THE ENEMY

-By Pearl S. Buck

1. Dr. Sadao Hoki
- Protagonist, Japanese surgeon.
- Sadao is a skilled and dedicated Japanese surgeon who studied medicine in
America. He is married to Hana and lives on the Japanese coast. Sadao faces a
profound moral dilemma when he discovers and decides to help an injured
American soldier, a prisoner of war. His actions reflect his deep commitment to his
medical oath and his struggle between duty to his country and humanity.

2. Hana Hoki
- Sadao’s wife.
- Hana is supportive and compassionate, assisting Sadao in the difficult decision
to treat the American soldier. She shares Sadao's moral conflict and fears the
consequences of their actions. Despite her initial hesitation, Hana helps Sadao
during the surgery and takes care of the soldier, reflecting her strength and loyalty.
3. Tom (the American Soldier)
-Injured American prisoner of war.
- Tom is the injured American soldier who is washed ashore near Sadao’s home.
He has a gunshot wound and is in critical condition when found. Tom's presence
triggers the central conflict in the story, as Sadao and Hana decide to save his life,
risking their safety. His character represents the human face of the enemy,
challenging the stereotypes and hatred fueled by war.

4. The General
- Sadao’s patient and high-ranking Japanese official.
- The General is a powerful and influential figure in Japan, suffering from a medical
condition that requires Sadao's expertise. He trusts Sadao implicitly and promises to
handle the situation with the American soldier discreetly. However, his own health
issues cause him to forget his promise, leaving Sadao to deal with the moral and
practical implications of saving the soldier.
5. Sadao’s Father
- Sadao’s deceased father.
- Though not directly involved in the current events, Sadao's father plays a
significant role in shaping Sadao’s character and values. A stern and traditional man,
he placed great importance on Japanese culture and ensured that Sadao received a
prestigious education in America. His expectations and teachings deeply influence
Sadao's sense of duty and ethical conduct.

6. The Servants
-Supporting characters in Sadao's household.
The servants include Yumi (the maid), the cook, and the gardener. They are loyal
to the household but react with fear and suspicion upon discovering the American
soldier. They believe it is wrong to harbor an enemy and fear divine retribution. Their
departure from the household underscores the isolation and risk Sadao and Hana
face in their decision to save the soldier.
1. Introduction to Dr. Sadao and Hana
- The story begins by introducing Dr. Sadao Hoki and his wife, Hana. They live in a
spacious house on the Japanese coast, overlooking the sea. This house holds
sentimental value for Sadao as he played there as a child. Sadao is a highly skilled
surgeon who studied in America, returning to Japan to advance his medical career.
His expertise and skill make him an invaluable asset to the Japanese government,
particularly to the General, who may soon require an operation. Hana, Sadao’s
supportive and caring wife, ensures the household runs smoothly and shares in the
deep emotional and moral conflicts they face.

2. Discovery of the Enemy

- One foggy evening, Sadao and Hana see a figure washed ashore near their
home. As they approach, they realize it is a man—an American soldier, a prisoner of
war, severely injured with a gunshot wound. The soldier is unconscious and bleeding
heavily. Despite recognizing him as an enemy, Sadao's medical instincts urge him to
save the man's life.
The couple drags the soldier into their home, knowing that harboring an enemy could
have dire consequences. They clean his wounds and make a plan to decide what to
do next.

3. Moral Dilemma
- Sadao and Hana face a profound moral dilemma. As a doctor, Sadao is bound by
his oath to save lives, but as a Japanese citizen during wartime, he is expected to
report and hand over any enemy soldiers to the authorities. The couple discusses the
potential repercussions of hiding the enemy soldier. Hana is initially hesitant and
fears the consequences, but Sadao's sense of duty as a physician compels him to
care for the injured man. The moral conflict is intense, reflecting their internal struggle
between duty to their country and humanity.

4. Decision to Operate
- Sadao's medical training and instincts take over, and he decides to operate on the
American to save his life. Hana, though conflicted, supports his decision and assists
him in the procedure. They sterilize the dining room and gather surgical supplies,
fully aware that this act could lead to severe consequences if discovered. The
operation is tense and challenging, as Sadao removes the bullet and stitches up the
wounds, all the while fearing that their actions might be discovered by the authorities
or their neighbors.

5. Conflict with the Servants

- The household servants react with fear and suspicion when they learn about the
wounded American. They believe it is wrong to save an enemy and fear divine
retribution. Despite Hana's attempts to calm them, the servants, including the cook,
the gardener, and Yumi, the maid, ultimately decide to leave, unable to reconcile their
duties with their beliefs. This departure increases the household's isolation and adds
to the tension, as Sadao and Hana must now manage the care of the soldier entirely
on their own.

6. Interaction with the General

- Sadao visits the General, who suffers from a medical condition that might require
surgery. The General trusts Sadao's skills and confides in him about his health
 issues. During their conversation, Sadao subtly hints at the presence of the
American soldier without revealing too much. The General, preoccupied with his own
health and the need for secrecy, is intrigued but does not act immediately. This
interaction adds another layer to Sadao’s predicament, as he navigates his
professional obligations and personal morals.

7. The General's Promise

- The General promises to send assassins to quietly kill the American soldier, but
due to his health issues, he forgets. Sadao, left waiting for the promised help,
continues to care for the soldier. As days pass without any sign of the assassins,
Sadao grapples with his growing sense of responsibility for the American's life. The
delay forces Sadao to confront his own ethical boundaries and the lengths he is
willing to go to protect his patient.
8. Escape Plan

○ Realizing the General will not fulfill his promise, Sadao devises a plan for
 the American's escape. He provides the soldier with clothes, a flashlight,
and detailed instructions to reach a nearby island where a Korean fishing
boat can pick him up. Sadao’s careful planning, which includes giving the
soldier food and money, reflects his deep internal conflict and sense of duty
as a human being. The plan is risky, but it offers the only viable solution to
save both the soldier and his own family from potential retribution.

9. Successful Escape

○ The American soldier follows Sadao's instructions and successfully escapes.

Sadao watches from a distance as the soldier signals from the shore with
the flashlight, then disappears into the night, signifying his successful
escape. Sadao is relieved but remains tense about potential repercussions.
He destroys any evidence of the soldier’s presence and hopes that no one
will discover what they have done.
10. Resolution and Reflection

After the soldier's escape, Sadao reflects on the ordeal. He considers the moral
complexities and risks he undertook to save an enemy's life. The experience leaves
him contemplating the nature of humanity, duty, and the profound impact of his
actions on his conscience and life. Sadao realizes that, despite the dangers, he acted
in accordance with his principles and the Hippocratic oath, reaffirming his identity as
both a doctor and a compassionate human being.

Description of Sadao's Father:

● Sadao's father is portrayed as a stern, traditional man who highly values

Japanese culture and heritage. He was a significant influence on Sadao’s life,
instilling in him a deep sense of duty and honor. Sadao’s father was determined
to ensure that his son became a skilled and successful doctor, which is why he
sent Sadao to America to study medicine.
His father’s teachings and expectations weigh heavily on Sadao, guiding his
sense of duty and ethical conduct. A proud man deeply committed to his country
and its customs, Sadao’s father would have expected him to act in Japan's best
interests, making the decision to help the American soldier even more complex
and morally challenging for Sadao
How does Dr. Sadao’s character development throughout the story reflect his
internal conflict?
Dr. Sadao’s character development throughout the story reflects the theme of the
internal conflict between duty to one’s country and personal ethical responsibilities.
This conflict is central to his moral journey as he navigates the complexities of war,
patriotism, and humanity.
At the beginning of the story, Dr. Sadao is portrayed as a loyal Japanese citizen and a
dedicated surgeon. His internal conflict arises when he discovers the injured American
soldier on the beach. As a patriot, he feels compelled to report the enemy, but as a
doctor, his ethical duty is to save the soldier's life. This dichotomy intensifies as he
decides to operate on the soldier, risking his own safety and that of his family.
Throughout the story, Sadao’s actions, from performing surgery to hiding the soldier
and eventually helping him escape, highlight his struggle and gradual resolution of this
conflict.
By the end of the story, Sadao’s character development underscores his triumph of
personal integrity over societal expectations. His decision to save
and release the American soldier, despite the dangers, reflects his unwavering
commitment to his ethical principles as a doctor. This resolution illustrates that true
honor and duty are found in upholding humanitarian values, even in the face of
conflicting nationalistic pressures. Dr. Sadao's journey epitomizes the resolution of
internal conflict through steadfast adherence to one's moral convictions.
1. What is the primary setting of the story?
- The primary setting of the story is Dr. Sadao Hoki’s house on the Japanese coast.
The house is isolated, overlooking the sea, providing a serene but tense backdrop for
the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.

2. How does Dr. Sadao find the American soldier?

- Dr. Sadao and Hana find the American soldier washed ashore near their home. He
is unconscious and severely injured with a gunshot wound, sparking the central
conflict of whether to save him or report him.

3. Why is Dr. Sadao hesitant to report the American soldier?

- Dr. Sadao is hesitant to report the American soldier because of his commitment to
his medical oath to save lives. His ethical duty as a doctor conflicts with his patriotic
duty as a Japanese citizen during wartime.

4. How do the household servants react to the American soldier?

The household servants react with fear and suspicion. They believe harboring an
enemy is wrong and fear divine retribution. Unable to reconcile their beliefs with their
duties, they eventually leave the household.

5. What promise does the General make to Dr. Sadao?

- The General promises to send assassins to discreetly kill the American soldier.
However, due to his own health issues, he forgets this promise, leaving Sadao to
manage the situation on his own.

6. What motivates Dr. Sadao to help the American soldier escape?

- Dr. Sadao helps the American soldier escape to resolve the moral dilemma and
protect his family. Realizing the General won’t follow through, Sadao devises a plan for
the soldier’s escape, prioritizing his ethical responsibilities over national allegiance.

7. What does the successful escape of the American soldier symbolize?

- The successful escape symbolizes a triumph of humanity over wartime animosity. It
reflects Sadao's successful navigation of his ethical and moral dilemma, choosing to
uphold human dignity and compassion despite the risks.

8. How does Sadao's upbringing influence his actions?

- Sadao's upbringing, particularly his father's emphasis on duty and honor, heavily
influences his actions. These teachings conflict with his personal ethics as a doctor,
creating a complex moral landscape that he must navigate.

9. What is the story's central theme?

- The central theme of "The Enemy" is the conflict between duty and humanity. The
story explores moral complexities during wartime, highlighting the personal sacrifices
and ethical dilemmas faced when choosing humane values over nationalistic fervor.

10. How does Sadao feel after the American soldier's escape?
- After the American soldier’s escape, Sadao feels a mixture of relief and tension. He
reflects on the moral complexities and risks he undertook, contemplating the impact of
his actions on his conscience and reaffirming his commitment to his medical oath.
● How does the story highlight the importance of ethical responsibility in
professional life?

"The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck highlights the importance of ethical

responsibility in professional life through Dr. Sadao’s actions. Despite the
American soldier being an enemy, Sadao's commitment to his medical oath
compels him to save the man's life. For instance, Sadao operates on the soldier
despite knowing the risks involved, such as potential accusations of treason.

The story underscores that true professionalism involves adhering to ethical

standards even when they conflict with personal or national loyalties. Sadao's
actions reflect the moral courage required to prioritize humanity and
professional integrity above all else.

Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes that ethical responsibility is a cornerstone

of any profession, demonstrating the universal value of life and the principle
of 'do no harm'.

● What does the story suggest about the power of compassion in times of
conflict?

"The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck suggests that compassion transcends

boundaries and enmities, even in times of conflict. Dr. Sadao and Hana's
decision to save the American soldier, despite him being their enemy,
illustrates the profound impact of compassion.

Their humane actions in a wartime setting highlight that compassion is a

fundamental human value that can bridge divides and challenge the
dehumanizing effects of war. For example, Hana supports her husband in
nursing the soldier back to health despite her initial fear and hesitation.

The narrative portrays compassion as a force that compels individuals to act

with empathy and kindness, demonstrating that, regardless of the surrounding
conflict, it is possible to uphold humanitarian principles and prioritize the
welfare of others.
How does the story explore the theme of duty versus humanity?

"The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck explores the theme of duty versus humanity
through Dr. Sadao’s internal struggle. His duty to his country dictates that he
should report the American soldier, yet his duty as a doctor demands that he
saves the man's life. This central conflict illustrates the challenges individuals
face when their professional and patriotic duties clash with their humanitarian
values.
Sadao’s decision to help the soldier, despite the risks, underscores the triumph
of humanity over rigid duty. For example, Sadao goes to great lengths to treat
the soldier’s wounds, risking his own safety and reputation.

The story suggests that true duty encompasses a broader understanding of

ethical responsibility, where compassion and humanity are integral.
How does Dr. Sadao’s character development throughout the story reflect his
internal conflict?

Dr. Sadao’s character development in "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck reflects

his internal conflict between his duties as a Japanese citizen and his
responsibilities as a doctor. Initially, he is torn between reporting the American
soldier and saving his life, embodying the tension between national loyalty and
professional ethics.
As the story progresses, Sadao's dedication to his medical oath and personal
ethics becomes more pronounced. He operates on the soldier and cares for
him, despite the risks, showcasing his growing resolve to prioritize his
humanitarian values over societal expectations.

Sadao’s actions, from performing surgery to planning the soldier’s escape,

reflect his struggle and ultimate decision to uphold his moral integrity,
emphasizing the importance of ethical steadfastness.
What does the interaction between Dr. Sadao and the General reveal about
authority and trust?

The interaction between Dr. Sadao and the General in "The Enemy" by Pearl S.
Buck reveals complexities in authority and trust. The General’s trust in Sadao’s
medical expertise contrasts with the potential threat he poses if he discovers
the American soldier.
This dynamic highlights the precarious balance between professional respect
and the dangers of authority in wartime. The General’s promise to send
assassins to eliminate the soldier, and his subsequent forgetfulness,
underscore the unreliability of authority figures and the fragile nature of trust.
Sadao’s dependence on the General's discretion puts him in a vulnerable
position.
This interaction showcases the tension between duty to authority and personal
ethics, emphasizing the moral uncertainties associated with trust in authority
during conflict.