🌈 The Enemy – Class 12 English (Vistas Chapter 4)

📖 About the Author

Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973) – Nobel Prize-winning American author.
Famous for her novels and short stories on China, exploring cultural, social, and humanistic themes.
Themes include compassion, morality, cross-cultural understanding, and human values.
Style is simple, direct, and emotionally engaging, highlighting ethical dilemmas and humanity.

📜 Summary of the Chapter

(Point-wise, colourful notes for clarity)

1️⃣ Introduction

The story is set in war-torn China during a time of conflict.
The protagonist, Dr. Sadao, is a Japanese doctor living in China.
Dr. Sadao is known for his skill and kindness, respected by locals.

2️⃣ Discovery of the Enemy

A wounded American prisoner of war (enemy soldier) arrives at Dr. Sadao’s home.
He is injured, weak, and in need of immediate medical attention.
Dr. Sadao is torn between duty as a doctor and loyalty to his country.

3️⃣ Moral Dilemma and Compassion

Dr. Sadao treats the enemy soldier secretly, risking his reputation and safety.
His wife, Mrs. Hana, supports him in this act of compassion.
The story highlights humanity over nationalism, as they prioritize saving a life.

4️⃣ Challenges and Tension

There is tension because helping the enemy is considered treasonous.
Dr. Sadao faces fear of discovery by fellow Japanese officials.
He carefully plans to ensure the soldier’s safety while avoiding suspicion.

5️⃣ Conclusion / Moral Insight

Dr. Sadao helps the soldier escape safely, balancing morality with caution.
The story emphasizes compassion, courage, and ethical choices in times of war.
Human values are shown to transcend national and political boundaries.

🎭 Themes

Humanity and Compassion – Saving a life takes priority over war and politics.
Moral Dilemma – The conflict between duty, loyalty, and ethics.
Courage and Risk – Acts of kindness can require great personal bravery.
Conflict and War – The story explores the human cost of political conflicts.
Ethics vs. Nationalism – Personal morality can challenge blind loyalty to a nation.

✨ Important Lines & Explanation

“The wounded soldier lay helplessly, relying on Dr. Sadao’s skill.”
👉 Shows the power of trust and human vulnerability, regardless of nationality.
“Helping the enemy meant risking his life and reputation.”
👉 Highlights ethical courage and the moral dilemmas faced during war.
“Humanity transcends the boundaries of war.”
👉 Core message: compassion and empathy are universal values that surpass politics.

🎨 Figures of Speech / Literary Devices

Irony → Dr. Sadao, a Japanese, risks everything to save an American soldier, his enemy.
Symbolism → The soldier represents innocence, vulnerability, and humanity amidst conflict.
Contrast → Between war (destruction) and compassion (humanity).
Tone → Serious, reflective, ethical, tense.
Suspense → Creates tension around discovery and moral choices.

📚 NCERT Questions & Answers

🔹 Short Answer (30–40 words)

Q1. Who is Dr. Sadao?
👉 Dr. Sadao is a Japanese doctor living in China during war. He is skilled, compassionate, and morally upright, facing a dilemma when an injured American soldier, his enemy, seeks medical help.

Q2. What moral dilemma does Dr. Sadao face?
👉 He must choose between loyalty to his country and saving a human life. Treating the enemy could be considered treason, but ethical duty compels him to act with compassion.

Q3. How does Mrs. Hana support Dr. Sadao?
👉 She assists him secretly, showing compassion, courage, and shared moral responsibility, emphasizing that human values should surpass fear or political allegiance.

🔹 Long Answer (120–150 words)

Q. Discuss the theme of humanity and ethical choice in “The Enemy.”
👉 “The Enemy” portrays Dr. Sadao’s moral courage during war. When an injured American soldier seeks help, he faces a conflict between national loyalty and ethical duty. Despite the risks, Dr. Sadao treats the soldier, demonstrating humanity over politics. His wife, Mrs. Hana, supports him, emphasizing that compassion requires courage and shared moral conviction. The story highlights that ethical choices can defy societal expectations and authority, and that human life should be valued above enmity. Pearl S. Buck illustrates that war does not erase empathy and universal moral responsibility. By risking his safety, Dr. Sadao embodies courage, integrity, and altruism. The story urges readers to consider compassion as a guiding principle, showing that even amidst conflict, humanity can prevail over hostility and prejudice.

📝 Extra Questions for Practice

Explain the ethical dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao.
How does Mrs. Hana contribute to the story’s message?
Discuss the theme of humanity vs. nationalism.
How does the author create suspense in the story?
What risks did Dr. Sadao take to save the soldier?
How does the story portray the human cost of war?
Discuss the significance of compassion in the narrative.
How does Pearl S. Buck explore moral courage?
Describe the setting and its effect on the story.
How does the story emphasize ethical decision-making?

🌸 Conclusion

“The Enemy” is a thought-provoking story on morality, compassion, and courage. Pearl S. Buck demonstrates that ethical choices often transcend politics, nationality, and fear. The story teaches that humanity and empathy should guide actions, even in challenging and dangerous circumstances. It remains a timeless lesson on moral courage, empathy, and the triumph of ethical values over blind loyalty.