The enemy

By:Rajit krishna 12M

The author (pearl sydenstricker buck)​
She is an american writter and novelist .She
had a Chinese name - Sai Zhenzhu as she
spent her childhood in China, being the
daughter of missionaries. She was awarded
the Pulitzer prize in 1932 and the Nobel Prize
in Literature in the year 1938.​
 Characters
•Dr. Sadao Hoki: A Japanese doctor trained by Americans.​
• Sadao's father: much concerned about his son's education, a true
patriot.​
• Hana: Wife of Dr. Sadao, met in America, became friends and got
married in Japan.​
•T
 om: An American prisoner of war, a soldier of U.S. Navy.​
•T
 he old General: a sick Japanese army General, needed an
operation, trusted only Dr. Sadao.​
•A
 n officer: A messenger of the General.​
•G
 ardener: an old gardener in the house of Dr. Sadao.​
•Y
 imi: Hana's maid servant.​
• The cook: an old cook in the house of Dr. Sadao.​
 summary
•The Enemy" is set in a small coastal village in Japan during World War II. The
story revolves around Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon who is torn between
his duty as a doctor and his loyalty to his country. One stormy night, Sadao
and his wife Hana are awakened by a noise in their house. They discover an
injured American prisoner of war washed ashore near their home. Sadao
recognizes him as the enemy, a soldier from the country at war with Japan.

•Sadao, being a skilled surgeon, immediately assesses the soldier's condition

and realizes that his wounds are severe and in need of immediate medical
attention. Despite his initial hesitation and conflict of emotions, Sadao
cannot bear to let the man die without attempting to save him. His
professional ethics and compassion compel him to take action, setting the
stage for a moral dilemma that will shape the rest of the story.​
 summary
•Initially, Sadao debates whether he should turn the American prisoner,
whom he later learns is named Tom, over to the authorities or kill him to
eliminate the risk of being discovered harboring an enemy. However,
Sadao's medical training and innate compassion prevail, and he decides to
save Tom's life by secretly treating hi in sadao fathers old bedroom .
Sadao's actions are further complicated by the fact that Tom's presence
poses a threat to his family's safety.

•As Sadao tends to Tom's injuries, he reflects on the absurdity of war and
the arbitrary divisions it creates between people. He questions the hatred
and animosity he has been taught towards the enemy, realizing that
beneath the surface, both he and Tom are human beings with shared
vulnerabilities and pain. This introspection adds depth to Sadao's internal
struggle and highlights the theme of common humanity in the face of war.​
 summary
•As Tom recovers, Sadao's conflicting emotions intensify. On one hand, he
feels a deep sense of gratitude towards Tom because the American saved
his own son's life when he was wounded. Sadao's son was injured during a
battle and left for dead by his comrades, but Tom risked his own safety to
rescue him. This act of selflessness challenges Sadao's preconceived notions
about the enemy and complicates his decision-making process.​

•On the other hand, Sadao understands the consequences of sheltering an

enemy soldier. The repercussions for him and his family could be severe if
they were discovered harboring Tom. Throughout this part, Sadao's internal
struggle is juxtaposed(Comparison) with his daily life as a respected
surgeon, attending to his duties at the hospital while secretly caring for
Tom's well-being.​
 summary
•Realizing the potential danger his family faces if Tom's presence is
discovered, Sadao decides to release him. He understands that Tom must
escape to a nearby island where he can hide until he can be rescued by his
own forces. Sadao helps Tom with some provisions and offers him advice on
how to navigate the treacherous currents. However, Sadao fears that if Tom
is captured and the authorities learn about his involvement, he and his
family will be considered traitors.​

•In order to protect his family, Sadao takes great care to eliminate any
evidence of Tom's presence in his house. He burns Tom's bandages and
clothing, removes any trace of blood, and thoroughly cleans the basement.
Sadao's actions reflect his commitment to his family's safety, even if it
means erasing any sign that he ever harbored an enemy soldier.​
 summary
In the final part of the story, Sadao receives news that Tom
successfully reached the island and escaped. Reflecting on
the events that unfolded, Sadao realizes the complexity of
war and the arbitrary nature of nationalistic hatred. He
questions the idea that an individual from an enemy
country is automatically an enemy. Sadao understands that
Tom, like himself, is a human being with fears, hopes, and
vulnerabilities
message which the chapter coveys
•War should not blind us to the shared humanity and
compassion that exist between individuals.
•Loyalty to one's country should not overshadow our duty to
uphold basic human values and help those in need.
•The power of empathy and understanding has the potential
to bridge divides and create a world free from the
destructive forces of war.
Thank
you