Title: Bridging the East-West Divide
Rudyard Kipling's statement "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet" has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the perception of cultural differences between the East and West. While this statement may hold some truth as it pertains to the essential disparities in beliefs, customs, values, and cultural practices, it does not necessarily imply that understanding between the Eastern and Western people is unattainable. In this essay, I will argue that despite the evident differences, cross-cultural understanding and collaboration are possible, challenging Kipling's view. I will illustrate my argument using relevant examples from Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji," Amitav Ghosh's "Sea of Poppies," and Ha Jin's "Waiting."
Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji," a classic of Japanese literature, showcases the rich cultural heritage of Japan and delves into the intricacies of its court life, social customs, and Buddhist philosophy. Although the world Shikibu depicts may seem alien to Western readers, the themes of love, ambition, and jealousy, and the complex human emotions driving the characters, are relatable across cultures. For example, although the romantic relationships in the novel are conducted under the veil of secrecy due to the customs of the time, the passionate love affairs resonate with readers transcending both the Eastern and Western spheres. This demonstrates that despite cultural differences, universal themes binding humanity shine through, challenging the belief that the East and West cannot understand one another.
Amitav Ghosh's "Sea of Poppies" is another example of how literature can serve as a bridge between cultural divides. The novel is set during the early nineteenth century, when the Opium Wars are on the horizon, and tells the story of a myriad of characters from different cultural and social backgrounds. Ghosh does a remarkable job of highlighting both the similarities and differences between these cultures – from caste systems in India to societal hierarchies in the British Empire. By doing this, Ghosh demonstrates that although cultures may have unique features, they also share commonalities. One example illustrating this is the desire for freedom, equality and social mobility expressed by the novel's characters, regardless of their background. By weaving together these different voices, Ghosh shows that the East and West are not as incompatible as Kipling's statement might suggest. The novel, in itself, can act as a medium for fostering dialogue and understanding across cultural divides.
With his novel "Waiting," Ha Jin delves into the complexities of human relationships in the context of modern China's political climate. The story revolves around Lin Kong, a man caught between the obligations of an arranged marriage and his love for another woman. Despite the novel's setting in a completely different cultural context, Western readers can easily relate to the struggles and dilemmas faced by the characters, such as matters of the heart, the pursuit of happiness, and the negotiation of personal desires against societal expectations. Again, this demonstrates that mutual understanding can be achieved even between two seemingly different worlds.
In conclusion, while Kipling's statement does emphasize the disparities between the East and West, it does not represent an insurmountable barrier to understanding or communication between people. The examples from "The Tale of Genji," "Sea of Poppies," and "Waiting" demonstrate that literature can serve as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between different cultures. Through the exploration of universal themes and shared human experiences, these works challenge Kipling's notion and prove that the East and West can indeed meet and find mutual understanding.
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 and 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.
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