A general truth about fiction/literature could be that certain themes or ideas never fade. What changes between cultures is the emphasis.
It is typical within romances for people to realize that they need to admit the truth. It is also typical within romances for people to realize that they need to rely on others/turn to others for help.
Take, for instance, the idea of being able to rely on others. In the Lisa Kleypas novel Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, Maggie realizes that it is time to move on from her husband's death. She can then open her heart to a new lover, Mark. She can also tell him of her worries. A classic resolution in an American romance novel, Maggie's realization brings her and Mark closer together.
In Pet Duty, Mizuki resists confessing his needs to his roommates (including his lover Kudou). In exasperation, Mizuki's brother, Koichi, finally alerts Kuduo to Mizuki's reticence, complaining that Mizuki is "so selfish" for not allowing others to help him. Eventually, Mizuki confesses his feelings/needs to Kuduo, bringing the couple closer together.
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| As the last panel states, |
| "In the end, what they both want--is love." |
Same problem. Same outcome. Yet a subtle distinction lies with how the problem is processed between a low-context and a high-context culture.
In a low-context culture--where individual expression is expected and people are far more direct (U.S.)--a failure to ask for help translates into a personality failure. It is either a mental defect or individuality gone too far. It must be reigned in before (1) the individual goes berserk from too many commitments; (2) the individual turns into a self-absorbed blowhard.
In a high-context culture--where group harmony is expected and people are far more indirect (Japan)--a failure to ask for help translates into group failure. "I must solve this problem alone" is, in fact, a commendable trait but taken too far will result in a broken community. It must be reigned in before (1) the individual goes berserk from too much internal pressure; (2) everybody else feels bad about the individual going berserk.
Some problem. Same solution. Different tone.
