Chapter 4 - The Enemy

‘Enemy’, by Pearl S. Buck, is about how a doctor, being a Japanese, saves the life of an American soldier. The risk he undertakes to save a prisoner of war is shown in this story. Pearl S. Buck has beautifully described the moral dilemma that Dr Sadao faces because he is a doctor, as well as a true patriot.

Summary

The story is set in Japan during the Pearl Harbour attack. It was a time when Japanese soldiers were hell-bent on killing any American soldier they see on their soil. Dr Sadao was a Japanese doctor who studied in America. He came back to Japan with Hana, a girl he met in America whom he married and settled with, in Japan. In the event of World War II, most of the doctors were sent to serve in the army. However, Dr Sadao was asked to stay back because of the old General, who was on the verge of death.

One night, an American Navy-man came to him as he was shot, wounded and nearing death. Even though he was reluctant to help the American initially, he took the navy-man to his home and provided him with medical help. It was from that moment that Dr Sadao was in danger. Soon enough, his servants quit and left him as he was serving the enemy of his nation. Upon receiving his help, the soldier started healing quickly and soon became fit. After the soldier recovered, Sadao wanted to kill him off and decided to become his assassin, even to the extent of deciding to kill him in his sleep. He sent a notice to the General of America, and he gave him his words to send private men to kill the soldier.

As he was waiting for the soldier’s death, to his utter dismay, the American started getting healthier day by day.

This turned out to be the turning point for the Dr Sadao as the human being inside him awoke. He saw beyond the borders and acknowledged the fact that universal brotherhood is the ultimate answer. Countries, continents, creed, colour and caste did not have any meaning for him. There was no reason because of which the American Navy man should be considered to be his enemy. This makes the doctor rescue the soldier. In a world filled with hate, Dr Sadao managed to rise above it all.

Characters

• Dr Sadao Hok

• Sadao’s father

• Hana

• Tom

• The old Genera

• An office.

• Gardener.

• Yimi

• The cook

Theme

‘The Enemy’ revolves around the thought that humanity is what prevails over all other virtues. All man-made barriers are nothing when compared to humanity. Even during the time of war, peace, love and sympathy can be seen in the hearts of people with the cruellest intentions. Humanity transcends everything. It is what differentiates us from animals and makes us human beings.

For in-depth explanations and answers of all questions given in the textbook, refer to The Enemy Class 12 Question Answers and The Enemy NCERT Solutions here at UrbanPro. You can also download The Enemy Class 12 PDF.