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Class 12 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH vISTAS Chapter 4 tHE Enemy
Class 12 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH vISTAS Chapter 4 tHE Enemy
“The Enemy” by Pearl S. Buck is more than a wartime story—it's a powerful reflection on what it truly means to be human. At a time when nations were divided by hatred and war, one man, Dr. Sadao Hoki, is forced to make an impossible choice: should he help a wounded enemy soldier, or turn him in to protect himself and his family?
This chapter gently explores the struggle between duty to one’s country and duty to one’s conscience. As students, you too may feel pulled in different directions—between expectations and what feels right in your heart. That’s what makes this story so relatable. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, compassion and courage still matter.
At www.dasklibro.com, we understand how challenging Class 12 can be. That’s why we’ve created this page to help you connect with the story—not just for exam marks, but to understand its deeper meaning.
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Simple and complete NCERT solutions for all textbook questions
Clear explanations of key themes, emotions, and moral conflicts
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This chapter asks an important question: Can humanity rise above hatred? As you read, reflect, and prepare for your exams, we’re here to support you—every step of the way.
1. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our role as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty . Discuss with reference to the story you have just read .
20 words:
Dr. Sadao’s moral duty as a doctor to save life conflicts with his patriotic duty to report an enemy soldier.
40 words:
Dr. Sadao is torn between saving a wounded enemy soldier and his loyalty to Japan. His training and humanity compel him to help, while patriotism pressures him to report. He ultimately choose humanity, risking his own safety.
60 words:
Dr. Sadao faces a deep conflict between his role as a surgeon and his duty as a loyal Japanese citizen. During wartime, helping an American soldier was treasonous. Yet, his moral values as a doctor drive him to save the soldier’s life. Despite threats to his reputation and safety, he acts humanely, proving that compassion transcends politics.
80 words:
The story explores the internal battle Dr. Sadao faces when an injured American POW lands near his home. While his training and profession command him to treat and save the wounded man, his loyalty to his country demands he turn the man in. This situation illustrates how people sometimes face moral choices that pit professional ethics against national duties. Dr. Sadao’s choice shows that individual humanity can triumph over blind patriotism, even in the harshest circumstances of war.
2. Dr sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana, his wife, sympathetic to him in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff.
20 words:
Hana supports her husband’s decision to help the enemy, showing courage and compassion despite the servants' fear and rebellion.
40 words:
Though initially hesitant, Hana supports Sadao in saving the enemy soldier. She cares for the wounded man herself when servants refuse. Her sense of humanity and loyalty to her husband help her overcome fear and the defiance of the domestic staff.
60 words:
Hana’s sympathy arises from both her sense of duty and love for Sadao. Even when servants disapprove and refuse to help, she personally tends to the American prisoner, despite her own fear and discomfort. Her actions show strength, compassion, and commitment to moral responsibility. Her experience abroad has likely helped her rise above blind hatred or social pressure.
80 words:
Hana’s response to the wounded American soldier showcases her quiet strength and compassion. Though initially nervous and revolted, she bravely washes and feeds him when all the servants refuse. Her upbringing, education, and experience in America may have broadened her sense of humanity. Despite the open defiance of the household staff, she remains composed and cooperative, supporting her husband’s difficult decision with emotional strength. Her role reflects the importance of individual moral courage over social conformity during crises.
3.How would you explain the reluctance of soldier to leave the shelter of the doctor's home even when he knew he couldn't stay without rise to the doctor and himself ?
20 words:
The soldier fears for his safety outside and feels grateful and secure in the doctor’s home, despite the risks involved.
40 words:
Although he understands the danger he brings, the American soldier is reluctant to leave. He feels safe under Dr. Sadao’s care and dreads being caught again or dying. The trauma of war and his weak health make him hesitant to leave.
60 words:
Tom, the American soldier, is hesitant to leave the comfort and protection of Sadao’s home, fearing both death and re-capture. After facing cruelty and torture, he finds unexpected kindness in an enemy land. Though aware he can't stay long, his fear of the outside world and gratitude for Sadao’s care make it emotionally and physically hard to go.
80 words:
Tom’s reluctance to leave Sadao’s house is understandable given his circumstances. He is a wounded enemy soldier in a hostile country where discovery would mean certain death. Inside the house, he receives care, safety, and kindness—luxuries rare in war. The trauma he has experienced makes him mentally fragile and physically weak, increasing his dependence on Sadao. His hesitation stems from fear, vulnerability, and the comfort of temporary safety, even though he knows staying endangers both himself and his rescuers.
4. What explain the attitude of the general In the matter of the enemy soldier? Was it human consideration, lack of national loyalty . Dereliction of duty or simple self - absorption ?
20 words:
The General is self-absorbed and pragmatic. He values Sadao’s skill more than duty or loyalty, prioritizing his own survival.
40 words:
The General’s response to the enemy soldier is selfish. Though he offers to send assassins, he forgets due to illness. His priority is Sadao’s availability as a surgeon. His behavior shows self-interest, not patriotism, nor true humanitarian concern.
60 words:
The General’s attitude reflects selfishness and political convenience. Though he promises to eliminate the prisoner using assassins, he forgets entirely, preoccupied with his health. He values Sadao only for his surgical skills and fears losing him. His behavior reflects a lack of true loyalty or compassion — only self-preservation. His character represents how those in power may neglect duty when personal interests are threatened.
80 words:
The General’s attitude toward the enemy soldier is marked by selfishness and hypocrisy. He suggests an immoral solution—secret assassination—but later forgets about it altogether. His main concern is retaining Sadao as his surgeon, not justice, loyalty, or humanity. He displays no true patriotism or moral integrity, only political cunning and self-interest. His behavior contrasts sharply with Sadao’s inner conflict, highlighting the difference between those who face moral dilemmas and those who conveniently ignore them for personal gain.
5. While hatred against a member of the enemy race is justifiable, especially during
Wartime , what makes a human being rise above narrow prejudices ?
20 words:
True humanity rises when people see others as individuals, not enemies. Compassion and empathy overcome hatred and racism.
40 words:
War promotes hatred, but individual experiences can break prejudice. Dr. Sadao helps an enemy not out of emotion but human duty. His medical ethics and moral conscience outweigh nationalistic hatred. Compassion defines his actions.
60 words:
While war teaches people to hate their enemies, individuals like Dr. Sadao prove that compassion can rise above racism and prejudice. He sees the American soldier not as a symbol of war, but as a human being in need. Despite societal pressure, his moral beliefs drive his decisions. His story shows that empathy can conquer even deep-rooted animosity.
80 words:
The story shows that hatred is taught by war and society, but individuals can unlearn it through empathy and moral clarity. Dr. Sadao, raised in nationalist Japan and trained abroad, chooses to treat an American enemy out of professional ethics and human compassion. Despite the risks to his family and social standing, he rises above hatred and acts humanely. His actions reflect that true humanity lies in helping others regardless of race, nationality, or politics, even during conflict.
6.Do you think the doctor's final to the problem was the best one in the circumstances ?
20 words:
Yes, it was wise. He aved the soldier without betrayal or danger to himself, his family, or his country.
40 words:
Sadao’s final decision to help the soldier escape was practical and humane. It protected the soldier’s life, avoided arrest or execution, and also preserved Sadao’s reputation and family safety. He balanced ethics and patriotism wisely under pressure.
60 words:
Dr. Sadao’s final act of helping the American soldier escape was the best possible solution in the circumstances. Reporting him would ensure death, while harboring him risked exposure and punishment. By secretly aiding his escape, Sadao maintained both his conscience and family safety. He neither betrayed his country nor compromised his values. It was a rare example of moral clarity and courage.
80 words:
Given the complex situation, Dr. Sadao’s solution was the most effective. He saved the American soldier’s life, upheld his medical ethics, and avoided endangering his family or himself. Turning the soldier in would betray his compassion; keeping him would raise suspicion. Helping him escape offered a middle path—one that honored both humanity and personal safety. Sadao acted not just as a doctor but as a wise, ethical individual navigating war's moral confusion with dignity and intelligence.
7: Does the story remind you of ‘Birth’ by A. J. Cronin? What are the similarities?
20 Words:
Both stories show doctors saving lives against odds. Dr. Sadao and Dr. Andrew act with courage, skill, and compassion.
40 Words:
“The Enemy” and “Birth” depict doctors who face moral and emotional trials while saving lives. Dr. Andrew saves a newborn, and Dr. Sadao saves an enemy soldier. Both uphold the medical profession’s ethics and highlight human values above social or political pressure.
60 Words:
Both “Birth” and “The Enemy” revolve around doctors who show professional excellence and moral courage. Dr. Andrew Manson revives a stillborn baby after hours of effort, and Dr. Sadao saves an enemy POW despite social and political risks. The stories stress dedication, humanity, and ethical responsibility, showing that a doctor’s real duty is to save life—regardless of identity.
80 Words:
Yes, “The Enemy” and “Birth” are thematically similar. Both stories portray doctors in challenging circumstances, where their decisions determine life or death. Dr. Andrew in Birth struggles emotionally and physically to save a newborn child, while Dr. Sadao in The Enemy risks his life and reputation to save an enemy soldier. Both doctors act beyond duty, guided by compassion and professional ethics. These stories reinforce that true humanity lies in serving life, even when doing so involves personal or moral conflict.
8: Is there any film or novel you have read with a similar theme?
20 Words:
Yes, Hotel Rwanda shares a similar theme. It shows saving lives during conflict, driven by moral courage and humanity.
40 Words:
The film Hotel Rwanda portrays Paul Rusesabagina risking his life to shelter Tutsi refugees during the genocide. Like Dr. Sadao, he acts out of compassion and moral duty. Both characters protect others despite danger, showing humanity above fear or politics.
60 Words:
Yes, the film Hotel Rwanda mirrors The Enemy’s theme of humanity in crisis. Paul Rusesabagina, like Dr. Sadao, risks his life to save others. Despite ethnic war and political tension, he shelters over a thousand refugees. Both characters act courageously, guided by conscience, not hatred or prejudice. These stories show how personal morality can shine in times of war.
80 Words:
A film with a similar theme is Hotel Rwanda, based on a true story. The protagonist, Paul Rusesabagina, shelters more than a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide, risking his own life. Like Dr. Sadao, Paul places humanity above hatred, nationality, and fear. Both stories highlight individuals who go against the grain, defying prejudice and conflict to save lives. They inspire us to believe that even in the darkest times, courage and compassion can prevail over violence and division.
Extra questions:
1. Why didn’t Sadao hand over the soldier to the police immediately?
20 words:
He was wounded and dying. As a doctor, Sadao couldn’t let a man die without treatment, even if he was enemy.
40 words:
Though the American soldier was his enemy, Sadao’s medical ethics and conscience didn’t allow him to abandon a dying man. His duty as a surgeon overpowered his patriotism temporarily, compelling him to treat the soldier secretly at home.
60 words:
Sadao didn’t immediately hand the soldier to the police because he saw him bleeding and near death. As a trained doctor, his first instinct was to save life. Despite being Japanese and loyal to his nation, he couldn’t ignore his duty to humanity. His decision reflects the deep inner conflict between his professional oath and national loyalty during wartime.
80 words:
Dr. Sadao saw the injured American soldier not just as an enemy but as a severely wounded human being. His instincts and professional ethics as a doctor made it impossible for him to ignore the man’s suffering. Although he was aware of the danger and the political consequences, his medical training and moral duty compelled him to save the life first. He postponed informing the authorities because the patient’s survival was uncertain, showing how his humanity temporarily outweighed his sense of nationalism.
2. What role does Hana play in supporting Sadao’s decision?
20 words:
Hana supports Sadao despite fear. She helps with the patient’s care and faces pressure from disapproving servants with courage.
40 words:
Hana plays a strong supportive role. Though initially anxious, she assists her husband in caring for the wounded American. When the servants refuse to help, Hana personally washes, feeds, and nurses the soldier, showing quiet strength and commitment to humanity.
60 words:
Hana is an emotional yet courageous support system for Sadao. She initially hesitates but ultimately chooses to stand by her husband’s decision. When their servants object and leave, she nurses the American soldier herself. Her upbringing, education, and experiences in America influence her open-mindedness and empathy. Despite the danger, she never abandons her moral stance or her husband’s cause.
80 words:
Hana, as Dr. Sadao’s wife, proves to be a strong and empathetic woman. While she is disturbed by the presence of an enemy in their home, she understands the ethical dilemma and chooses to support her husband. When their servants quit in protest, Hana nurses the American soldier with determination. She washes his wounds, feeds him, and manages the household alone. Her character shows how women can be emotionally sensitive yet morally firm and strong in times of crisis, even under great societal pressure.
3. What does the story suggest about the true meaning of patriotism?
20 words:
True patriotism isn’t blind hatred. It involves moral judgment and humanity. Sadao is patriotic yet acts with compassion and courage.
40 words:
The story suggests patriotism should not override basic human values. Dr. Sadao loves his country but doesn’t let that blind him to his ethical duties. Saving a life—even that of an enemy—is portrayed as an act of true moral strength.
60 words:
The Enemy questions the idea of blind patriotism. Sadao’s conflict reveals that true loyalty involves maintaining humanity and ethics, even during war. He serves Japan loyally but also treats a wounded American enemy. This dual responsibility suggests that patriotism should include integrity, not just hatred. It’s not betrayal to do what’s morally right, even when national loyalty demands something else.
80 words:
Through Sadao’s internal conflict, the story explores a deeper version of patriotism—one that does not simply follow political orders but respects universal human values. He does not betray Japan; instead, he fulfills his duty as a doctor without endangering national interests. He saves the soldier but ensures his discreet departure. The story teaches that true patriotism includes compassion, morality, and courage—not just blind allegiance to nationalistic ideologies, especially when they conflict with ethics and conscience.
4. How did the General react to the presence of the American soldier?
20 words:
The General was self-centered. He didn't care about the soldier, only about keeping Sadao alive for his own surgery.
40 words:
The General cared little about national duty. He suggested assassinating the soldier quietly but forgot about it due to illness. His priority was Sadao’s availability for future medical help. His reaction shows selfishness and disregard for patriotic responsibility.
60 words:
The General’s reaction highlights his self-absorption. He considered having the soldier secretly killed to protect Sadao’s reputation but ultimately forgot due to his own illness. Rather than reporting the matter or acting patriotically, he prioritized his own health and comfort. This shows how power and fear of death can overshadow national loyalty, exposing a moral weakness in authority figures.
80 words:
When Dr. Sadao confided in the General about the American soldier, the General shockingly suggested arranging a secret assassination to protect Sadao’s position. However, he completely forgot his plan, focused only on his personal health problems. His actions reveal a significant flaw in leadership—using power for personal safety rather than national service. He represents the kind of corrupt patriotism that only values usefulness and convenience, not true duty or honor. His hypocrisy contrasts sharply with Sadao’s conflicted but honest moral decisions.
5. How does the story portray war and its impact on human emotions?
20 words:
The story shows that war creates inner conflict. Even enemies can feel sympathy and act morally despite national hatred.
40 words:
War is shown to bring out both cruelty and compassion. Dr. Sadao, though patriotic, saves an enemy out of conscience. It highlights the emotional struggles people face during war, where personal ethics may conflict with national loyalty and social pressure.
60 words:
War in The Enemy is more than physical conflict—it’s a mental and emotional battlefield. Sadao experiences guilt, fear, and inner turmoil while harboring the American soldier. The soldier, too, lives in fear despite being saved. The story shows that war dehumanizes people but also provides moments of redemption when individuals choose compassion over hatred, proving that humanity can survive war’s cruelty.
80 words:
Pearl S. Buck’s story depicts war not just through battles, but through psychological and moral tension. The protagonist, Dr. Sadao, must choose between his national loyalty and his ethical duty as a surgeon. The emotional pressure affects both Sadao and his wife Hana, who struggle between fear, duty, and compassion. The American soldier represents the enemy, but he also becomes a symbol of shared humanity. The story proves that while war divides people, empathy, kindness, and conscience can bridge those divides even in hostile times.
6. Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao’s house?
20 words:
The servants left because they feared punishment for hiding an enemy. They also believed it was morally wrong and unpatriotic.
40 words:
The servants disapproved of Sadao treating an enemy soldier and feared the consequences. They thought helping an American was betrayal. Though loyal before, they felt uncomfortable staying in a house sheltering the enemy, showing how social fear overpowered personal loyalty.
60 words:
Dr. Sadao’s servants left when they discovered he was sheltering a wounded American soldier. Their departure stemmed from fear—both of legal punishment and spiritual consequences. They believed the white man should die as fate intended. Their superstitions, patriotism, and fear of government combined to make them reject compassion, reflecting how war distorts human thinking and creates emotional and moral divisions within communities.
80 words:
The servants in Dr. Sadao’s house leave when they realize an American prisoner is being treated secretly. Though they had served the family faithfully for years, their fear of punishment and superstition outweighs loyalty. They believe saving an enemy goes against natural and national order. The cook and gardener see the wounded soldier as cursed, while Yumi is emotionally conflicted because of the children. Their behavior reflects how fear and blind nationalism can overwhelm personal attachment and suppress acts of empathy during wartime.
7. What internal conflict does Dr. Sadao face throughout the story?
20 words:
He struggles between saving the enemy as a doctor and handing him over as a loyal Japanese citizen during wartime.
40 words:
Dr. Sadao constantly battles between his conscience and his national loyalty. He knows helping the American may label him a traitor, but his medical ethics compel him to save the soldier. This inner turmoil defines his complex moral journey.
60 words:
The central conflict in Sadao’s mind is the clash between duty to the nation and duty to humanity. As a doctor, he cannot let the wounded enemy die. As a citizen, he knows harboring the prisoner is treason. His struggle is intense, emotional, and symbolic of the broader human dilemma: how to remain moral in an immoral world, especially during war.
80 words:
Dr. Sadao faces an intense internal struggle throughout the story. His identity is split between two responsibilities—his professional oath as a doctor and his national identity as a Japanese man during wartime. His decision to treat the enemy goes against the expectations of society and even endangers his family. Yet his morality and humanity drive him to do what’s right. This internal conflict adds depth to his character and reflects the broader message: even in war, ethical choices are possible, though difficult.
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