The Enemy is a story written by Pearl Sydenstricker Buck. It is about a Japanese surgeon, Sadao. He went to study in America and met a Japanese girl, Hana, there. He marries her and brings her back to Japan to settle down. This was the time of World War II. Thus, all the doctors were called upon to serve the Japanese army. However, they allowed Sadao to stay back. It was because he was tending to the old General who was on his deathbed. However, one night, an incident changes his life. He encounters an American navy man who is injured by a gunshot and dying. The soldier is an enemy of Japan, and helping him is considered a crime. At first, Sadao and Hana are afraid because saving the soldier could cost them their lives.
However, being a doctor, Sadao feels it is his moral duty to save a human life. Although Sadao was not willing to help the enemy, he takes in the young soldier and provides him with medical assistance. He brings the soldier home and operates on him despite great risk. Hana helps him, though she feels disgusted and frightened. The servants of the house leave because they believe helping an enemy is wrong. As the days kept passing, the soldier was now beginning to gain his health back. Now that the soldier was no longer Sadao‘s patient, he decides to kill him off in his sleep. He informs the Japanese General of the American and thus the General agrees. They decide to send private assassins to kill the American soldier.
While waiting for the assassins, Sadao starts noticing it was delaying. However, during this course, humanity in Sadao arises. He realizes that he is a human being at the end of the day. He now recognizes the value of human life as well as universal brotherhood. Thus, this opens his mind which was limited to race, boundaries, and wars. Finally, he comes to the conclusion that the American soldier is not his enemy just because he belongs to another country. Thus, he rises above his prejudices and does the right thing by helping the American soldier escape, thus saving his life. The story shows that Humanity is greater than hatred, war, and nationality.
Intro of “The Enemy”
The Enemy Summary
Character Sketch of Dr. Sadao Hoki
Dr. Sadao Hoki is the central character of The Enemy. He is a skilled Japanese surgeon who was educated in America and is respected for his medical ability. During World War II, he is allowed to stay at home because he is treating a Japanese General. Dr. Sadao is loyal to his country, but above all, he believes in his duty as a doctor. When he finds a wounded American soldier, he faces a serious moral conflict. Helping the enemy is a crime, yet letting a man die goes against his conscience. Despite fear and danger, he operates on the soldier and saves his life. Through Dr. Sadao, the story shows that humanity is greater than war, hatred, and nationality.
Character Sketch of Hana
Hana is Dr. Sadao’s wife and a strong supporting character. She is a traditional Japanese woman who is loyal to her husband and respectful of social rules. At first, she is frightened and disturbed by the presence of the enemy soldier and feels disgusted while helping in his treatment. However, she stands by her husband and assists him during the operation, even though it causes her emotional pain. Hana’s character shows obedience, inner strength, and moral support. She represents the silent courage of women who struggle between social duty and human compassion.
Important points to remember
The Enemy is a story written by Pearl Sydenstricker Buck.
It is about a Japanese surgeon, Sadao.
This was the time of World War II.
The soldier is an enemy of Japan, and helping him is considered a crime.
At first, Sadao and Hana are afraid because saving the soldier could cost them their lives.
However, being a doctor, Sadao feels it is his moral duty to save a human life.
Hana helps him, though she feels disgusted and frightened.
The servants of the house leave because they believe helping an enemy is wrong.
Finally, he comes to the conclusion that the American soldier is not his enemy just because he belongs to another country.
The story shows that Humanity is greater than hatred, war, and nationality.
