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 an essay in which you defend your opinion. Use 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 Divide: The Unity of East and West
Introduction:
Rudyard Kipling's quote, "'Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet," has often been used to suggest the insurmountable divide between the Eastern and Western cultures. However, I disagree with Kipling's statement, as I strongly believe that the East and the West can find common ground and offer mutual understanding. Through an analysis of selected literary works, including "The Plum in the Golden Vase" by Anonymous, "The Waiting Years" by Fumiko Enchi, and "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston, it becomes evident that the cultural differences between East and West do not impede the human capacity for empathy and understanding.
Body:
1. Mutual Values and Emotional Connections:
"The Plum in the Golden Vase" portrays a rich Chinese society during the Ming Dynasty, showcasing a vivid demonstration of shared human experiences. Although the Eastern and Western societies may differ in customs and traditions, the emotions evoked by the characters within the novel are universally understood. Whether it is desire, shame, love, or regret, the emotions expressed by the characters resonate with readers from all backgrounds. This exemplifies that, fundamentally, humans across the globe share common emotional experiences that can bridge the gap between East and West.
2. Empathy and Cultural Adaptation:
In "The Waiting Years," Fumiko Enchi provides a powerful portrayal of the struggles faced by Japanese women in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of protagonist Tomo, we witness her desires, sacrifices, and societal constraints. This novel illustrates the capacity of individuals, regardless of cultural background, to empathize with the characters' plights. Despite the cultural differences, readers are able to comprehend and relate to the universal themes of love, oppression, and personal liberation depicted within the story. This serves as a testament to the fact that cultural barriers do not impede universal understanding when it comes to human emotions and experiences.
3. Cultural Hybridity and Identity:
Maxine Hong Kingston's "The Woman Warrior" is a memoir that exemplifies the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures in the life of Chinese-American individuals. Kingston explores her struggle to reconcile her American surroundings with the rich heritage of her Chinese ancestry. Through this personal narrative, Kingston demonstrates that while cultural differences may exist, individuals have a remarkable ability to reconcile, adapt, and create their own unique identity. This cultural hybridity highlights the potential for East and West to converge rather than remain divided.
Conclusion:
Rudyard Kipling's assertion that the East and West are inherently divided is a misguided perspective. The works analyzed, including "The Plum in the Golden Vase," "The Waiting Years," and "The Woman Warrior," demonstrate that despite cultural disparities, human emotions and experiences can form a bridge between Eastern and Western societies. These literary representations showcase the capacity for empathy, cultural adaptation, and the creation of cultural hybridity that challenge Kipling's stance. By acknowledging our shared humanity and genuinely endeavoring to understand one another, the East and West can find common ground and work towards a deeper and more harmonious coexistence.