Respond in a well-organized essay with 5 sentences each, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences

Question

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. Answer in simple words

Answer 1

I disagree with Kipling's statement that the East and West can never meet because I believe that there are many shared values and ideas between the two cultures. In the selection "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, we see how the themes of love, jealousy, and human emotions are universal and can be understood by readers from any background. Additionally, in "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu, we learn about strategies and leadership that can be applied in both Eastern and Western military contexts. In "The Tale of Murasaki" by Liza Dalby, we see how the life of a Heian-era court lady can resonate with readers regardless of their cultural background.

Furthermore, in "Journey to the West" by Wu Cheng'en, we see the importance of self-discovery and personal growth, which are universal themes that can be appreciated by readers from both the East and the West. In "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, we see humor and wit that transcends cultural boundaries and can be enjoyed by audiences worldwide. Finally, in "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan, we see how the struggles of mothers and daughters trying to connect can resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds.

Overall, I believe that while there are certainly differences between the East and West, there are also many commonalities that can bring people together. Through literature, we can gain a better understanding of each other's cultures and bridge the gap between the East and the West. It is through these shared experiences and emotions that we can truly connect with one another, regardless of our backgrounds.