Justification of Title

“The Enemy” is an apt title for the story that has

Second World War as the background that
eventually culminates in dropping of atom
bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by America.
Under these circumstances an American P.O.W.
sailor, by no chance, could be treated as a
friend by the Japanese. The servants in Dr.
Sadao’s house vehemently protest against his
presence and treat him as their sworn enemy;
so much so that they severe their long standing
relationship with the Sadao over to the police.
For the masses that constitute majority of the
population all the world over, all individuals
belonging to the country, their nation is at war
with, are their enemies. The Sadao couple too
considers Tom to be their enemy; but being
educated, they have a broader and more
generous view of life, and in spite of
reservations, mental conflicts and various other
odds they are confronted with, they take a
humanistic view. The doctor’s professional
ethics also urge him to treat the American sailor
as a patient. Neither Dr. Sadao, nor Hana, at any
stage consider him to be their friend in spite of
the fact that they have spent a number of years
in the States. Hence “The Enemy” is a befitting
title for the story.