effect structures, and analyzing all kinds of historical
situations. This Wonka-esque way of learning has helped me discover new talents, pursue a
diverse range of academic subjects, and take the time to try and understand the complicated
world surrounding me.
Unfortunately, the world needs more kind, generous people to help out those financially
and socially impoverished. However in the fictional realm, there is a plethora of openhearted
benefactors who would be more than happy to bestow niceness and support to others. Willy
Wonka is one of these benevolent people. One clear example of his generosity is his
unmistakable workforce: the peculiar Oompa-Loompas. Faced with certain death in their
homeland, these orange-colored fellows were saved by the compassion of Mr. Wonka. And what
new life did they receive? Jobs in a candy-coated asylum filled with musical numbers and an
absence of ridicule. Even letting in a select group to tour the factory was a kind gesture; any one
of them could have stolen a formula or sample for their own selfish desires. Finally, one cannot
forget Wonka’s most heart-warming act of rewarding Charlie the factory. Here is a simple, kindhearted soul who’s obviously living in poverty. Then, after an act of pure honesty, Wonka gives
him his highly successful company and even lets his entire family live in the factory. Just seeing
Charlie’s face light up in ecstasy upon hearing the news is enough to make anyone get that
warm, fuzzy feeling inside: and it’s all thanks to Mr. Wonka. While I do not have a chocolatebased empire of wealth, I still follow the Wonka Way. Whenever I get the chance, whether it’s
helping a classmate with a physics problem, holding the door open for a full-handed consumer,
or getting one of my brothers out of an economic bind, I help people. It has become so second
nature now, I actually enjoy lending a hand and I even look forward to it. Most influential in my
eyes has been volunteering at the public library and SPCA; when money isn’t an option,
donating time is the next best thing to me. I’m sure that Mr. Wonka would be proud that at least
one person has decided to become an altruistic person, much like himself.
But like most wealthy philanthropists, Willy Wonka has an eccentric side to him, to say
the least. Although he spent most of his time as a reclusive hermit, when the time came to meet
the contestants and the hopeful press, he flamboyantly introduced himself like no other. A tan
top hat decorates his cranium. A royal-purple suit clings to his body, along with a unique,
pinkish undershirt and an oversized bow-tie that would fit a giant snuggly. Accompanied by a
cane, he saunters out as if he were stricken with a devastating disease. The crowd becomes dead
silent: the solemnity of the anticlimactic situation is palpable throughout. Then, with no prior
warning or hesitation, Mr. Wonka seemingly falls; however, he transforms it into an incredible
forward roll and sticks a perfect landing. The crowd erupts with cheers and enthusiasm. This
little opening act reveals two things about Mr. Wonka: one, he is a showman of sorts and two,
he has a strange way of doing things (such as wardrobe choice and greeting a crowd). Once in
the factory, his oddball personality becomes quite clear. He sometimes breaks into song, talks in
a singsong voice, makes witty remarks, and even has an office with everything sliced in half.
Willy Wonka’s whimsical ways are not what have inspired me, but the fact that he’s not afraid to
express himself. Sure, people might think he’s a strange, successful kook, and if he really wanted
to, he could pretend to be something he’s not. But he doesn’t. I admire the fact that Mr. Wonka
reveals his true persona so openly; it has even encouraged me to be more of an individual. I am
no longer worry about fitting in with the “in crowd” or giving a perfect first impression. I put my
true self out there and if people don’t like it, forget about them. As a result, I believe I’ve made
good friends and met good people who accept me for me.
If somebody had told me years ago that a fictional candy man would influence me in any
way, I would have thought they were mentally unstable. However, I now see that Willy Wonka
has become a symbol, an idol of what I can be to improve not only my life, but the lives of those
around me. Although he is a story bound character, the ideals he represents, intelligence,
benevolence, and independence, are very much alive, inspiring me to embody these precious
principles everyday.
UNC Chapel Hill- Carolina students conduct original research and work to solve
problems in almost every imaginable field. If you could spend a semester researching a specific
topic or problem, what would you choose and why?
Maryland U at College Park- Select your own book for the First Year Book program and
tell us why you would want to share it with your classmates in the incoming class. Why does this
book have personal meaning to you?