The Enemy Summary with Themes Characters and Exam Important Points
Living during wartime in Japan, Dr. Sadao Hoki and his wife, Hana, spot a dark shape in the surf that turns out to be a white man; a severely wounded soldier. At first, they agree to turn the man over to authorities as a prisoner of war. This makes perfect sense considering not just the ramifications of treating his wounds, but because the doctor and his wife are both virulent racist nationalists who consider the Japanese to be superior to the white race anywhere in the world. They had met in America before the war and only proposed because his father consented to his choice.
Changing their minds in the face of the massive trauma exhibited by the man, the two agree to take him back to their home and treat his injuries as an act of humanitarian compassion consistent with their belief in the superiority of the Japanese people. They must inform their servants of this decision, of course. The servants are every bit as racially prejudiced and biassed as their employers, but their edges have not been softened by the humanitarianism of medical service. The servants make no secret of their belief that the man should have been left to die and of their coldness towards the doctor and his wife.
After a week of treating the white man and helping him recover from his life-threatening injuries, the servants quit when their ultimatum, that the man be turned over to the authorities, is met by the doctor’s steadfast resolve. Mean the man an American named Tom—is well enough to thank the doctor for saving his life. The doctor warns him not to be premature with this assessment. When a messenger arrives for her husband, Hana is terrified that the servants have spilt beans and they are about to be punished.
Instead, the message directed Dr. Hoki to a patient consultation with General Takima, a wife-beating hero of the Battle of Manchuria. Takima is very ill and will likely die without the surgical skill of the doctor. Sadao chooses to confess to the General about the situation with the injured soldier. The General, in a remarkable display of self-interest over duty, agrees to keep the secret. After all, if he turns in the doctor, then Sadao will likely be executed, and he needs the doctor alive in order to prolong his own life. They reach an agreement in which the General will send assassins to kill Tom.
After a few days, the soldier not only has not been assassinated but has recovered much of his strength, which intensifies the doctor’s fear. Since it seems the General has changed the plans they agreed upon, Dr. Hoki takes it upon himself to arrange the man’s nighttime escape aboard a Korean fishing boat without informing his wife. The escape plan seems to be going off without a hitch.
Then, the doctor is called in for emergency surgery to save the General’s life and when the patient is strong enough to receive the news, he tells him that his prisoner somehow escapes in the night. The General confesses that he was worried about his own life to the degree that he had completely forgotten the assassination agreement. He then goes on very strongly that it was simply a case of carelessness and most certainly not a dereliction of duty or lack of patriotism. The two men strike a deal to keep it a secret, with the General promising Sadao that he will be rewarded.
Dr. Hoki looks out towards the horizon for the American’s signal that he was still safely in his hiding spot awaiting the arrival of the fishing boat. However, the sunsets without a signal, informing the doctor that the escape was successful. This, Dr. Hoki thinks, is his real reward. As he ponders his time in America, the true depth of his irrational prejudice against the white race is revealed through his thoughts. Such is the depth of his hatred of the “repulsive” whites of the world that he is actually glad the country is at war with them.
Biggest Takeaway from the Enemy
To summarise, we learn how love and compassion, rather than prejudices and biases against other individuals with whom we share nothing but the link of being humans, may help us become better human beings.
FAQs on The Enemy Summary and Complete Story Explanation
1. What is the summary of The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck?
The short story The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck is about a Japanese doctor, Dr. Sadao, who saves the life of a wounded American prisoner during World War II despite the risk to his own safety. The story highlights the conflict between professional duty and national loyalty.
- Dr. Sadao finds an injured American soldier washed ashore.
- He treats him out of medical ethics, even though Japan and America are at war.
- After recovery, the soldier escapes with Dr. Sadao’s help.
- The story ends with Dr. Sadao reflecting on his inner conflict.
2. Who is the main character in The Enemy?
The main character in The Enemy is Dr. Sadao Hoki, a skilled Japanese surgeon trained in America. He is portrayed as:
- A loyal Japanese citizen
- A compassionate and ethical doctor
- A man torn between patriotism and humanity
3. What is the main theme of The Enemy?
The main theme of The Enemy is the conflict between human compassion and national duty during wartime. Other important themes include:
- Professional ethics vs. patriotism
- The universality of humanity
- Moral courage in difficult situations
4. Why does Dr. Sadao save the American soldier?
Dr. Sadao saves the American soldier because he believes in his duty as a doctor to save lives regardless of nationality. He cannot let a wounded man die when he has the skills to treat him.
- He follows medical ethics.
- He acts out of compassion.
- He struggles but ultimately chooses humanity.
5. What is the setting of The Enemy?
The setting of The Enemy is Japan during World War II, mainly at Dr. Sadao’s house near the seashore. The setting is important because:
- Japan and America are enemies at war.
- Harboring an American prisoner is considered treason.
- The isolated seaside house increases tension and secrecy.
6. How does the American soldier escape in The Enemy?
The American soldier escapes with Dr. Sadao’s secret help after recovering from his injuries. Dr. Sadao arranges:
- A small boat
- Food and water supplies
- Instructions to row to a nearby island
7. What role does Hana play in The Enemy?
Hana, Dr. Sadao’s wife, supports her husband despite her fear and anxiety about helping the enemy soldier. Her role is significant because:
- She assists in nursing the wounded man.
- She shares her husband’s moral struggle.
- She represents quiet strength and loyalty.
8. What is the conflict in The Enemy?
The main conflict in The Enemy is an internal conflict within Dr. Sadao between his patriotic duty and his professional responsibility. There is also:
- External conflict between Japan and America.
- Social conflict, as helping the enemy is punishable by death.
9. Why is the title The Enemy significant?
The title The Enemy is significant because it refers not only to the American soldier but also to the idea of hatred created by war. The word “enemy” highlights:
- The political division between nations.
- The moral question of who the real enemy is.
- The contrast between labels and human identity.
10. What is the message of The Enemy?
The message of The Enemy is that humanity and compassion are greater than hatred and war. Pearl S. Buck conveys that:
- Professional ethics should be upheld even in crisis.
- All humans deserve care and dignity.
- Moral courage is more important than blind patriotism.
