XII Vistas, Prose IV, The Enemy
Vistas
Prose IV
The Enemy
Introduction
"The
Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck is set during World War II and revolves around the
ethical dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon. The story explores
themes of humanity, duty, and prejudice as Dr. Sadao grapples with his
conscience when an American prisoner of war is washed ashore near his home.
Theme
The
central theme of "The Enemy" is the conflict between duty and
compassion. Dr. Sadao is torn between his duty to his country, which is at war
with America, and his moral obligation as a doctor to save a human life,
regardless of nationality. The story delves into issues of loyalty, racism, and
the universal nature of human compassion.
Summary
Introduction
and Setting
Dr.
Sadao Hoki lives on a coastal Japanese estate built above a narrow beach lined
with pines. As a child, Sadao often played on this beach and climbed the trees,
absorbing lessons from his father, who stressed the importance of education and
the potential future greatness of Japan. Sadao's father, a strict and serious
man, instilled in him a strong sense of duty and ambition.
Education
and Return to Japan
Following
his father's guidance, Sadao was sent to America at twenty-two to study
medicine and surgery. He excelled in his studies and returned to Japan at
thirty as a renowned surgeon and scientist, particularly known for his research
on wound sterilization. Sadao's skills were so valuable that he was retained in
Japan during the war to potentially perform surgery on a high-ranking general
if needed.
Discovery
of the American Soldier
One
foggy evening, while Sadao and his wife, Hana, are at home, they see a man
staggering out of the mist and collapsing on the beach. Upon closer inspection,
they discover he is an American soldier, likely an escaped prisoner of war. He
is severely wounded, with a gunshot wound in his lower back that has reopened.
Initial
Dilemma
Sadao
and Hana face a moral and ethical dilemma. As a Japanese citizen and a patriot,
Sadao feels he should turn the soldier over to the authorities. However, as a
doctor, he feels a duty to save the man's life. Hana supports him but is also
deeply fearful of the consequences.
Treatment
and Recovery
Despite
their fears, Sadao and Hana decide to bring the soldier into their home. They
face resistance from their servants, who are afraid and superstitious,
believing that helping the enemy will bring misfortune. The servants' fear
leads to a tense atmosphere in the household. Nevertheless, Sadao proceeds to
operate on the soldier, saving his life through his exceptional surgical
skills.
Tension
and Fear
As
the soldier recovers, the tension in the household increases. The servants
eventually leave, unable to reconcile with the presence of the enemy in their
home. Sadao and Hana are left to care for the soldier alone, constantly aware
of the danger they are in if their actions are discovered by the authorities.
Decision
and Resolution
Sadao
decides to inform the General about the situation. Surprisingly, the General,
who values Sadao's medical expertise, agrees to help in a discreet manner. He
arranges for assassins to eliminate the soldier, ensuring Sadao's safety.
However, the assassins never arrive, leaving Sadao in a state of growing
anxiety and uncertainty.
Final
Act of Compassion
Realizing
that he cannot wait any longer, Sadao decides to help the soldier escape. He
provides him with a boat, food, and detailed instructions on how to reach a
nearby island where he can Catch a Korean fishing boat. The soldier, grateful
for Sadao's help, departs quietly.
Conclusion
and Reflection
After
the soldier's departure, Sadao reflects on the events and his actions. He is
acutely aware of the risks he took, but he finds solace in knowing that he
upheld his duties as a doctor and acted out of compassion. The story ends with
Sadao contemplating the complexities of his choices, the conflict between duty
and humanity, and the profound nature of compassion that transcends national
boundaries.
Q1.
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 you have just read.
Ans:
In "The Enemy," Dr. Sadao faces a profound conflict between his
personal morality and his national loyalty. As a doctor, his duty is to save
lives, regardless of nationality. However, as a Japanese citizen during
wartime, his loyalty to his country compels him to hand over the American
soldier to the authorities. This pressure between his roles as a compassionate
individual and a loyal citizen reflects the broader dilemma many faces in times
of war, where ethical decisions are clouded by nationalism. Ultimately, Sadao
prioritizes his humanity and medical ethics over his national loyalty, helping
the soldier despite the personal risks.
Q2.
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?
Ans:
Hana is initially reluctant to help the American soldier due to the fear of
consequences, but she ultimately supports her husband's decision. Her sympathy
stems from her deep understanding of Sadao's moral obligations as a doctor. She
respects his commitment to preserve life, even if it goes against societal
expectations. Hana's empathy for the soldier is rooted in her compassion as a
human being, recognizing the helplessness and suffering of the wounded man.
Although their domestic staff openly disobeys them out of fear and prejudice,
Hana remains steadfast in her support, driven by her sense of humanity and her
loyalty to her husband.
3.
How would you explain the reluctance of the soldier to leave the shelter of the
doctor’s home even when he knew he couldn’t stay there without risk to the doctor
and himself?
Ans:
The American soldier's reluctance to leave the shelter of Dr. Sadao’s home is a
testament to the deep fear and uncertainty he faces as an escaped prisoner of war
in enemy territory. He is acutely aware of the danger that awaits him outside,
where he could be captured or killed. While staying with the doctor poses a
risk to both himself and Sadao, the soldier may have been comforted by the
protection and care he received in the doctor's home. His hesitation to leave
could also reflect his gratitude and trust in Sadao, knowing that the doctor
had saved his life despite the risks involved.
4.
What explains the attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier?
Was it human consideration, lack of national loyalty, dereliction of duty or
simply self-absorption?
Ans: The General’s
attitude in the matter of the enemy soldier is shaped by self-interest and
pragmatism rather than human consideration or a lack of national loyalty.
Though he is aware of the soldier’s presence, he is more concerned with his own
health and survival, relying on Sadao's medical expertise to keep him alive.
His decision not to report the soldier or take immediate action can be seen as a
dereliction of duty, driven by his personal need for Sadao’s services. The
General's self-absorption allows him to overlook the situation, prioritizing
his well-being over national concerns.
5.
While hatred against a member of the enemy race is justifiable, especially
during wartime, what makes a human being rise above narrow prejudices?
Ans:
Despite the justifiable hatred against the enemy during wartime, individuals
like Dr. Sadao and Hana rise above narrow prejudices due to their inherent
sense of humanity. Dr. Sadao’s decision to save the American soldier highlights
the power of compassion and ethical responsibility, exceeding national and
racial barriers. It is the recognition of shared human suffering,
vulnerability, and the moral imperative to preserve life that compels
individuals to act beyond prejudice, even in the face of war.
6.
Do you think the doctor’s final solution to the problem was the best possible
one in the circumstances?
Ans:
In the given circumstances, Dr. Sadao’s final solution to the problem—helping
the American soldier escape—was the best possible choice. It allowed him to
uphold his moral duty as a doctor while protecting his family from potential
repercussions. By giving the soldier a chance to flee to safety, Sadao ensures
that the soldier’s life is spared without directly defying his country. This
solution also alleviates his inner conflict between personal morality and
national duty, making it a practical resolution to an otherwise impossible
situation.
7.
Does the story remind you of ‘Birth’ by A. J. Cronin that you read in Snapshots
last year? What are the similarities?
Ans: "The
Enemy" and "Birth" by A.J. Cronin share similarities in their
exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors. Both stories feature
protagonists who are driven by their commitment to save lives despite
challenging circumstances. In "Birth," Dr. Andrew Manson battles to
save a newborn and his mother in a difficult childbirth, while in "The
Enemy," Dr. Sadao faces a life-or-death situation involving an enemy
soldier. Both stories highlight the emotional and ethical struggles of doctors
as they navigate their professional responsibilities in the face of personal
and societal challenges.
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