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 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. Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.

Question

write in 4 sentences

Answer 1

I disagree with Kipling's statement that the East and West will never meet. In the selections we read, such as "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, we see that there are common themes and values that can be understood and appreciated across cultures. Additionally, modern globalization and technology have brought people from all over the world closer together, allowing for greater understanding and communication between East and West. Ultimately, while there may be differences between the East and West, it is possible for them to meet and find common ground.