In "the literature of east asia and the pacific rim," Michael Harris quotes: "'oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet."' With this famous line, british writer rudyard kipling has captured the idea that the east and west are so radically different that their people can't possibly understand one another. do you agree or disagree with kipling's statement? write and essay in which you defend your opinion. Use relevant examples from at least two or three of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of each selection you cite as evidence.
Title: Bridging the East-West Divide
Rudyard Kipling's statement "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet" has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the perception of cultural differences between the East and West. While this statement may hold some truth as it pertains to the essential disparities in beliefs, customs, values, and cultural practices, it does not necessarily imply that understanding between the Eastern and Western people is unattainable. In this essay, I will argue that despite the evident differences, cross-cultural understanding and collaboration are possible, challenging Kipling's view. I will illustrate my argument using relevant examples from Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji," Amitav Ghosh's "Sea of Poppies," and Ha Jin's "Waiting."
Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji," a classic of Japanese literature, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Japan and delves into the intricacies of its court life, social customs, and Buddhist philosophy. Although the world Shikibu depicts may seem alien to Western readers, the themes of love, ambition, and jealousy, and the complex human emotions driving the characters, are relatable across cultures. For example, although the romantic relationships in the novel are conducted under the veil of secrecy due to the customs of the time, the passionate love affairs resonate with readers transcending both the Eastern and Western spheres. This demonstrates that despite cultural differences, universal themes binding humanity shine through, challenging the belief that the East and West cannot understand one another.
Amitav Ghosh's "Sea of Poppies" is another example of how literature can serve as a bridge between cultural divides. The novel is set during the early nineteenth century, when the Opium Wars are on the horizon, and tells the story of a myriad of characters from different cultural and social backgrounds. Ghosh does a remarkable job of highlighting both the similarities and differences between these cultures – from caste systems in India to societal hierarchies in the British Empire. By doing this, Ghosh demonstrates that although cultures may have unique features, they also share commonalities. One example illustrating this is the desire for freedom, equality and social mobility expressed by the novel's characters, regardless of their background. By weaving together these different voices, Ghosh shows that the East and West are not as incompatible as Kipling's statement might suggest. The novel, in itself, can act as a medium for fostering dialogue and understanding across cultural divides.
With his novel "Waiting," Ha Jin delves into the complexities of human relationships in the context of modern China's political climate. The story revolves around Lin Kong, a man caught between the obligations of an arranged marriage and his love for another woman. Despite the novel's setting in a completely different cultural context, Western readers can easily relate to the struggles and dilemmas faced by the characters, such as matters of the heart, the pursuit of happiness, and the negotiation of personal desires against societal expectations. Again, this demonstrates that mutual understanding can be achieved even between two seemingly different worlds.
In conclusion, while Kipling's statement does emphasize the disparities between the East and West, it does not represent an insurmountable barrier to understanding or communication between people. The examples from "The Tale of Genji," "Sea of Poppies," and "Waiting" demonstrate that literature can serve as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between different cultures. Through the exploration of universal themes and shared human experiences, these works challenge Kipling's notion and prove that the East and West can indeed meet and find mutual understanding.
As an AI, I do not hold personal opinions, but I can provide you with an outline to help you defend your opinion on Kipling's statement. Remember, this is just a suggested outline, and you can modify it based on your own perspective.
I. Introduction
A. Introduce the topic and provide necessary background information about Kipling's statement.
B. Present your thesis statement, indicating whether you agree or disagree with Kipling's perspective.
II. Counter-argument: Agreeing with Kipling's statement
A. Briefly summarize Kipling's perspective that the East and West are so different that understanding is impossible.
B. Provide examples from the texts you have read that support Kipling's viewpoint.
1. Quote the relevant passage from Michael Harris' "The Literature of East Asia and the Pacific Rim."
2. Reference other selections that reinforce the idea of irreconcilable differences.
III. Counter-argument: Disagreeing with Kipling's statement
A. Challenge Kipling's viewpoint by highlighting instances of cultural exchange and understanding between East and West.
1. Reference specific examples from the texts you have read, such as interactions or collaborations between characters from different cultures.
B. Discuss the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding and the benefits it brings.
IV. Conclusion
A. Summarize your main points and restate your thesis.
B. Offer a concluding thought on the relevance of understanding and appreciating cultural differences for a harmonious global society.
Remember to incorporate relevant examples from the texts you have read and analyze those examples to support your argument. Also, be sure to include properly formatted citations for each selection you reference in your essay.
Title of Selection 1: "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu
Title of Selection 2: "The Analects" by Confucius
Title of Selection 3: "The World of Suzie Wong" by Richard Mason
Introduction:
In Rudyard Kipling's famous quote, "'oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet," he suggests that the East and West are inherently different, making it impossible for their people to understand each other. While this perspective may have been prevalent during Kipling's time, I firmly disagree with this statement and believe that mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the East and the West are indeed possible. This essay will examine examples from three literary works, namely "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, "The Analects" by Confucius, and "The World of Suzie Wong" by Richard Mason, to demonstrate how these works challenge Kipling's claim and highlight the potential for cross-cultural understanding.
Body Paragraph 1:
"The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu is a renowned classic of Japanese literature that provides deep insights into the complex emotions and experiences of the characters. The narrative explores universal themes of love, jealousy, and the pursuit of happiness, which resonate with readers regardless of their cultural background. Despite the cultural differences between the story's setting and the readers, the emotional connection formed between the readers and the characters transcends this barrier. This demonstrates that, contrary to Kipling's claim, literature can bridge the gap between the East and the West, enabling people to comprehend and empathize with each other's experiences.
Body Paragraph 2:
"The Analects" by Confucius, a collection of teachings and philosophical sayings, emphasizes the importance of ethics, human relationships, and self-cultivation. Confucius' teachings have had a profound impact on East Asian societies throughout history. Nevertheless, these values are not exclusively limited to the East. Aspects such as filial piety, the pursuit of knowledge, and the cultivation of virtue, which Confucianism encourages, find parallels in Western philosophical traditions as well. The mutual existence of these ethical values in both Eastern and Western societies undermines the idea that the East and West are entirely dissimilar and incapable of understanding each other.
Body Paragraph 3:
"The World of Suzie Wong" by Richard Mason tells the story of a British artist who develops a romantic relationship with a Chinese sex worker. This novel explores the themes of love, cultural clashes, and the complexities of identity. Through the characters' journey, the book challenges the idea that the East and West are incapable of merging. It delves into the characters' personal growth, their attempts to understand each other's backgrounds, and the overcoming of cultural barriers. By portraying a relationship evolving despite cultural differences, Mason refutes Kipling's assertion and highlights the potential for genuine understanding and connection between the East and the West.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Kipling's famous quote suggests an insurmountable divide between the East and the West, making it impossible for their respective people to understand each other. Nevertheless, by examining examples from "The Tale of Genji," "The Analects," and "The World of Suzie Wong," it becomes evident that the East and the West can indeed achieve mutual understanding and bridge cultural gaps. These literary works offer a glimpse into the shared human experiences, ethical values, and the potential for personal growth and connection. Thus, I firmly disagree with Kipling's statement and believe that cultural exchange and understanding are not only possible but essential for a harmonious global society.