The Enemy

Pearl S Buck

Main Idea
Pearl S Buck – de- glorifies war – gives the message that the mood is to kill the enemy – that lies
within us and the transcends the barriers of caste, creed and nationality – but before belonging
to any specific nationality, we all are fellow human beings living on this common planet, Earth.
and we need to co exist in love, kindness, peace and brotherhood.
What is more important? – Loyalty to your country or saving a person’s life no matter who they
are?
The story set during the World War II – is a conflict between humanness and patriotism
Most people are unable to achieve a balance of being devoted to the country and having the
ability to transcend all pettiness and narrow barriers of caste, colour, creed and nationality.
War de humanises and desensitises people- it prevents people from thinking about others with
compassion and empathy.
The protagonist of the story Dr. Sadao and his wife go through a conflict of saving a human
being who is an enemy or to let him die by handing over him to the army.
As a professional and human being he wants to save the enemy but confronted by prejudice
within in his mind as he had experienced cultural prejudice and bias first hand during his stay in
the USA.
His conscience and professional ethics emerge as a winner – removes bullet and stanches the
blood flow though he feels the burden of being labelled as a traitor.
So he informs the superior-general and agrees to have him killed by assassins.
Undergoes a deep dilemma- spends three restless nights in apprehension
Adopts humane approach – overcomes conflict – as a doctor – his nationality is mankind itself –
helps the soldier escape to safety and wonders why he was unable to kill the enemy – a human
being of a tall order.

1. What is an absolute state?

An absolute state is monarchical form of government where the monarch exercises ultimate
governing authority as the head of the state. He is autocratic and tyrannical. Resistance of any
kind is not tolerated is such a state. During the WWII, Japan was an absolute state. It was
necessary for the rulers to keep assassins to repress and silence rebellion and disgruntlement.
2. Why was the young POW reluctant to leave?
 He got emotionally attached to his saviours.
 He felt safe and secure in Sadao’s house after a long period of suffering and torture
 He feared the next possible threat to his life as he might be caught by the police again.
 He had grown complacent under the warmth and hospitality offered by the couple,
trusted them completely and did not want to walk into an uncertain future.
 Sadao had chosen to help him at huge risk to his own career. This understanding makes
the bonding strong and separation painful.
3. Sadao and Hana State of conflict or How do they react to the POW’s presence?
 Face of conflict, dilemma, doubt about ethicality/correctness of their action.
 Constantly tormented – e.g.”Why can’t we think like the servants?” and “ I wonder why
I could not kill him?”
 Listen to their inner voice and instinct and help the POW to escape - the choice is
difficult and indicates the couple as human beings of higher order who transcend petty
barriers and overpower the enemy within.
4. Q. no.2 Text book.
 Traditional conservative Japanese wife- didn’t think of going against husband.
 Complete faith in the correctness of decision taken by Sadao.
 It is the same mental level as her husband – both by virtue of broad based education in
the US.- like – minded.
 is a good human being – is able to put compassion for a fellow human being above petty
narrow minded patriotic fervour. (enthusiasm)
 By nature a graceful, kind loving and compassionate being – instinctively reaches out to
the POW
 Therefore, pillar of support – kind and ideal wife.
5. Q. No. 6 Text book
 If Sadao did not take the decision helping the POW escape, he would have been
questioned by authorities and his career would have been jeopardised.
 The POW would have been tortured had he been handed over to the army.
 Sadao’s own conflict and dilemma are resolved through this decision and he and Hana
would be finally at peace.
 It’s the demand of Sadao’s character that the POW be helped.
 The decision signifies Sadao’s victory over the enemy within.
 He is like the spokesperson of Pearl S Buck who de glorifies war
6. Q NO. 5
 Education
 Higher perspective
 Broad mindedness – ability to put personal bitter experiences behind.
 Ability to rise above fanaticism. (extremism, passion)