Explore a comprehensive summary and analysis of Pearl S. Buck‘s “The Enemy,” including Q&A, word meanings, extract-based MCQs, and more. Perfect for CBSE class studies.
Summary of “The Enemy” by Pearl S. Buck
“The Enemy” is set during World War II in Japan and follows Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon, who faces a profound moral conflict. One night, Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, discover a severely wounded American soldier washed ashore near their home. Recognising him as an enemy, they face a dilemma: to hand him over to the authorities or honour Dr. Sadao’s duty as a doctor by treating him. Dr. Sadao decides to take the risk, driven by his medical ethics. Though Hana is initially hesitant and fearful, she supports her husband’s decision, even when the household staff leaves in protest, fearing that harbouring the soldier may bring disgrace and danger to the family.
As Dr. Sadao tends to the soldier’s wounds, he encounters resistance from both his conscience and his patriotic values. The General, an influential figure in Japan, learns of the situation and surprisingly suggests a plan to have the soldier eliminated quietly, valuing Dr. Sadao’s medical expertise more than the soldier’s capture. However, the General’s negligence allows the soldier to recover without interference.
Dr. Sadao, recognising the danger and moral implications of the situation, eventually arranges for the soldier’s safe escape by providing him with a boat and supplies to reach a nearby island. This act brings Dr. Sadao relief, though he realises that he cannot bring himself to hate the soldier, reflecting his inner conflict between humanity and duty. The story thus explores themes of compassion, the weight of moral decisions, and the complex nature of patriotism, portraying how war impacts individuals on both sides.
Explanation of “The Enemy”
Dr. Sadao’s Background and Conflict
Dr. Sadao is a highly skilled surgeon educated in America, loyal to his Japanese roots. His upbringing and training have instilled both patriotic values and an unwavering commitment to his duty as a doctor. These values clash when he finds an injured American soldier.
Hana’s Reaction
Hana, Dr. Sadao’s wife, is troubled by her husband’s decision to shelter and treat an enemy. Though fearful, she helps her husband, even when the household staff leaves in protest. Her support illustrates her loyalty and sense of duty.
The Servants’ Protest
The servants, loyal to Japan, are disturbed by Dr. Sadao’s actions. They see his act of kindness towards an enemy as betrayal, underscoring the tension between national loyalty and individual compassion.
The General’s Indifference
The General of Japan recognises Dr. Sadao’s skill and thus turns a blind eye to the soldier’s presence, even suggesting a plan to eliminate him quietly. This reflects his self-centred nature and the moral ambiguity of authority figures during wartime.
The Soldier’s Escape
Ultimately, Dr. Sadao arranges for the soldier’s safe escape, balancing his duties to his family, nation, and his conscience. The soldier’s gratitude contrasts with the hatred and suspicion surrounding him, highlighting the complex nature of humanity in wartime.
Word Meanings
| Words | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Haori | A loose, traditional Japanese jacket |
| Repulsion | A feeling of intense distaste |
| Alcove | A small recessed section of a room |
| Defiance | Open resistance or bold disobedience |
| Zeal | Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit |
| Inward Bleeding | Internal bleeding caused deliberately |
| Gaunt | Thin, especially due to suffering |
| Vitality | The state of being strong and active |
| Dereliction | Neglect of duty |
| Humanity | The quality of being compassionate |
Q&A: Question and Answer of “The Enemy”
Read and Find Out
- Who was Dr. Sadao? Where was his house?
- Dr. Sadao was a Japanese surgeon who lived in a house on a coastal rock overlooking a narrow beach lined with pine trees.
- Will Dr. Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
- No, Dr. Sadao is not arrested as the General values him for his medical skill and ignores his actions.
- Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?
- Yes, Hana, though hesitant, assists her husband and washes the American soldier when the servants refuse to do so.
- What will Dr. Sadao and his wife do with the man?
- They decide to save the soldier temporarily, aiming to turn him over to the police once he is stable.
- What will Dr. Sadao do to get rid of the man?
- He arranges a boat and supplies for the soldier to escape safely to a nearby island where he can await rescue.
Reading with Insight
- Discuss the theme of difficult choices between private roles and national loyalty with reference to the story.
- In “The Enemy,” Dr. Sadao faces a challenging choice between his duty as a doctor and his loyalty to Japan. He saves an enemy soldier, a decision that threatens his standing as a loyal citizen. This conflict illustrates how humanity often overrides duty.
- Why did Hana sympathise with the enemy soldier despite opposition?
- Hana’s empathy is spurred by her husband’s commitment to his medical duty. Despite opposition from the staff, she respects Dr. Sadao’s ethical obligation to save a life.
- Why was the soldier reluctant to leave despite the risk to both him and Dr. Sadao?
- The soldier was weak and unsure of his safety if he left. He relied on Dr. Sadao’s protection, highlighting his vulnerability and fear in enemy territory.
- What is revealed about the General’s character?
- The General’s disregard for human life and reliance on Dr. Sadao’s skills show his self-absorbed and morally ambiguous nature.
- How does the story portray the concept of rising above prejudices?
- Despite the wartime enmity, Dr. Sadao’s humane act transcends national hatred, showing the power of compassion over prejudice.
Extract-Based MCQs from “The Enemy”
Extract 1
“The best thing that we could do would be to put him back in the sea,” Sadao said, answering himself.
- What does Dr. Sadao mean by “put him back in the sea”?
- A) To let the man die
- B) To help him swim away
- C) To provide him with an escape route
- D) To hide him in the sea
Answer: A
- Why does Dr. Sadao consider putting the man back in the sea?
- A) He thinks the man is dead.
- B) He doesn’t want to harbour an enemy.
- C) He wants to avoid police scrutiny.
- D) He is ordered to do so by the General.
Answer: B
- What is implied by Dr. Sadao “answering himself”?
- A) He is talking to Hana.
- B) He is questioning his own decisions.
- C) He is looking for reassurance.
- D) He is voicing his anger.
Answer: B
Extract 2
“If we sheltered a white man in our house we should be arrested, and if we turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.
- What dilemma does Dr. Sadao face here?
- A) Whether to kill the man or let him go
- B) Whether to save the soldier or remain loyal to his country
- C) Whether to follow the General’s orders
- D) Whether to flee with his family
Answer: B
- What does Dr. Sadao mean by saying the man would “certainly die”?
- A) The authorities would execute him.
- B) He would succumb to his injuries.
- C) The man would escape and die later.
- D) He would die from a lack of food.
Answer: A
- What does Dr. Sadao’s consideration of the soldier’s fate reveal about him?
- A) His disregard for authority
- B) His compassion and humanity
- C) His hatred of Americans
- D) His lack of medical skill
Answer: B
Extract 3
“The strange thing is,” he said, “that if the man were whole, I could turn him over to the police without difficulty. I care nothing for him. He is my enemy. All Americans are my enemy.”
- What does Dr. Sadao mean by saying “if the man were whole”?
- A) If the man were not an enemy
- B) If the man were mentally stable
- C) If the man were not wounded
- D) If the man were a friend
Answer: C
- Why does Dr. Sadao refer to Americans as his “enemy”?
- A) He is angry at them for personal reasons.
- B) He blames Americans for Japan’s troubles.
- C) They are at war with Japan.
- D) The General has ordered him to hate them.
Answer: C
- What does this statement reveal about Dr. Sadao’s mindset?
- A) He is strictly patriotic and loyal to Japan.
- B) He is indifferent to the war.
- C) He dislikes medical work.
- D) He is obsessed with the soldier.
Answer: A
Extract 4
“You say the man escaped?” the General asked faintly. “He had been operated upon a week before, an emergency operation to which Sadao had been called in the night.”
- Why does the General ask about the man’s escape?
- A) He is worried about Dr. Sadao’s safety.
- B) He is angry with Dr. Sadao.
- C) He regrets not sending assassins.
- D) He is surprised Dr. Sadao let him go.
Answer: D
- What does the phrase “emergency operation” imply here?
- A) Dr. Sadao’s unique skills as a surgeon
- B) The General’s respect for Dr. Sadao
- C) The General’s reliance on Dr. Sadao
- D) The General’s belief in Dr. Sadao’s loyalty
Answer: C
- How does Dr. Sadao feel about the General’s reaction?
- A) He is indifferent.
- B) He feels safe.
- C) He is alarmed.
- D) He is regretful.
Answer: B
Extract 5
“It would be best if he could be quietly killed,” the General said. “Not by you, but by someone who does not know him.”
- What does the General suggest about the soldier’s fate?
- A) He should be executed by a trained assassin.
- B) He should be handed over to the police.
- C) He should be treated and let go.
- D) He should be hidden from sight.
Answer: A
- Why does the General choose “someone who does not know him” for the task?
- A) To ensure secrecy
- B) To protect Dr. Sadao
- C) To follow legal procedures
- D) To avoid involving soldiers
Answer: B
- What does this suggestion reveal about the General’s character?
- A) He values loyalty.
- B) He is ruthless and self-absorbed.
- C) He cares deeply for his soldiers.
- D) He is forgiving and merciful.
Answer: B
Answer Key
- Extract 1: 1) A, 2) B, 3) B
- Extract 2: 1) B, 2) A, 3) B
- Extract 3: 1) C, 2) C, 3) A
- Extract 4: 1) D, 2) C, 3) B
- Extract 5: 1) A, 2) B, 3) B
Important Questions of The Enemy
- What does Dr. Sadao’s treatment of the soldier show about his character?
- Dr. Sadao’s actions reflect his dedication to medical ethics, even when it contradicts his patriotism.
- How does the General’s response reveal his priorities?
- The General’s indifference to the soldier’s life shows he values Dr. Sadao’s skills over national duty.
- What role does the sea play in the story?
- The sea represents a constant, both as a source of danger and a potential escape route.
- Why do the servants oppose Dr. Sadao’s actions?
- The servants view his compassion for the enemy as a betrayal of national loyalty.
- What ultimate decision does Dr. Sadao make regarding the soldier?
- Dr. Sadao arranges for the soldier’s escape, thus balancing his duty to his family and his conscience.
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