In his work "Rosinante to the Road Again," John Dos Passos reflects on the vast diversity found within a single nation, emphasizing the stark contrasts that exist across its landscapes. He paints a picture of a country where one can experience dramatic changes in climate and geography within just an hour's train ride, showcasing the extremes from Siberian cold to African heat.
Through this observation, Dos Passos suggests that such physical division makes it challenging to foster a sense of unity among the population. The significant differences in environment and culture contribute to a complex national identity, implying that the varying experiences of people in different regions can lead to a lack of cohesion within the country.