The Enemy Class 12 Summary

Summary

Dr. Sadao Hoki, a skilled Japanese surgeon, faces a moral dilemma when he finds an American POW washed ashore. Torn between his duty as a doctor and loyalty to his country, he saves the man, Tom, despite the objections of his wife and servants. As tensions rise, the Japanese authorities plan to kill the prisoner, but Sadao secretly arranges for Tom's escape. In the end, the prisoner disappears, leaving Sadao to reflect on the deep conflict between his professional duty and national allegiance, questioning the true cost of his actions in a time of war.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Sadao Hoki, a skilled Japanese surgeon, was trained in America and became famous for his expertise in surgery and science.
• 😀 Dr. Sadao's father, a nationalist, sent him to America to learn surgery, hoping his son could contribute to Japan's future.
• 😀 Dr. Sadao married Hana, whom he met in America, and they settled in Japan, where they lived by the coast.
• 😀 One night, Dr. Sadao and Hana encounter an injured American soldier washed ashore, who is severely wounded and needs medical help.
• 😀 Dr. Sadao faces a moral dilemma, torn between his duty as a surgeon to save a life and his loyalty to Japan as a patriot.
• 😀 Despite objections from his wife, Hana, and their servants, Dr. Sadao decides to treat the wounded American soldier.
• 😀 The household staff, including Yumi and the gardener, express their strong disapproval of helping an enemy, highlighting the conflict between personal ethics and national loyalty.
• 😀 Dr. Sadao performs surgery on the soldier, with Hana fainting at the sight of the operation, showing the emotional strain of the situation.
• 😀 After the surgery, the soldier, named Tom, asks if Dr. Sadao plans to turn him over to the authorities, increasing the tension within the household.
• 😀 The general, who has been receiving treatment from Dr. Sadao, learns of the soldier’s presence and orders assassins to kill the prisoner, creating further moral conflict for Dr. Sadao.
• 😀 Dr. Sadao devises a plan to help the American soldier escape by putting him in a boat, hoping he will find safety with a Korean vessel, demonstrating his attempt to reconcile his oath with his patriotism.

Q & A

What is Dr. Sadao Hoki's background and how did he become a renowned surgeon?

Dr. Sadao Hoki is the only son of a nationalist Japanese father who sent him to America at the age of 22 to study surgery. He became a famous surgeon and scientist, eventually returning to Japan where he was seen as a potential medical resource for the Japanese military.

How did Dr. Sadao meet his wife, Hana?

Dr. Sadao met his wife, Hana, while they were both in America. They met at a professor’s house, and after marrying, they returned to Japan together.

What moral dilemma does Dr. Sadao face when he finds the injured American prisoner?

Dr. Sadao faces a moral dilemma because, as a surgeon, he feels obligated to save the life of the injured man, but as a patriot, he struggles with the idea of helping an American enemy. Ultimately, he chooses to save the man's life, deciding to keep him hidden and treat him in secret.

What was the reaction of the household servants to the presence of the American prisoner?

The servants were strongly opposed to treating the American prisoner. Yumi, the maid, refused to wash a white man, and the gardener warned that the master’s actions could bring revenge. Despite their protests, Hana and Dr. Sadao decided to care for him.

Why did Hana faint during the operation on the American prisoner?

Hana fainted because she had never witnessed a surgical operation before. The sight of the surgery, especially the removal of the bullet, overwhelmed her.

How did Dr. Sadao manage the threat of the general's assassins?

Dr. Sadao initially believed that the general's assassins would come to kill the American prisoner. However, after waiting for several days and fearing for the prisoner’s safety, he decided to help the man escape by providing him with clothes, food, water, and a boat to flee to a nearby island.

What was the role of the general in the story, and how did his actions impact Dr. Sadao?

The general plays a key role in creating a sense of fear and tension for Dr. Sadao. When he learned that Sadao was hiding an American prisoner, he threatened to send assassins to kill him. However, in the end, the general reveals that he forgot to send the assassins and asks Dr. Sadao to keep the escape a secret.

What is the significance of the boat that Dr. Sadao prepares for the American prisoner?

The boat symbolizes Dr. Sadao's final attempt to help the American prisoner escape and live, despite the risks to himself. By preparing the boat, Dr. Sadao ensures that the prisoner can leave in safety, hoping to evade capture and punishment by the authorities.

What does Dr. Sadao reflect on at the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Dr. Sadao reflects on the various white faces he has encountered in his life, likely contemplating the complexities of his identity as a Japanese man who has interacted with many Americans, especially in light of his actions to save the life of an enemy soldier.

How does the story explore the themes of duty, loyalty, and patriotism?

The story delves into the conflict between personal duty as a medical professional and loyalty to one’s country. Dr. Sadao struggles to reconcile his patriotism with his oath as a doctor to save lives, highlighting the emotional and ethical conflicts that arise when national loyalty and professional duty clash.