The Enemy" 12
"The Enemy"
by Pearl S. Buck.
Word Meanings (Paragraph-wise)
Paragraph
1–3:
- Spot
– Place or location
- Outlined
– Shown clearly
- Bent pines
– Pine trees bent due to wind or weather
- South Seas
– Southern part of the Pacific Ocean
- Stepping stones
– A way to reach future goals
- Infinite pains
– Great effort
- Chief concern
– Most important worry
- Perfecting
– Improving
- Render
– Make
- Wounds entirely clean
– Free from infection
- Troops
– Army
- Slight danger
– Small chance
- Medically
– With medicines, not surgery
Paragraph-wise Explanation in Simple English
Paragraphs 1–3:
Dr. Sadao Hoki lived in a
house on the Japanese coast where he used to play as a child. The house was
built on rocks above the beach, surrounded by pine trees. He used to climb
these trees, just like people in the South Seas climb for coconuts. His father
often told him that the nearby islands were Japan's stepping stones to the
future. His father was a serious man who worked hard for Sadao’s education and
success. That’s why Sadao was sent to America to study medicine and surgery. He
returned at 30, and by then, he had become a well-known surgeon and scientist.
Paragraph 4–5:
Sadao was not sent to the
battlefield because he was working on a medical discovery to heal wounds more
effectively. Also, a high-ranking general might need his surgery soon. That’s
why Sadao stayed in Japan.
Paragraph 6–7:
It was foggy outside. Sadao looked
at the ocean. Soon he planned to go inside to his wife, Hana, and their two
children. Hana came out wearing a haori (a traditional Japanese coat).
She lovingly linked her arm with his. They had met in America and had waited to
marry until they returned to Japan because Sadao’s father would only accept a
pure Japanese girl.
Paragraph
8–10:
One day, as they stood together,
they saw something dark in the fog. It was a man washed ashore by the sea. The
man staggered and then fell on the beach. Sadao guessed he might be a fisherman
who had fallen from his boat. He and Hana ran toward him. The place was lonely
and rocky, far from the fishing villages. The man had injuries and was
bleeding.
Paragraph 11–12:
When Sadao and Hana turned the man
over, they saw he was a white man — likely an American. His yellow hair
and beard were wet and uncut. He was unconscious. Sadao found a fresh gunshot
wound on his back that had reopened.
Paragraph 13–15:
Sadao quickly tried to stop the
bleeding using seaweed. The man moaned but didn’t wake up. Sadao thought it
might be best to throw the man back into the sea. Hana agreed but kept looking
at him. They were both in a moral conflict — helping a white man could get them
arrested, but handing him to the army meant death.
Q1.
Who was Dr. Sadao?
Ans: Dr. Sadao was a Japanese surgeon and scientist. He had
studied medicine in America and became famous in Japan for his skills and
research.
Q2.
Where was Dr. Sadao’s house located?
Ans: His house was built on rocks along the Japanese coast,
above a narrow beach with pine trees.
Q3.
Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield?
Ans: He was working on a medical discovery and might be needed
by the old General for surgery, so he was kept in Japan.
Q4.
Who was the man that Sadao and Hana saw on the beach?
Ans: He was a white man, most likely an American soldier, who
had been shot and washed ashore by the sea.
Q5.
Why were Sadao and Hana in a dilemma after finding the man?
Ans: As Japanese citizens during wartime, helping an enemy
soldier could get them arrested. But as humans and a doctor, it felt wrong to
let him die or hand him over.
“The Enemy” by Pearl S. Buck.
Word
Meanings
|
Word/Phrase |
Meaning |
|
Curious repulsion |
Strange feeling of disgust |
|
Inert figure |
Unmoving body |
|
Battered cap |
Worn-out hat |
|
Faint lettering |
Very light writing |
|
U.S. Navy |
United States Navy |
|
Hesitated |
Paused in uncertainty |
|
Resolution |
Firm decision |
|
Fowl |
Bird (here, a very thin man
compared to a half-starved bird) |
|
Pallor |
Pale or white skin due to weakness |
|
Vitality |
Life force; energy |
|
Menace |
Danger or threat |
|
Nursery |
Room for babies and children |
|
Courteously |
Politely |
|
Superstitious |
Believing in unscientific fears
(like revenge of sea or fate) |
|
Resistance |
Refusal or defiance |
|
Conviction of her own superiority |
Confidence in her moral values |
|
Ebbing |
Slowly going away |
|
Tokonoma |
A small raised platform or alcove
in a Japanese home |
Paragraphs
1–3:
Hana suggests that the kindest thing
would be to return the wounded man to the sea, but both she and Sadao feel
disturbed and can't bring themselves to do it. When they examine his cap, they
discover he is a U.S. Navy sailor — an American, and their enemy.
He must have escaped from captivity and was shot in the back.
Despite calling him an enemy, they feel conflicted because he is injured and
helpless.
Paragraphs 4–6:
Hana challenges Sadao: can they
really throw him back into the sea? Sadao replies that even though the man is
an enemy, he cannot throw away a wounded person. Hana concludes they have no
choice but to take him inside.
Paragraphs 7–9:
They lift the man together. He is
very light, like a half-starved bird. They bring him into an unused bedroom
that belonged to Sadao’s father. Hana is hesitant to use the fine quilt because
the man is very dirty.
Paragraphs 10–13:
Hana wants the servant Yumi to clean
the man, but Sadao decides to check the man’s pulse and chest first. The man is
barely alive and needs an operation, or he will die. Hana is afraid —
what if he survives and causes trouble?
Paragraphs 14–17:
Hana tries to fetch Yumi, who is
putting the baby to bed. Then she informs the two house servants,
including the old gardener, who warns that helping a white enemy will
bring bad luck or danger.
Paragraphs 18–21:
Yumi refuses to wash the American
because he is dirty and white. She argues it is not her job. Hana dismisses her
politely and feels angry and nervous, realizing she is now alone
with the man.
Paragraphs 22–24:
Despite being scared, Hana begins to
clean the man herself. His skin is damaged by exposure, but he seems to have
been a fine, healthy boy. She cleans his upper body but doesn’t dare turn him.
She becomes anxious again.
Final Paragraphs:
Hana calls for Sadao. He enters
wearing his surgeon’s coat and carrying his tools. Hana realizes he has decided
to operate on the man. Sadao doesn’t speak much — he just quietly prepares
for surgery.
Question
and Answers
Q1.
What did Hana suggest they should do with the wounded man?
Ans: Hana suggested that the kindest thing would be to throw him
back into the sea, as he was their enemy.
Q2.
How did Sadao and Hana find out the man was an American sailor?
Ans: They found a battered cap on him, and though the
writing was faint, it showed “U.S. Navy.”
Q3.
Why were Sadao and Hana hesitant to help the man?
Ans: He was an enemy soldier, and helping him could get
them into trouble with the authorities. They were afraid it might endanger
their family.
Q4.
How did the servants react to the presence of the white man?
Ans: The old gardener said helping a white enemy would
bring misfortune. Yumi refused to wash him, saying she had never touched
a white man and didn’t want to now.
Q5.
Why did Hana decide to clean the man herself?
Ans: Since Yumi refused to help, Hana, despite being scared,
felt angry and took it as her responsibility to help the helpless man.
Q6.
Why did Sadao decide to operate on the man?
Ans: Sadao realized the man would die without an operation. As a
doctor, he felt responsible to save a life, even if the man was an
enemy.
"The Enemy"
by Pearl S. Buck
Word Meanings (Important Ones)
|
Word/Phrase |
Meaning |
|
Inert |
Lifeless, without movement |
|
Repulsion |
Strong feeling of dislike or
disgust |
|
Battered |
Damaged due to rough use |
|
Faint |
Very light or weak |
|
Resolution |
Firm decision or determination |
|
Menace |
Danger or threat |
|
Stoop |
Bend down |
|
Pallor |
Unhealthy pale appearance |
|
Vitality |
Energy and life force |
|
Hesitate |
Pause before doing something |
|
Courteously |
Politely |
|
Superstitious |
Believing in irrational fears or
omens |
|
Alcove (tokonoma) |
A small niche or recessed space in
a room |
Paragraph-wise
Explanation in Simple English
Para 1-5:
Hana says the kindest thing would be to throw the man back into the sea, but
both of them just keep looking at the man’s injured, unconscious body. They
feel disgusted and unsure. Sadao guesses from the cap that the man is an
American sailor from the U.S. Navy. He realizes the man is an escaped prisoner
of war.
Para 6-11:
They understand he was shot in the back, likely while escaping. Hana, realizing
that neither of them can throw him back into the sea, suggests they carry him
to the house. Sadao agrees, even though he says he doesn’t care about the man
and considers him the enemy. But because the man is wounded, they feel a moral
responsibility to help him.
Para 12-14:
They lift the man, who is very light like a starved bird. They take him to a
bedroom that belonged to Sadao’s father. The room is very traditional and
Japanese. Hana brings a silk quilt but is hesitant because the man is dirty.
Sadao says he should be washed first.
Para 15-19:
Hana doesn’t want Sadao to touch the man, so she says they should ask the
servant Yumi to wash him. Sadao agrees and says he’ll explain things to the
other servants. But before he goes, he checks the man’s pulse and heartbeat —
both are weak but present. He says the man will die without surgery.
Para 20-23:
Hana becomes scared. What if the man lives? Sadao replies, what if he dies
during surgery? Still, something must be done — he needs to be washed first.
Hana doesn’t want to be left alone with the man. She calls Yumi to help.
Para 24-29:
Yumi is busy putting the baby to sleep, but Hana asks her to come. In the
kitchen, the old gardener expresses fear, saying it is wrong to save a man whom
nature and war tried to kill. Hana assures him they’ll hand him over to the
police, and tells Yumi to bring hot water.
Para 30-34:
Yumi is scared and refuses to wash the white man. She says she has never done
such a thing and won't start now. Hana tries to convince her, saying they only
want to revive him to hand over to the police. But Yumi still refuses and
leaves. Hana is angry but feels she must do the job herself.
Para 35-38:
Hana, despite her fear and disgust, begins washing the man. She notices that
his skin, though rough, was probably fair and soft when he was younger. While
washing, she starts to see him as just a helpless human. After cleaning his
upper body, she covers him again and calls for Sadao.
Para 39-end:
Sadao enters with his surgical tools and coat. Hana realizes he has made the
decision to operate. He starts preparing for the surgery by laying out his
sterilized tools in the alcove.
"The Enemy"
by Pearl S. Buck:
Word Meanings
|
Word/Phrase |
Meaning |
|
Linen shelves |
Storage shelves for cloth items
like towels, sheets |
|
Matting |
Material like straw used to
protect floors or plants |
|
Soaked |
Fully wet or saturated |
|
Obediently |
Willingly or without resistance |
|
Absorption |
Deep concentration |
|
Anesthetic |
A drug that causes loss of
sensation or pain |
|
Superficial |
On the surface, not deep |
|
Sulphur (color of) |
Pale yellow (indicating sickness) |
|
Retching |
Trying to vomit or actually
vomiting |
|
Ruthless |
Without pity or compassion |
|
Groan |
Low sound expressing pain |
|
Irritable |
Easily annoyed or angered |
Paragraph-wise Explanation in Simple English
Para 1-2:
Sadao tells Hana to bring towels. She obeys him and also picks up some old mats
from the garden to protect the floor from the man’s blood. But by the time she
returns, the blood has already soaked through and ruined the mat under the man.
Para 3-5:
Hana is upset about the ruined mat, but Sadao shows no concern. He asks her to
help turn the man over so he can clean the back wound. She silently helps.
While working, he asks if Yumi washed the man. Hana says no, and tells him she
did it herself.
Para 6-7:
Sadao doesn’t respond, fully focused on his work. Hana wonders whether it
matters to him who he is treating, as long as he is doing his job well. Sadao
then tells her she will have to give the anesthetic if it’s needed.
Para 8-10:
Hana is shocked. She has never done such a thing before, but Sadao says it’s
not hard. As he removes the old bandages, blood flows more rapidly. Using a
bright light on his forehead, he examines the wound and calmly says the bullet
is still inside. He wonders how deep the rock wound is and notes the man has
lost a lot of blood.
Para 11-12:
Seeing the blood, Hana feels dizzy and sick. Her face turns pale yellow, and
Sadao warns her not to faint. He cannot stop the operation or the man will die.
Hana runs outside and vomits.
Para 13-15:
Sadao hears her in the garden but keeps working. He thinks it’s probably good
that she vomited because she has never witnessed a surgery before. He feels
annoyed — not at Hana, but at the man, because this situation has caused so
much stress.
Para 16-18:
He becomes emotionally detached and operates with coldness. In his unconscious
state, the man moans, but Sadao ignores him and even mutters that he is not
doing this surgery for fun — he doesn’t even know why he’s doing it.
Para 19-end:
Suddenly, Hana returns, having recovered. She asks for the anesthetic. Sadao
points to where it is and says it’s good she came back because the man is
starting to regain consciousness. Hana has the bottle and cotton in hand, but
nervously asks how to use it.
"The Enemy" by
Pearl S. Buck
Paragraph 1–3:
“Simply saturate the cotton and hold
it near his nostrils,” Sadao replied...
Explanation:
Dr. Sadao instructs his wife Hana to use anesthetic-soaked cotton to help the
unconscious American prisoner breathe during surgery. He is deeply focused on
the operation. Hana crouches near the man’s face and sees how thin and twisted
his face looks—he’s clearly suffering. She wonders if the rumours she has heard
about how prisoners are tortured could be true.
Paragraph 4–6:
She observed deep red scars on his
neck...
Explanation:
Hana notices red scars under the prisoner’s ear. Before she can talk more about
them, Sadao hits something hard near the kidney with his surgical instrument.
This is dangerous, but he’s calm and skilled. He recalls his American
professor's words that a surgeon must fully understand the human body, or else
it’s like murder.
Paragraph 7–9:
“It is not quite at the kidney, my
friend,” Sadao murmured...
Explanation:
Sadao speaks to the patient as he usually does, calling him "my
friend"—even though this man is technically his enemy. He successfully
removes the bullet with a clean cut. The man mutters in English, mentioning his
“guts,” showing he’s in pain but still unconscious.
Paragraph 10–12:
The man sank again into silence so
profound...
Explanation:
After the operation, Sadao checks the pulse and sees it’s weak but present.
Though he doesn’t want this man to live, he saves him anyway. He gives an
injection to help the man recover.
Paragraph
13–15:
The young man woke, so weak...
Explanation:
When the American soldier wakes up, he’s terrified. Hana, feeling sorry,
comforts him and feeds him herself because the servants refuse to enter the
room. He is surprised that she speaks English, and she explains she had lived
in America.
Paragraph 16–18:
“Now you will soon be strong,” she
said...
Explanation:
Hana doesn’t like the man, but she still feels sympathy. When Sadao sees him
sitting up, he scolds him. The boy asks fearfully if Sadao will hand him over
to the police. Sadao says he doesn’t know yet what to do and even tells the man
not to reveal his name.
Paragraph 19–23:
Outside the door Hana was waiting
for Sadao...
Explanation:
The servants tell Hana that they think she and Sadao have forgotten their
country by helping an American. They think they should have let the man die.
Hana knows they are partly right but also feels some unexplainable sympathy for
the prisoner. She remembers when the prisoner told her his name was Tom, but
she didn't show warmth.
Paragraph
24–26:
Sadao typed a report for the
police...
Explanation:
Sadao writes a report to inform the police about the escaped prisoner but
doesn't send it. He hides it in a secret drawer.
Paragraph 27–31:
The servants leave the house...
Explanation:
After some days, all the servants leave. They are loyal and emotional, but they
think hiding the enemy is wrong. Yumi tells Hana to call her if the baby cries
too much. Hana handles everything herself and bravely hides her fear and
sadness.
Paragraph 32–34:
“Why is it we cannot see clearly
what we ought to do?”...
Explanation:
Hana asks Sadao why they are different from other Japanese people. Even the
servants know what to do. Sadao doesn’t answer but tells the prisoner to start
walking to regain strength. The boy thanks him, but Sadao coldly replies not to
thank him too soon.
Paragraph
35–38:
A government messenger comes to the
door...
Explanation:
When Hana sees a uniformed man arrive, she panics, thinking Sadao is going to
be arrested. But he has just been summoned by the General who is unwell.
Paragraph 39–43:
Sadao visits the General...
Explanation:
Sadao tells the General about the American. The General doesn't want Sadao
arrested because he needs him for an operation. He suggests sending assassins
to kill the prisoner quietly and even remove the body. Sadao agrees, mainly
thinking of Hana’s safety and peace of mind.
Paragraph 44–End of Excerpt:
Sadao returns home and finds the
prisoner walking...
Explanation:
Sadao returns and is surprised to see the prisoner out of bed and walking in
the garden. The American feels better and jokes a bit, asking if his muscles
will always feel stiff. Sadao is surprised but doesn’t stop him. The plan to
kill the prisoner is in his mind, but he hasn’t told anyone.
Key Themes Highlighted in This Excerpt:
- Conflict Between Duty and Humanity:
Sadao struggles between his national loyalty (turning in the enemy) and his professional duty as a doctor (saving lives). - Moral Dilemma:
Both Hana and Sadao feel confused about what is right. Even when the servants and society expect them to act a certain way, they are driven by their conscience. - Courage and Compassion:
Though fearful and unsure, both Sadao and Hana show courage by helping the wounded man in secret. - Social Pressure vs. Individual Ethics:
The community judges Sadao and Hana for helping the enemy, but they act according to their personal ethics.
Paragraph-wise
Detailed Explanation:
1.
Sadao gives the American a flashlight and instructions.
Sadao was hesitant to give the
flashlight to the American, but he did so anyway. He gave clear instructions:
- Two flashes at sunset meant emergency.
- One flash meant he was okay but still waiting.
- No flashes at night to avoid being caught.
Explanation:
Sadao was cautious and thoughtful. He wanted to help the soldier escape safely
but also didn’t want anyone to find out. The signals ensured safety for both.
2. Final goodbyes and departure
The American soldier was now dressed
in Japanese clothes, with a black cloth covering his blonde head. He silently
shook hands with Sadao and walked into the darkness. Sadao saw the flashlight
being used briefly.
Explanation:
This moment shows silent gratitude and trust. The American respects Sadao and
his help. Covering his head was necessary to hide his identity.
3. Sadao sees a final flash from the shore and
sleeps peacefully
Sadao waited for the agreed-upon
signal from the shore—one final flash. Seeing it, he closed the partition and
finally slept peacefully.
Explanation:
The flash confirmed the American had reached the shore safely. Sadao could now
rest, knowing he had done the right thing as a doctor and a human being.
4.
The General’s surgery and the conversation
After a week, the General, who had
undergone a serious surgery performed by Sadao, asked about the American
prisoner. Sadao cautiously told him the man had escaped.
Explanation:
Sadao didn’t know what had happened with the assassins the General promised to
send. Still, he felt safe now because the General depended on him for survival.
5. The General’s confession and forgetfulness
The General admits that he forgot to
send the assassins because he was too focused on his own health. He justifies
this by saying it wasn’t due to a lack of patriotism or duty.
Explanation:
The General is selfish and cares more about his own well-being than his duties.
He wants to clear his conscience and seeks Sadao’s understanding.
6. Sadao realizes his own safety
Sadao understands that the General
won’t do anything to harm him, because if the matter comes out, the General
himself will be blamed for inaction.
Explanation:
Sadao now feels confident that he is safe. He cleverly reassures the General of
his loyalty to protect both of them.
7. Sadao looks out to sea and reflects
That night, Sadao looked out toward
the sea and the island where the soldier had hidden. There was no light—this
meant the prisoner was gone and likely safe.
Explanation:
This gives Sadao emotional closure. The danger has passed. He did what was
right and it ended well.
8.
Sadao remembers white people he had met in America
He remembers various white people
from his time studying in America:
- His professor and his wife
- His anatomy teacher
- His landlady who cared for him but whom he disliked
- Finally, the wounded soldier he helped
Explanation:
These memories show Sadao’s mixed feelings toward Americans—some kind, some
ignorant, some prejudiced. He saved the American despite those bitter memories.
9. Final thought: “Why couldn’t I kill him?”
Sadao wonders why he could not kill
the American soldier, even though he saw him as repulsive. He is confused but
deep down he knows—it’s because of his humanity.
Explanation:
This is the moral core of the story. Sadao could not deny his conscience. His
medical duty, personal ethics, and human compassion made him help the man, even
if he was an enemy.
Reading with Insight – Answers
1.
Hard Choices: Private vs National Loyalty
Sadao had to choose between his duty
as a doctor and his loyalty as a Japanese citizen. As a doctor, he
was trained to save lives, regardless of identity. But as a citizen, helping an
enemy was treason. He chose humanity over blind nationalism.
2.
Hana’s Sympathy Despite Staff’s Defiance
Hana initially hesitated but
supported Sadao out of love and respect. Though the servants left, Hana
helped clean the wound, feed the soldier, and care for him. She showed courage
and compassion, believing her husband was doing the right thing.
3.
The Prisoner’s Reluctance to Leave
The soldier feared capture and trusted
Sadao's protection. He was weak, scared, and not familiar with the
terrain. The doctor’s home felt safer than the unknown dangers outside. It
reflects his vulnerability.
4.
The General’s Attitude
The General was self-absorbed
and only cared about his health. He forgot to act on his promise because of his
suffering, not out of humanity. His actions show dereliction of duty and
a selfish mindset, not patriotism.
5.
Rising Above Prejudice
Despite his bad experiences in
America, Sadao saved the American. He rose above personal pain and prejudice to
do what was morally right. True humanity transcends race and war.
6.
Was the Doctor’s Solution Best?
Yes. Sadao’s decision to help the
American escape was the best under the circumstances. He saved a life,
avoided harming his own family, and remained safe himself. Violence or
turning him in would have compromised his ethics and safety.
7.
Link to ‘Birth’ by A. J. Cronin
Yes. Both stories center around a doctor
saving a life against odds. In Birth, the doctor saves a stillborn
baby, and in The Enemy, Sadao saves a wounded enemy. Both stories
highlight the nobility of the medical profession and the value of human life.
1. Who was Dr. Sadao? Where was his house?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao Hoki was a renowned Japanese surgeon and scientist. His house was a low, square stone building located on the Japanese coast, built on rocks above a narrow beach lined with bent pine trees. He had lived there since childhood.
2. What was Dr. Sadao’s father’s dream for him?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao’s father wanted him to become a skilled and educated man who would serve Japan’s progress. He sent Sadao to America to study surgery and medicine and was deeply focused on shaping his son's future through knowledge and discipline.
3. Why did Sadao go to America? What did he achieve there?
Answer:
Sadao went to America at twenty-two to study surgery and medicine. He became a brilliant doctor and scientist, perfecting a discovery to keep wounds clean. After returning to Japan, he became well-known and was kept from military duty due to his expertise.
4. Who was Hana? Where did Sadao meet her?
Answer:
Hana was Sadao’s Japanese wife. He met her while they were both students in America at an American professor’s house. Sadao fell in love with her but waited to marry her until he confirmed she was purely Japanese.
5. What did Dr. Sadao and Hana do when they saw the wounded man?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao and Hana found a wounded white man washed ashore. Despite knowing he was an enemy, they brought him home and treated his gunshot wound secretly, risking punishment. Sadao acted out of compassion and medical duty.
6. Why did Dr. Sadao not send the wounded man to the police?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao feared that handing over the wounded American soldier to the police would lead to his death. As a doctor, he felt morally bound to save the man’s life first, even though helping an enemy was dangerous and unlawful.
7. What dilemma did Dr. Sadao face after he treated the man?
Answer:
After saving the man, Sadao was torn between his duty to the state and his duty as a doctor. If he sheltered the man, he could be arrested. But turning him in meant certain death. He struggled with this moral conflict.
8. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent with the Japanese troops?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao was not sent with the troops because he was developing a medical discovery to keep wounds clean. Also, the old General might soon need surgery, and the government wanted Sadao nearby in case the General required an operation.
9. What was the General's response when Sadao told him about the enemy?
Answer:
The General did not want to lose Sadao as a doctor, so he promised to send his own assassins to kill the enemy soldier secretly. However, he never sent them, showing his selfishness and carelessness despite his powerful position.
10. How did the prisoner escape? What did Sadao do?
Answer:
Sadao arranged for the American prisoner to escape by boat. He gave him food, water, and directions to a nearby island where he could wait for a Korean fishing boat. Sadao informed the General afterward, who did nothing about it.
Will Dr. Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
No, Dr. Sadao is not arrested. Although helping the wounded enemy soldier was risky and illegal, Sadao manages to keep it a secret. The General, aware of the situation, chooses not to take action against him.
Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?
Yes, Hana helps the wounded man. She takes care of him with kindness and washes his wounds herself, showing compassion despite knowing he is an enemy soldier. Her care supports Sadao’s efforts to save his life.
What will Dr. Sadao and his wife do with the man?
Dr. Sadao and his wife decide to secretly bring the wounded man into their house and treat his injuries. They plan to care for him carefully to save his life, even though he is an enemy soldier and helping him is dangerous.
Will Dr. Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
No, Dr. Sadao is not arrested. Although helping an enemy soldier is risky and illegal, he manages to keep it secret. The General does not take any action against him, so Sadao remains safe.
What will Dr. Sadao do to get rid of the man?
Dr. Sadao plans to help the wounded man escape safely. He arranges a boat for him and gives him food, clothes, and directions to a nearby island where a fishing boat can pick him up, ensuring the man can leave without being caught.
1. Hard choices between private roles and national loyalty
Dr. Sadao’s story shows how sometimes a person must choose between personal morals and loyalty to their country. Sadao’s role as a doctor makes him save a wounded enemy soldier, even though his duty as a citizen would be to hand him over to authorities. This conflict shows the challenge of balancing humanity with nationalism.
2. Why was Hana sympathetic despite the staff’s defiance?
Hana felt compassion for the wounded man because she understood his suffering. Unlike the domestic staff, who feared the consequences and were loyal to the country, Hana’s sympathy came from a humane and caring heart, supporting her husband’s medical and moral duty.
3. Why did the soldier hesitate to leave the doctor’s house?
The soldier was weak, scared, and unsure if he would survive outside. The doctor’s home was the only safe place for him, despite the risk. He feared the dangers outside more than the risk of being caught, so he stayed as long as he could.
4. What explains the General’s attitude?
The General’s attitude reflects self-interest and selfishness. He wanted to keep Dr. Sadao close for his own medical care rather than showing real concern for the enemy or national duty. His inaction was due to self-absorption, not compassion or patriotism.
5. What makes a human rise above narrow prejudices?
Compassion, empathy, and a sense of humanity help people rise above hatred and prejudice. Dr. Sadao and Hana saw the wounded soldier not as an enemy but as a suffering human being deserving care. This shows that kindness can overcome national and racial biases.
6. Was the doctor’s final solution the best?
Yes, the doctor’s plan to help the soldier escape was the best option. It saved the man’s life without putting Sadao or his family in danger. It balanced Sadao’s duties as a doctor and a citizen and showed his cleverness in solving a moral dilemma.
7. Similarity with ‘Birth’ by A. J. Cronin?
Both stories focus on doctors facing moral dilemmas. In ‘Birth’, a doctor helps save a life regardless of social status, and in ‘The Enemy’, Sadao helps an enemy soldier despite war. Both highlight compassion and professional duty overcoming social and political barriers.
8. Similar films or novels with this theme?
Many stories share this theme of humanity overcoming conflict. For example, the film “Schindler’s List” shows a man saving lives during war. Novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” also explore standing for justice and kindness despite social prejudice.
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