Bateman Hunter is happy to return to Chicago where he is received by his father. A fortnight ago, he met his closest friend, Edward Bernard, in Tahiti. Although Bateman is exulted to return home, he is disturbed by Edward’s lifestyle in the South Sea. Edward was an ambitious young man before going to Tahiti. He was engaged to a beautiful young woman called Isabel Longstaffe. Bateman believes that Edward has deviated from his initial dream and is wasting away in Tahiti. On the contrary, Edward is enjoying life and living peacefully in Tahiti. The difference in perspective between Bateman and Edward is caused by the clash of cultures.
The Western culture is individualistic where people value their success, and determination for personal growth, and are less concerned with others. In contrast, the Eastern culture is collectivistic where people prioritize the growth of society over personal growth. Bateman is an embodiment of Western culture and this is laid bare when he visits Tahiti. He expects Edward to be very serious about life to achieve personal goals. Bateman also faults Edward for interacting with Arnold Jackson, who is considered a fraudster and swindler in Chicago. When he gets home, Bateman breaks the news of Edward as a fallen person.
Isabella is disappointed after learning that Edward would never return to Chicago. The displeasure is displayed when she slips the engagement ring off her finger. Both Isabella and Bateman are of the view that Edward has ruined his life. On the other hand, Edward believes that he has eventually found the beauty of life. The story shows how Western and Eastern cultures differ in opinions regarding the ideal way of life.
