Class 12 Chapter 4(Vistas)

🌈Chapter 4 

💭Enemy 

🙇Author: Pearl S. Buck

✍️ Introduction About the Author 

Pearl S. Buck(1892–1973) was an American Nobel Prize-winning author best known for her works on Chinese and Asian culture (The Good Earth). The Enemy explores humanity vs. patriotism during World War II, set in Japan.  

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🎭 Themes

• Humanity vs. War – Compassion clashes with nationalism.  
• Doctor’s Dilemma – Ethical duty vs. loyalty to country.  
• Prejudice & Fear – Mistrust of the "enemy."  
• Moral Conflict – Choosing between hatred and humanity.  
• Silent Gratitude – The soldier leaves without revealing his identity.  

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👤 Character Sketch

🩺 Dr. Sadao Hoki 

   - Skilled Japanese surgeon, trained in America.  

   - Torn between saving a wounded enemy (American POW) and his duty to Japan.  

   - Represents moral courage .

👩Hana (Dr. Sadao’s Wife)

   - Supports her husband but fears consequences.  

   - Struggles with prejudice (initially repulsed by the soldier).  

👤The American Soldier (Tom)  

   - Young, wounded enemy POW.  

   - Symbolizes helplessness in war.  

👮The General

   - Selfish, prioritizes his health over national duty.  

   - Contrasts Dr. Sadao’s integrity.  

👲The Servants  

   - Superstitious, abandon the house fearing punishment.  

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📖 Summary  

- Dr. Sadao finds a wounded American POW washed ashore.  

- Despite hating Americans (Japan’s enemy in WWII), he operates on him.  

- His wife Hana assists but is fearful.  

- The servants desert them, fearing treason charges.  

- The General promises to have the soldier killed secretly but forgets.  

- Dr. Sadao helps the soldier escape, who silently thanks him.  

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💬 Key Quotations

• "He is my enemy. All Americans are my enemy. But… he is a human being." – Dr. Sadao’s conflict.  
• "What are we to do with this man?" – Hana’s fear.  
• "The General does not trust me enough to arrest me." – Sadao’s realization.  
• "You have saved my life… Thank you." – Soldier’s gratitude (implied).  
• "Strange… I wonder why I could not kill him." – Sadao’s moral victory.  

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🔚 Conclusion 

The story questions blind patriotism and highlights universal humanity. Dr. Sadao’s choice to save a life—despite risks—proves compassion transcends war.  

🕊️ Moral:

"Humanity is greater than nationality."