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.
In Kipling's statement, he claims that the East and West are so fundamentally distinct that they cannot comprehend each other. However, I disagree with Kipling's assertion, as there are instances in the literature of East Asia and the Pacific Rim where individuals from different cultural backgrounds bridge the gap and develop mutual understanding. The works "The Waiting Years" by Fumiko Enchi and "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston exemplify the potential for understanding and connection between the East and West.
In "The Waiting Years," Enchi depicts the life of Tomo, a Japanese woman married to a Westernized husband. Despite their initial cultural differences, Tomo slowly adapts to her husband's Western lifestyle while retaining aspects of her Japanese identity. Through their shared experiences and growing understanding, Tomo and her husband develop a connection beyond their cultural disparities. This counters Kipling's notion that the East and West are incapable of comprehending one another.
Similarly, in "The Woman Warrior," Maxine Hong Kingston reflects on her experiences as a Chinese-American woman, narrating the struggles and conflicts she faces while trying to reconcile her Eastern heritage with her Western upbringing. Kingston's journey highlights the possibility of bridging the gap between the East and West. Through her writing, she illuminates moments of profound understanding and empathy, challenging Kipling's belief that the twain can never meet.
Both "The Waiting Years" and "The Woman Warrior" demonstrate instances where individuals from the East and West are able to overcome their differences and develop an understanding of each other. These works emphasize the shared human experiences, emotions, and struggles that transcend cultural barriers. By portraying characters who are able to navigate the complexities of multiple cultural identities, these authors refute Kipling's argument and showcase the potential for connection and understanding between the East and West.