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. Agree or disagree with Kipling's statement, using examples from at least two of the selections you read. Be sure to include the title of each selection you cite as evidence.
I disagree with Kipling's statement that the East and West are so fundamentally different that they can never understand one another. The selections "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan and "The Waiting Years" by Fumiko Enchi provide examples that challenge this idea. In "The Joy Luck Club," the four Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters navigate the cultural and generational divide between the East and West. Despite their differences in upbringing and values, the characters in this novel attempt to communicate and understand each other's perspectives. For instance, Jing-Mei Woo, one of the daughters, gradually learns to appreciate her mother's sacrifices and cultural heritage. Similarly, in "The Waiting Years," Enchi explores gender roles and the clash between traditional Japanese society and Western influences. Sachiko, the main character, struggles to reconcile her responsibilities as a wife and a mother with her desire for personal fulfillment. While the conflicts arise from cultural differences, they also demonstrate a shared humanity that transcends borders. Therefore, these selections offer examples that challenge Kipling's notion and demonstrate the potential for understanding between East and West.
