4. The Enemy - Class 12 - Vistas

Textbook: Vistas

Genre: Short Story (Historical Fiction / War-time Drama)

Summary

The Enemy is a poignant tale set in wartime Japan. Dr. Sadao Hoki, a renowned Japanese surgeon, finds an injured American prisoner of war washed up near his home. Despite his patriotic duty and the societal expectation to treat Americans as enemies, Sadao is torn between his role as a loyal Japanese citizen and a compassionate doctor. With his wife Hana’s reluctant support, he treats and shelters the wounded man, Tom, hiding him from the authorities and servants. The domestic staff abandons them, and even the General, whom Sadao serves, casually suggests assassination. Ultimately, Sadao helps Tom escape by providing him a boat and directions to safety. The story concludes with Sadao reflecting on the moral complexity of war and humanity’s ability to rise above hatred. The narrative deeply explores moral conflict, humanism, and ethical responsibilities during war.

Character Sketch

Dr. Sadao Hoki

• Highly skilled Japanese surgeon and scientist

• Patriotic, loyal to his country and profession

• Faces deep moral dilemma when he finds an enemy soldier

• Compassionate and morally upright — saves Tom despite risk

• Rational, brave, and introspective

  
  

Hana (his wife)

• Educated and supportive partner

• Patriotic yet morally sensitive

• Faces emotional conflict but stands by her husband

• Performs duties (washing, feeding) when servants leave

• Balances tradition and humanity

  
  

The American Prisoner (Tom)

• Young and injured soldier

• Symbol of the "enemy" in wartime

• Vulnerable, helpless, but respectful

• Shows gratitude and trust towards Dr. Sadao

Themes

✨ Literary Devices

Title Justification

The title The Enemy is deeply ironic. It initially refers to the wounded American soldier but evolves to question who the true enemy is — the man injured in war or the prejudice, hatred, and blind nationalism that dehumanizes individuals. Pearl S. Buck forces the reader to reflect on the thin line between duty and humanity, especially in times of war.

One-Mark Questions

1. Why didn’t the servants want to stay at Dr. Sadao’s house?

   The servants were upset that Dr. Sadao was helping an enemy prisoner. They feared it would bring shame or danger to the household.

   
   

2. How did Dr. Sadao meet Hana?

   He met Hana at an American professor’s house. They fell in love after ensuring they were both of pure Japanese heritage.

   
   

3. Why did Sadao not hand over the American to the police immediately?

   As a doctor, he could not let a wounded man die. His conscience would not allow him to ignore the patient’s suffering.

   
   

4. What was the General’s attitude toward the enemy?

   The General was self-absorbed and more concerned with his own health than national duty. He even forgot to send the assassins.

   
   

5. How did Dr. Sadao help the prisoner escape?

   He placed a boat with food and directions near the shore. He instructed the man to signal him if in danger.

   
   

Three-Mark Questions

1. How did Dr. Sadao’s sense of duty as a doctor conflict with his sense of patriotism?

   Dr. Sadao was a loyal Japanese citizen, aware of his country's laws and expectations during wartime. However, as a doctor, he was trained to save lives regardless of identity. When he found the wounded American soldier, his professional ethics overpowered his patriotic duty. Despite knowing the risks, he chose to operate and save the enemy. This inner conflict forms the heart of the story.

   
   

2. Describe the role Hana played in helping the American prisoner.

   Hana stood by her husband during the entire crisis. She washed the prisoner when the servants refused and later fed him. Despite being scared and emotionally torn, she helped maintain the secret and supported Dr. Sadao’s decisions. Her presence added a moral and emotional depth to the narrative.

   
   

3. Why didn’t the General report Dr. Sadao for sheltering the enemy?

   The General valued Dr. Sadao’s surgical skills and feared losing him. He selfishly prioritized his health over his duty to the state. Although he promised to send assassins, he conveniently forgot due to his illness. This reveals the hypocrisy and negligence of people in power.

Value-Based Question

What do you learn from Dr. Sadao's actions toward the enemy soldier?

Dr. Sadao’s decision to save the enemy highlights the importance of compassion, moral courage, and professional integrity. It teaches us that humanity must rise above hatred, even in times of war. His actions inspire us to act according to conscience, not blind loyalty or societal pressure. True bravery lies in doing the right thing, even when it’s the hardest.

End

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