Respond in a well-organized essay, and make sure your answer is written in complete sentences. 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 examples from at least 2 of the selections the three kingdoms, from emperor to citizen, the tall woman and her Short Husband, saboteur, cranes, thoughts of hanoi, Tokyo, Eve to her daughters or a way of talking

Answer 1

I disagree with Rudyard Kipling's statement that "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet." While it is true that the East and West have distinct cultural differences, I believe that through literature and shared experiences, people from these two regions can come to understand and appreciate each other.

In the selection "The Three Kingdoms" from the classic Chinese novel, we see a story of political intrigue and warfare that is relatable to readers from both the East and the West. Despite the story being set in ancient China, the themes of power struggles and loyalty are universal and can be understood by people from different cultures. By reading and discussing this text, readers from both the East and West can find common ground and appreciate the similarities in human experiences.

Additionally, in the short story "Cranes" by Hwang Sun-won, we see the friendship between two men from different sides of the Korean War. Despite their differing backgrounds and allegiances, the two characters are able to find common ground and bond over shared experiences. This story shows that even in the midst of conflict, there is potential for understanding and connection between people from different cultures.

In conclusion, while there are certainly differences between the East and West, literature has the power to bridge these gaps and foster understanding between people from different cultures. By engaging with texts from various regions and discussing them with others, individuals can come to appreciate the similarities in human experiences and develop empathy for those from different backgrounds. Therefore, I believe that the idea that the East and West can never meet is a limited perspective that can be challenged and overcome through the power of literature and storytelling.