- Understand the moral dilemmas faced by Dr. Sadao in his role as a doctor versus his national loyalty.
- Analyze the reasons behind Hana's sympathy towards the enemy soldier despite societal pressures.
- Explore the psychological factors influencing the soldier's reluctance to leave the safety of Dr. Sadao's home.
- Discuss the General's attitude towards the enemy soldier and its implications on duty and patriotism.
- Reflect on the broader themes of humanity and prejudice in wartime contexts.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Dr. Sadao's final decision regarding the enemy soldier.
The Enemy
Learning Objectives
Detailed Notes
Notes on 'The Enemy' by Pearl S. Buck
Overview
- Setting: During World War II, a Japanese doctor, Dr. Sadao Hoki, faces a moral dilemma when he finds an American prisoner of war washed ashore.
- Main Conflict: The struggle between professional duty as a doctor and national loyalty as a Japanese citizen.
Characters
- Dr. Sadao Hoki: A skilled surgeon educated in America, torn between his duty to save a life and his loyalty to his country.
- Hana: Sadao's wife, who supports him but is also influenced by societal pressures regarding the enemy soldier.
- The American Soldier: A wounded enemy soldier who becomes the focus of Sadao's moral conflict.
- The General: Represents the military and nationalistic views, expecting Sadao to act in accordance with patriotism.
Themes
- Moral Dilemma: Sadao's internal conflict about saving the enemy soldier versus his duty to his country.
- Prejudice and Loyalty: The story explores the prejudices faced by Sadao as a Japanese man in America and the expectations of loyalty during wartime.
- Humanity vs. Nationalism: The tension between personal ethics and societal expectations.
Key Moments
- Sadao's Decision: Despite his initial reluctance, Sadao chooses to operate on the American soldier, highlighting his commitment to his medical oath.
- Hana's Support: Hana's empathy towards the soldier contrasts with the views of their domestic staff, showcasing differing perspectives on loyalty and humanity.
- The General's Hypocrisy: The General's self-absorption and lack of true patriotism reveal the complexities of loyalty in wartime.
Questions for Discussion
- What does the story suggest about the nature of mercy in times of conflict?
- How do Sadao and Hana's experiences in America shape their views on the American soldier?
- In what ways does the story challenge the notion of enemy versus ally?
- How does societal pressure influence the characters' decisions?
Conclusion
- The story ultimately raises questions about the nature of duty, the impact of war on personal relationships, and the capacity for compassion in the face of prejudice.
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
His duty as a doctor versus his national loyalty.
B.
His love for his wife versus his fear of the General.
C.
His desire for fame versus his need for secrecy.
D.
His compassion for the prisoner versus his disdain for Americans.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao is torn between his professional duty to save lives and his national duty to turn in an enemy soldier.
A.
He wanted to help him escape.
B.
He was indifferent to his fate.
C.
He wanted him killed quietly.
D.
He wanted to imprison him.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The General wanted the enemy soldier to be killed quietly by his private assassins.
A.
To have private assassins quietly kill the prisoner.
B.
To hand the prisoner over to the police.
C.
To send the prisoner back to America.
D.
To keep the prisoner hidden indefinitely.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The General suggests sending private assassins to kill the prisoner quietly, so Dr. Sadao would not have to be involved.
A.
They were supportive and helped care for the prisoner.
B.
They were indifferent and continued their work as usual.
C.
They openly defied and eventually left the household.
D.
They reported the incident to the authorities.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The domestic staff openly defied Dr. Sadao's decision and eventually left the household.
A.
They were supportive and helpful.
B.
They were indifferent and continued their work.
C.
They were opposed and decided to leave.
D.
They were curious and wanted to learn more.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The servants were opposed to Dr. Sadao's decision and decided to leave.
A.
He was working on a medical discovery.
B.
He was needed to take care of his family.
C.
He refused to leave Japan.
D.
He was not trusted by the military.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad with the troops because he was perfecting a discovery that would render wounds entirely clean.
A.
He gave him money and a map.
B.
He provided a boat and supplies.
C.
He disguised him as a Japanese soldier.
D.
He contacted the American embassy.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Dr. Sadao provided a boat and supplies to help the American prisoner escape to a nearby island.
A.
A whistle
B.
A flashlight
C.
A flare gun
D.
A mirror
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Dr. Sadao provided the American prisoner with a flashlight to signal him if he needed help.
A.
They were supportive and helped care for the prisoner.
B.
They were indifferent and continued their work.
C.
They were upset and eventually left the household.
D.
They reported Dr. Sadao to the authorities.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The servants were upset by Dr. Sadao's decision and eventually left the household.
A.
His struggle between professional duty and personal safety.
B.
His fear of being discovered by the Japanese authorities.
C.
His desire to prove his medical skills.
D.
His wish to gain favor with the American government.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's internal conflict is primarily about balancing his professional duty as a doctor to save lives and his personal safety and loyalty to his country during wartime.
A.
He was relieved as it would take the responsibility off his hands.
B.
He was horrified and refused the plan.
C.
He felt it was unnecessary and dangerous.
D.
He was indifferent and left the decision to the General.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao felt relieved as the plan would take the responsibility off his hands.
A.
He was concerned it might be seen in the dark.
B.
He didn't have an extra flashlight.
C.
He thought the prisoner might use it to signal enemy forces.
D.
He believed the prisoner didn't need it.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao hesitated because he was concerned the flashlight might be seen in the dark, which could reveal the prisoner's location.
A.
They were afraid of being accused of treason.
B.
They were unhappy with their wages.
C.
They disagreed with Dr. Sadao's treatment of the American.
D.
They found better employment elsewhere.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The servants felt that Dr. Sadao's decision to help the enemy soldier was unpatriotic, which led them to leave.
A.
He was suffering and thought only of himself.
B.
He did not consider the prisoner a threat.
C.
He was too busy with other duties.
D.
He wanted to test Dr. Sadao's loyalty.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The General admitted to Dr. Sadao that he forgot his promise because he was suffering and thought only of himself.
A.
Whether to save him as a doctor or hand him over as a patriot
B.
Whether to hide him from the General or inform the authorities
C.
Whether to ask his wife for help or manage alone
D.
Whether to use his skills or let nature take its course
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was torn between his duty as a doctor to save lives and his national loyalty as a Japanese citizen during wartime.
A.
She was relieved as it meant more privacy.
B.
She was dismayed but maintained her composure.
C.
She was indifferent and did not care.
D.
She was angry and blamed Dr. Sadao.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Hana was dismayed and even terrified by the departure of the servants, but her pride as a mistress did not allow her to show it, and she maintained her composure.
A.
That he becomes a successful businessman.
B.
That he learns everything about surgery and medicine.
C.
That he becomes a famous politician.
D.
That he travels the world.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father was chiefly concerned with his son's education in surgery and medicine.
A.
She believed in the sanctity of life and her husband's duty as a doctor.
B.
She was afraid of the repercussions from the American government.
C.
She wanted to prove her loyalty to her husband.
D.
She was influenced by the servants' opinions.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Hana supported her husband because she believed in the sanctity of life and understood the importance of her husband's duty as a doctor.
A.
He was preoccupied with his own health issues.
B.
He had forgotten due to his self-absorption.
C.
He was unable to find suitable assassins.
D.
He had a change of heart about the prisoner's fate.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The General admitted to Dr. Sadao that he forgot about his promise to have the prisoner killed because he was preoccupied with his own suffering and self-absorption.
A.
He was afraid of the consequences.
B.
He was compelled by his duty as a doctor to save a life.
C.
He wanted to interrogate the prisoner first.
D.
He planned to use the prisoner as a bargaining chip.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier despite the risk involved.
A.
He wanted to prove his surgical skills.
B.
He feared repercussions from the General.
C.
His professional ethics as a doctor compelled him.
D.
He had a personal vendetta against the Japanese army.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's decision was driven by his professional ethics and commitment to save lives, irrespective of the person's nationality.
A.
He is indifferent and leaves the decision to Dr. Sadao.
B.
He is concerned about the repercussions and decides to assassinate the prisoner.
C.
He is self-absorbed and forgets his promise to kill the prisoner.
D.
He is patriotic and demands immediate action against the prisoner.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The General is portrayed as self-absorbed, forgetting his promise to Dr. Sadao due to his own suffering.
A.
She insists on turning the prisoner over to the authorities.
B.
She supports Dr. Sadao's decision to help the prisoner despite her fears.
C.
She leaves the decision entirely to Dr. Sadao and remains indifferent.
D.
She actively opposes Dr. Sadao's decision to treat the prisoner.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Hana, despite her fears and the defiance from the domestic staff, supports Dr. Sadao's decision to help the prisoner.
A.
He is compassionate and values human life above all.
B.
He is reckless and disregards his family's safety.
C.
He is indecisive and easily influenced by others.
D.
He is primarily motivated by fear of punishment.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's actions suggest that he is compassionate and values human life above all, as he chooses to help the prisoner despite the risks involved.
A.
His education
B.
His wealth
C.
His marriage
D.
His social status
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father placed great importance on his education for his future.
A.
He was relieved.
B.
He was angry.
C.
He was indifferent.
D.
He was surprised.
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The General was surprised to learn that the prisoner had escaped.
A.
He was too busy with other responsibilities.
B.
He was suffering and thought only of himself.
C.
He believed the prisoner had already escaped.
D.
He did not consider it a serious promise.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The General forgot his promise because he was suffering and thought only of himself.
A.
To secretly execute him using private assassins.
B.
To hand him over to the police.
C.
To send him back to America.
D.
To keep him as a hostage.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The General proposed to Dr. Sadao that he could send private assassins to quietly kill the prisoner.
A.
He believed in the Hippocratic Oath to save lives.
B.
He wanted to gain favor with the American forces.
C.
He was ordered by the Japanese General to do so.
D.
He was seeking revenge against the Japanese government.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier, adhering to the Hippocratic Oath to save lives.
A.
To send assassins to kill him quietly
B.
To hand him over to the police
C.
To send him back to America
D.
To keep him as a hostage
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The General suggested sending his private assassins to kill the prisoner quietly.
A.
It was a strategic military base.
B.
It was a place where the prisoner could potentially escape.
C.
It was a popular tourist destination.
D.
It was a sacred site for local rituals.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The island near Dr. Sadao's house was significant as it was the place where the American prisoner could potentially escape by waiting for a Korean fishing boat to pass by.
A.
By giving him a flashlight and instructing him on signaling.
B.
By providing him with a whistle to blow in emergencies.
C.
By setting up a smoke signal system.
D.
By giving him a mobile phone.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao gives the prisoner a flashlight and instructs him to signal two flashes at sunset if he runs out of food.
A.
Whether to save the prisoner as a doctor or hand him over to the Army as a patriot
B.
Whether to treat the prisoner or leave him to die
C.
Whether to report the prisoner to the police or keep him hidden
D.
Whether to send the prisoner to America or keep him in Japan
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao faces a moral dilemma between his duty as a doctor to save a life and his national loyalty as a Japanese during wartime.
A.
Their loyalty to Dr. Sadao.
B.
Their fear of Western influence.
C.
Their adherence to nationalistic sentiments.
D.
Their personal dislike for Americans.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The staff's reaction highlights their strong nationalistic sentiments and their discomfort with harboring an enemy.
A.
Dr. Sadao was perfecting a medical discovery.
B.
Dr. Sadao was needed to take care of his father's business.
C.
Dr. Sadao was involved in diplomatic negotiations.
D.
Dr. Sadao was considered too young and inexperienced.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was not sent abroad with the troops because he was perfecting a discovery that would render wounds entirely clean.
A.
The conflict between personal ethics and national loyalty
B.
The conflict between love and duty
C.
The conflict between tradition and modernity
D.
The conflict between wealth and poverty
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The core conflict in Dr. Sadao's situation is between his duty as a doctor to save lives and his national loyalty as a Japanese citizen during wartime.
A.
The flashlight might reveal the prisoner's location to enemies.
B.
The prisoner might use the flashlight to signal for help.
C.
The flashlight could malfunction and cause harm.
D.
The prisoner might become dependent on the flashlight for survival.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was concerned that signaling in darkness with the flashlight could reveal the prisoner's location to enemies, which is why he instructed the prisoner to signal only at sunset.
A.
They were afraid of being accused of treason
B.
They were not paid enough
C.
They disliked the American prisoner
D.
They found better employment elsewhere
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The servants feared that harboring an enemy would lead to accusations of treason against them.
A.
That Sadao would become a successful businessman.
B.
That Sadao would receive a comprehensive education.
C.
That Sadao would marry a woman of pure Japanese descent.
D.
That Sadao would travel the world.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father was primarily concerned with ensuring that Sadao received a thorough education, as evident from his focus on Sadao's studies.
A.
He was perfecting a medical discovery.
B.
He was needed to care for his family.
C.
He was not trusted by the Japanese government.
D.
He had a fear of traveling.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was kept in Japan because he was working on a discovery that would render wounds entirely clean, and there was a possibility that the General might need surgery.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General admitted he forgot his promise to kill the prisoner because he was preoccupied with his own suffering.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father was deeply concerned with his son's education and took great pains to ensure it.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao gave the American prisoner a flashlight to signal him if his food ran out before he could catch a boat.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General admitted he forgot his promise due to his own suffering and self-absorption.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dr. Sadao decided not to tell Hana about the General's plan to send assassins, knowing she would be timid about the idea.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The excerpt mentions that Dr. Sadao had difficulty finding housing in America because he was Japanese and faced prejudice.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr Sadao Hoki was sent to America to learn all that could be learned of surgery and medicine, as mentioned in the excerpts.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The servants were not supportive and felt they could not stay if the prisoner was hidden in the house.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was sent to America to learn all that could be learned about surgery and medicine.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's house was indeed built on a spot of the Japanese coast where he had often played as a child.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father would not have accepted Hana unless she was pure in her race, which is why Sadao ensured she was Japanese before falling in love with her.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General was self-absorbed and forgot his promise to have the prisoner killed, showing more concern for his own health.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father often told him that the islands were stepping stones to the future for Japan.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr Sadao gave the American prisoner a flashlight and instructed him to signal if he needed more food.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Hana was not indifferent; she was worried about the consequences and the fate of the American prisoner.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao had great difficulty finding a place to live in America due to prejudice, yet he considered himself superior to the Americans.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father was deeply concerned about his son's education and future, taking great pains to ensure his success.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dr. Sadao did not immediately hand over the American prisoner to the police; he was conflicted about what to do.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General expressed concern about his promise to kill the prisoner, worried that it might be seen as a lack of patriotism or dereliction of duty.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Hana did not like the American prisoner and thought of him as a great trouble in the house. Her actions were not driven by personal liking.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's experiences in America and his training influenced his decision to save the prisoner's life despite the risks.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Hana was concerned about the presence of the American prisoner and the potential consequences for her family.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Sadao's father was very concerned about his son's education and future, as indicated in the excerpt.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The servants left due to fear of being associated with harboring an enemy, as they believed Dr. Sadao and Hana were too sympathetic towards Americans.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General proposed sending assassins to kill the prisoner without Dr. Sadao's direct involvement.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Hana did not have a personal liking for the prisoner; her support was not based on sentimentality.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao faced a moral dilemma between his duty as a doctor to save lives and his national loyalty during wartime.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General suggested sending assassins to kill the American prisoner at Dr. Sadao's house to avoid involving Sadao directly.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Hana was dismayed and terrified when the servants left due to the presence of the American prisoner, but she did not show it.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao hesitated about giving the man a flashlight because signaling in darkness could be seen.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dr. Sadao hesitated to kill the American prisoner not because of despise, but due to his duty as a doctor to save lives.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao was cautious about giving the flashlight because signaling at night could reveal the prisoner's location.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The servants left because they felt they could not stay if Dr Sadao continued to hide the American prisoner, fearing the consequences of being associated with harboring an enemy.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General proposed sending private assassins to quietly kill the American prisoner without Dr. Sadao's involvement.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General admitted to Dr. Sadao that he forgot his promise due to his own suffering and self-absorption.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General admitted to Sadao that he forgot his promise to send assassins due to his own suffering and self-absorption.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General admitted that he forgot his promise to Dr. Sadao because he was suffering and thought only of himself.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Although the General suggested using assassins, they never actually came to eliminate the prisoner.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General admitted to Dr. Sadao that he forgot his promise because he was suffering and thought of nothing but himself.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The General expressed concern about being seen as unpatriotic or neglectful of duty when he forgot his promise to kill the prisoner.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father was very concerned about his education, as he believed it was the stepping stone to Japan's future.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dr. Sadao had great difficulty in finding a place to live in America because of prejudice against Japanese people.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao's father was deeply concerned with his son's education, which is why he sent him to America to learn surgery and medicine.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Despite the risks, Dr. Sadao did not let the prisoner die because of his duty as a doctor.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Dr. Sadao faced prejudice in America because he was Japanese, which made it difficult for him to find housing.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Hana was anxious about the prisoner's suffering and hoped he had not been tortured.