The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck
Introduction
The Enemy is a thought-provoking short story written by Pearl S. Buck, an American author known for her works on cross-cultural themes. Set in Japan during World War II, the story explores the moral dilemma faced by an individual when patriotism conflicts with humanity.
Plot Overview
Dr Sadao Hoki, a renowned Japanese surgeon and scientist, lives with his wife Hana in a secluded house by the sea. One evening, a severely injured American soldier, a prisoner of war, is washed ashore near their home. Despite knowing the consequences of harbouring an enemy, Dr Sadao decides to treat him.
As the story progresses, Dr Sadao is torn between his duty to his country and his duty as a doctor. He fears being seen as a traitor but cannot ignore his responsibility to save a human life. In the end, he helps the soldier escape instead of handing him over to the authorities.
Themes
1. Conflict Between Duty and Humanity
The core theme of the story is the conflict between national duty and the universal moral obligation to save a life. Dr Sadao struggles to choose between his patriotic allegiance and his ethical duties as a doctor.
2. Racism and Prejudice
The story highlights the deep-seated racial prejudice and hatred between nations during wartime. Despite this, Dr Sadao rises above such bias and sees the enemy as a fellow human being in need.
3. Courage and Moral Strength
Dr Sadao shows moral courage by choosing to operate on and save the enemy soldier, risking his career and life. This theme underscores the importance of standing by one’s principles even in challenging circumstances.
4. War and Its Inhumanity
The backdrop of World War II reveals the harsh realities and cruelty of war. It dehumanises people and puts them in situations where basic compassion becomes a punishable offence.
Characters
Dr Sadao Hoki
- A brilliant Japanese surgeon educated in America.
- A loyal citizen but also a compassionate and ethical individual.
- Faces an intense internal conflict.
- Symbolises the struggle between duty and conscience.
Hana
- Dr Sadao’s wife, supportive yet apprehensive.
- Also educated in America.
- Initially hesitant, but gradually understands her husband's decision.
- Shows quiet strength and empathy.
The American Soldier
- An injured prisoner of war.
- Helpless and dependent on the mercy of Dr Sadao.
- Symbolic of the 'enemy' who is, after all, a human being.
Setting
The story is set in coastal Japan during World War II. The isolated house by the sea becomes a symbolic location—cut off from the rest of the world, much like the moral conflict raging within Dr Sadao.
Message / Moral
The story sends a powerful message that compassion and humanity must rise above hatred and prejudice. Pearl S. Buck encourages readers to look beyond man-made divisions and act with integrity, kindness, and moral courage—even in the most difficult circumstances.
Conclusion
The Enemy is a timeless story that raises questions about nationalism, ethics, and the essence of being human. Through Dr Sadao’s inner struggle, Pearl S. Buck portrays the complexity of moral choices during wartime. The story remains relevant even today, as it calls for empathy and ethical responsibility over blind loyalty.
Word Meanings – The Enemy
Word/Phrase | Meaning |
Staggered | Walked or moved unsteadily, as if about to fall |
Writhed | Twisted or squirmed in pain |
Torrents | A strong and fast-moving stream of water |
Unconscious | Not awake or aware |
Gaunt | Extremely thin and weak, especially from suffering or hunger |
Involuntarily | Without willing or conscious control |
Assassins | People hired to kill someone |
Partition | A division or separation, especially in a room |
Servitude | The state of being a slave or under someone’s control |
Contemptuous | Showing scorn or disrespect |
Superficial | Not deep; only on the surface |
Merciless | Showing no mercy; cruel |
Peril | Serious and immediate danger |
Interrogation | The act of formally questioning someone |
Muttered | Spoke in a low or barely audible voice, often in irritation |
Repulsion | A strong feeling of dislike or disgust |
Perplexity | A state of confusion or puzzlement |
Falter | To hesitate or stumble in speech or action |
Rebellion | Resistance against authority or control |
Crimson | Deep red in colour |
Character sketches (detailed):
Dr Sadao Hoki
- Profession: A skilled Japanese surgeon and scientist.
- Education: Studied medicine in America under a famous professor.
- Personality Traits:
v Compassionate and humane: Despite being a Japanese citizen during the war, he chooses to save an American enemy soldier, driven by his medical ethics.
v Patriotic yet conflicted: He loves his country and is aware of his duty, but he cannot ignore his conscience and the Hippocratic Oath.
v Rational and brave: Even though he fears the consequences, he handles the situation calmly, ensuring the soldier recovers and later escapes safely.
v Morally upright: Symbolises the triumph of humanity over hatred and prejudice.
Quote to support:
“He thought of the white man wounded... and covered with sand. He was not a soldier now. If he were whole, he would perhaps be a man like himself.”
Hana (Dr Sadao’s wife)
- Education: Also educated in America; chosen by Dr Sadao with his father's approval.
- Personality Traits:
v Supportive wife: Though hesitant and afraid, she stands by Dr Sadao's decision.
v Sensitive and empathetic: Feels disturbed seeing an enemy in her home but gradually accepts and helps care for him.
v Modest and respectful: Worries about the servants leaving and the risk of defying societal norms, but does not let that stop her from doing the right thing.
Quote to support:
“But Sadao! To put him into the sea while he is still alive—only wounded... It is murder!”
The American Prisoner (Tom)
- Background: A young American soldier wounded in war; later revealed to be named Tom.
- Physical Condition: Severely injured and washed ashore near Dr Sadao's home.
- Personality Traits:
v Helpless and vulnerable: Completely at the mercy of his captors.
v Grateful and trusting: Despite being in enemy territory, he gradually trusts Dr Sadao and follows his instructions to escape.
v Symbolic: Represents the shared humanity that exists beyond war and nationality.
The Servants
- Names: Yumi (maid/nanny), the old gardener, and the cook.
- Personality Traits:
v Conservative and loyal to tradition: Strongly oppose treating the enemy and believe it is unpatriotic and sinful.
v Fearful and prejudiced: Their reactions reflect the societal norms and beliefs of wartime Japan.
v Rebellious: Eventually leave the house in protest, showing how war can divide even households.
The General
- Position: High-ranking military official and patient of Dr Sadao.
- Personality Traits:
v Self-serving and pragmatic: Acknowledges Dr Sadao’s value as a surgeon and chooses not to arrest him, fearing the loss of his personal doctor.
v Cowardly: Promises to send assassins to kill the soldier but never acts on it.
v Indifferent to morality: More concerned about his own health than the fate of the enemy soldier.
Quote to support:
“If the matter should come out, you would be perfectly justified to say to the police that you did your duty, but I’ll inform no one.”
Textbook Questions
1. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story.
Answer:
The story The Enemy highlights the conflict between human compassion and national loyalty. Dr Sadao, a Japanese surgeon, finds an injured American soldier—an enemy during wartime—washed ashore near his home. As a patriotic citizen, his duty is to hand over the soldier to the authorities. However, as a doctor, he is bound by his professional ethics to save a life in danger.
This moral dilemma puts Dr Sadao in a difficult situation. He chooses to treat the soldier despite the risk to his own safety and social standing. Later, when the General promises to have the soldier quietly assassinated, Dr Sadao still cannot allow such inhumanity. Eventually, he helps the soldier escape, thus preserving both his professional integrity and personal conscience.
This shows that, at times, the role of a humane individual must rise above blind national loyalty, especially when basic human values are at stake.
2. Dr Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana, his wife, sympathetic to him in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff?
Answer:
Initially, Hana is shocked and hesitant about sheltering an enemy soldier in their home. She is worried about the consequences and the reactions of their servants. When the domestic staff openly oppose Dr Sadao’s decision and eventually leave, Hana feels anxious and burdened with responsibility.
However, she chooses to stand by her husband. She respects his moral and professional principles and gradually becomes more empathetic towards the wounded man. She assists in taking care of him, though reluctantly at first. Her emotional strength and sense of duty towards her husband and humanity grow over time, making her supportive despite the societal and personal challenges they face.
3. How does the story The Enemy reflect the conflict between man’s humane feelings and the call of duty?
Answer:
The Enemy is set during World War II, a time when nations were fiercely loyal to their causes. Dr Sadao faces a moral conflict between his humane instincts and his national duty. As a Japanese citizen, he is expected to report or hand over the enemy soldier. However, as a doctor, he cannot ignore a dying man in need of help, even if that man is the enemy.
His humane feelings overpower his fear of being labeled a traitor. He performs surgery, hides the soldier, and eventually helps him escape, all while being under the watch of society and the government. His internal conflict and actions highlight the greater theme of choosing compassion over nationalism and personal ethics over imposed duty.
4. Do you think the doctor’s final solution to the problem was the best possible one in the circumstances?
Answer:
Yes, Dr Sadao’s final solution—helping the enemy soldier escape by boat—was the most practical and humane course of action under the circumstances. Reporting the soldier could have led to the soldier’s execution and might have put Dr Sadao’s reputation and safety at risk. Letting the General's assassins kill the man would have been morally unacceptable.
By helping him escape, Dr Sadao preserved his own moral integrity, fulfilled his duty as a doctor, and avoided legal trouble. It was a discreet solution that upheld both compassion and personal safety.
Extra questions:
1. Why did Dr Sadao hesitate before helping the American soldier?
Answer:
Dr Sadao hesitated because the wounded man was an American soldier—an enemy of Japan during wartime. Helping him could be considered treason, and he feared punishment from the authorities. However, his training as a doctor and his sense of humanity compelled him to save the man’s life, despite the risks.
2. How did the domestic staff react to the presence of the enemy in the house?
Answer:
The domestic staff strongly disapproved of Dr Sadao's decision to shelter and treat the enemy soldier. They believed it was unpatriotic and sinful. Yumi, the maid, refused to wash the wounded man, and eventually, all the servants left the house in protest, fearing social disgrace and legal consequences.
3. What role does the sea play symbolically in the story?
Answer:
The sea symbolises both danger and salvation. It brings the wounded soldier to Dr Sadao’s doorstep, initiating the moral conflict. Later, the same sea becomes the path to the soldier's escape, offering him freedom and Dr Sadao a resolution. It reflects the uncontrollable forces of life that bring about difficult choices.
4. What impression do you form of the General?
Answer:
The General is portrayed as selfish, manipulative, and more concerned about his own health than national security. Though he promises to send assassins to eliminate the soldier, he never follows through, exposing his cowardice. His indifference to morality contrasts sharply with Dr Sadao’s principled character.
5. Why does Dr Sadao say, "It is not quite at the shore that the man is." What does this reveal about his attitude?
Answer:
Dr Sadao’s words show that he is trying to emotionally distance himself from the situation. By not referring to the man as a “soldier” or by his nationality, he tries to depersonalise the issue. It reveals his internal conflict—he wants to help, but he is also cautious and fearful.
6. How does Pearl S. Buck use the setting to reflect the mood and themes of the story?
Answer:
The story is set in an isolated house by the sea, which symbolises the isolation felt by Dr Sadao and Hana as they struggle with their moral dilemma. The silence and remoteness of the setting heighten the tension and fear. It also mirrors the emotional distance they feel from their society, which is governed by prejudice and war-driven hatred.
7. What message does the story convey about war and humanity?
Answer:
The Enemy conveys that war dehumanises individuals by labeling people as enemies, regardless of their personal character. It promotes the message that humanity should rise above national boundaries and hatred. Acts of compassion and moral courage, like those shown by Dr Sadao, reaffirm our shared human values, even in times of conflict.
PYQs (Previous Years’ Questions)
Short Answer Type Questions (30–40 words)
1. Why did Dr Sadao treat the American soldier even though it was risky?
Answer:
Dr Sadao treated the soldier because his conscience as a doctor did not allow him to let a wounded man die. His medical ethics and sense of humanity overpowered his fear of punishment and loyalty to the state.
2. How did the General ensure that Dr Sadao was not punished for sheltering the enemy soldier?
Answer:
The General, being an influential man and also dependent on Dr Sadao for treatment, promised not to report him. He even said he would send assassins to kill the soldier secretly, but he never followed through. He protected Sadao because he needed him.
3. What was the reaction of the servants to the presence of the American soldier?
Answer:
The servants were shocked and disapproving. They believed it was wrong and unpatriotic to shelter an enemy. Yumi refused to wash the soldier, and eventually, the servants left the house in protest.
4. How did Dr Sadao plan the soldier's escape?
Answer:
Dr Sadao arranged for a boat, food, water, and instructions. He helped the soldier escape by sea at night and asked him to wait on a nearby island until he could safely board a Korean fishing boat. He even gave him a flashlight to signal if in trouble.
Long Answer Type Questions (120–150 words)
5. Describe the internal conflict Dr Sadao experiences. How does he resolve it?
Answer:
Dr Sadao faces a deep moral dilemma when he finds a wounded American soldier washed up near his house during World War II. As a Japanese citizen, his patriotic duty is to hand over the enemy to the authorities. However, as a doctor, his professional and moral duty is to save a life, regardless of the man’s identity.
This conflict torments him throughout the story. Even though he fears punishment, he chooses to operate on the soldier and nurses him back to health. At the same time, he contemplates informing the authorities or allowing the General's assassins to eliminate the soldier. Ultimately, his humanity triumphs. He arranges for the soldier to escape, thus fulfilling his duty both as a doctor and as a moral human being. The story highlights that true ethics and compassion often go beyond national boundaries.
6. Pearl S. Buck’s story "The Enemy" shows that compassion is the ultimate virtue. Discuss.
Answer:
The Enemy conveys that compassion and humanity must override hatred, especially during war. Dr Sadao, though loyal to his country, cannot ignore the pain of a dying human being, even if he is an enemy. He operates on the wounded American soldier, cares for him, and ensures his safe escape.
Despite societal pressure and fear of being labelled a traitor, he does what is morally right. His actions show that war divides people, but kindness unites them. Pearl S. Buck presents a powerful message through this story—that in times of hatred and violence, it is compassion that keeps humanity alive.
The story reminds us that beyond race, nationality, or war, we are all human beings. Acts of kindness, like those of Dr Sadao, leave a lasting impact and prove that moral courage is greater than blind loyalty.
RTC
RTC 1
Quoted Lines:
“But Sadao! To put him back into the sea! It is murder!”
Context:
Hana says this when Dr Sadao hesitates about what to do with the wounded American soldier they found on the beach. Although she is fearful, her human instinct reacts against abandoning or killing a helpless man.
Questions:
- Who is the speaker and who is being spoken to?
Answer: Hana is speaking to Dr Sadao. - Who is ‘him’ referred to here?
Answer: ‘Him’ refers to the wounded American soldier found near their home. - Why does Hana call it ‘murder’?
Answer: Because if they throw the wounded soldier back into the sea in his condition, he would certainly die. That would make them morally responsible for his death. - What dilemma is being highlighted here?
Answer: The moral dilemma between loyalty to the nation and duty towards humanity.
RTC 2
Quoted Lines:
“The man lay motionless, his face in the sand, and then, seemingly with an effort, he lifted his head.”
Context:
This line describes the first appearance of the American prisoner of war as he is found injured on the shore by Dr Sadao and Hana.
Questions:
- Who is ‘the man’ referred to in this line?
Answer: He is the injured American soldier (prisoner of war). - What is his physical condition when found?
Answer: He is gravely wounded, weak, and nearly unconscious. - What is the significance of him lifting his head?
Answer: It shows he is still alive and conscious, though barely, which prompts Dr Sadao to act. - How does this moment initiate the story’s main conflict?
Answer: It forces Dr Sadao and Hana to decide whether to help an enemy or follow their national duty.
RTC 3
Quoted Lines:
“If the matter should come out, you would be perfectly justified to say to the police that you did your duty.”
Context:
The General says this to Dr Sadao when he learns that Sadao is sheltering an enemy. He doesn’t want Sadao to be arrested because he depends on him for medical care.
Questions:
- Who speaks this line and to whom?
Answer: The General speaks to Dr Sadao. - What ‘duty’ is being referred to here?
Answer: The duty of saving a human life as a doctor. - Why does the General support Dr Sadao’s decision?
Answer: He doesn’t want Dr Sadao to be arrested or punished because he needs his medical services. - What does this quote reveal about the General’s character?
Answer: He is selfish and pragmatic—more concerned about his own health than national loyalty.
RTC 4
Quoted Lines:
“He is so white,” Hana whispered. “Yes, it is not quite at the shore,” Dr Sadao said.
Context:
These lines are spoken by Hana and Dr Sadao when they first spot the American soldier. Hana notices his pale skin, and Sadao tries to remain distant by referring vaguely to the man.
Questions:
- Why does Hana say ‘he is so white’?
Answer: She is referring to the man’s pale complexion and perhaps his serious condition. - What does Sadao mean by saying “It is not quite at the shore”?
Answer: He is emotionally distancing himself by not directly acknowledging the man as a person. - What do these lines indicate about Dr Sadao’s inner conflict?
Answer: They show his hesitation and fear of involvement with an enemy. - How does the racial identity of the man intensify the dilemma?
Answer: His being a white American during war makes the choice even riskier for the Japanese couple.
RTC 5
Quoted Lines:
“It was at this moment that both of them saw something black come out of the mists.”
Context:
This line describes the moment when Dr Sadao and Hana spot the injured soldier on the beach, marking the beginning of the story’s central conflict.
Questions:
- What does the ‘something black’ refer to?
Answer: It refers to the body of the injured American soldier emerging from the mist. - What atmosphere is created by the use of the word ‘mists’?
Answer: It creates a mysterious, tense, and uncertain atmosphere. - What is the significance of this moment?
Answer: It is the turning point that sets the moral conflict of the story in motion. - How does this discovery challenge Dr Sadao’s values?
Answer: It forces him to choose between loyalty to his country and his duty as a doctor.
Flow Chart
1. Dr Sadao and Hana notice a figure on the beach
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2. They discover it's a wounded American soldier (an enemy during wartime)
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3. They face a moral dilemma: help the man or report him to authorities
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4. Dr Sadao chooses to treat the soldier out of professional and ethical duty
↓
5. The domestic servants protest and eventually leave the house
↓
6. Hana, despite her fear, helps Dr Sadao care for the soldier
↓
7. The General learns of the situation and promises to send assassins
↓
8. The General fails to act, focused on his own health
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9. Dr Sadao secretly arranges the soldier’s escape by boat
↓
10. The soldier escapes safely; Sadao informs the General he is gone
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11. Dr Sadao’s moral conflict is resolved – humanity wins over hatred
Notebook work
1. word meanings
2. flow chart
3. Character sketches:
Dr Sadao Hoki
Dr Sadao is a skilled Japanese surgeon who studied in America. He is intelligent, patriotic, and deeply humane. When faced with the choice of helping an enemy soldier or handing him over, he follows his conscience as a doctor. Though he fears consequences, he puts humanity above nationalism. He ultimately helps the soldier escape, showing moral courage and compassion.
Hana
Hana is Dr Sadao’s supportive and sensitive wife. Though initially afraid to shelter the enemy, she stands by her husband. When the servants leave, she bravely assists in nursing the soldier. Her quiet strength and kindness highlight her growth and loyalty, both as a wife and a compassionate human being.
The American Soldier
The wounded American soldier represents the helpless victims of war. Though he is an enemy, he is shown as young, weak, and trusting. His silent suffering highlights the inhumanity of war. His escape, aided by Dr Sadao, shows that kindness can transcend enmity.
The Servants
The servants reflect traditional and nationalistic views. They oppose helping the enemy and leave the house in protest. Their actions are not evil, but guided by fear and loyalty to the country. They serve as a contrast to Dr Sadao’s sense of duty and humanity.
The General
The General is selfish, powerful, and concerned only with his health. He learns about the soldier but does nothing, promising to help only to protect his own interests. He symbolises the hypocrisy of those in power during war.
4. short answer questions:
1. Why did Dr Sadao treat the American soldier even though it was risky?
Answer:
Dr Sadao treated the soldier because his conscience as a doctor did not allow him to let a wounded man die. His medical ethics and sense of humanity overpowered his fear of punishment and loyalty to the state.
2. How did the General ensure that Dr Sadao was not punished for sheltering the enemy soldier?
Answer:
The General, being an influential man and also dependent on Dr Sadao for treatment, promised not to report him. He even said he would send assassins to kill the soldier secretly, but he never followed through. He protected Sadao because he needed him.
3. What was the reaction of the servants to the presence of the American soldier?
Answer:
The servants were shocked and disapproving. They believed it was wrong and unpatriotic to shelter an enemy. Yumi refused to wash the soldier, and eventually, the servants left the house in protest.
Describe the internal conflict Dr Sadao experiences. How does he resolve it?
Answer:
Dr Sadao faces a deep moral dilemma when he finds a wounded American soldier washed up near his house during World War II. As a Japanese citizen, his patriotic duty is to hand over the enemy to the authorities. However, as a doctor, his professional and moral duty is to save a life, regardless of the man’s identity.
This conflict torments him throughout the story. Even though he fears punishment, he chooses to operate on the soldier and nurses him back to health. At the same time, he contemplates informing the authorities or allowing the General's assassins to eliminate the soldier. Ultimately, his humanity triumphs. He arranges for the soldier to escape, thus fulfilling his duty both as a doctor and as a moral human being. The story highlights that true ethics and compassion often go beyond national boundaries.
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