Respond in a well-organized essay with 5 paragraphs and 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. In the selection "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu, we see that despite being written in 11th century Japan, the themes of love, betrayal, and human emotions are universal and relatable to readers from any cultural background. This shows that despite being from the East, the characters and their experiences can resonate with readers from the West as well.

Additionally, in the selection "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu, we see that the strategies and tactics outlined in the text can be applied in various contexts, regardless of geographical location. The principles of warfare discussed in the text can be understood and utilized by military leaders from both the East and West, demonstrating that there can be common ground between the two.

Furthermore, in the selection "The Plum in the Golden Vase" by Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, we see a rich tapestry of characters and intricate plotlines that explore themes of power, desire, and morality. These themes are not limited to a specific culture or region but are universal in nature, allowing readers from different backgrounds to find commonality in the characters' struggles and motivations.

Overall, these examples demonstrate that the East and West can indeed meet and find common ground through themes and experiences that are universal and that transcend cultural boundaries. While there may be differences in traditions, customs, and beliefs between the East and West, the fundamental aspects of human nature remain constant, allowing for connections to be made and understanding to be achieved across cultures. Ultimately, Kipling's statement does not hold true in the face of the shared humanity that is depicted in literature from both regions.