Class 12 English Vistas Book Chapter 4 Summary, Explanation, word meanings and Questions Answers
The Enemy -Explore the narrative of Chapter 4, titled “The Enemy,” from the CBSE Class 12 English Vistas Book. This comprehensive review includes a detailed summary of the story, explanations of challenging words, and an in-depth exploration of the themes. The elucidation is accompanied by a concise summary of the lesson. Additionally, all exercises and questions at the end of the chapter, including solutions to CBSE board questions, have been meticulously addressed for a thorough understanding.
About the Author -Pearl S. Buck
Pearl S. Buck (Pearl Sydenstricker Buck) was an American writer and novelist, best known for her novel “The Good Earth,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1932. Born on June 26, 1892, in Hillsboro, West Virginia, Buck spent a significant part of her life in China, where her parents were missionaries.
Her experiences in China greatly influenced her writing, and she became a prominent advocate for understanding and appreciation between Eastern and Western cultures. In addition to “The Good Earth,” some of her other notable works include “Sons” (1932), “A House Divided” (1935), and “The Mother” (1934).
Pearl S. Buck was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938, making her the first American woman to receive this honor. She passed away on March 6, 1973, leaving behind a legacy of literature that explored themes of cultural understanding, social justice, and human resilience.
The Enemy Introduction –
“The Enemy” is a short story written by Pearl S. Buck. In this narrative, Buck explores complex themes of morality, compassion, and the impact of war on individuals. The story revolves around Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon, who faces a profound moral dilemma when he discovers an injured American soldier on the shores of his coastal home during World War II. As the plot unfolds, Dr. Sadao grapples with the conflict between his professional duty as a healer and his loyalty to his nation. “The Enemy” delves into the intricate choices individuals face during times of war, shedding light on the universal struggle between personal ethics and societal expectations. Pearl S. Buck’s storytelling captures the nuances of human relationships and the profound decisions that shape the course of individuals’ lives.
The Enemy Theme
The theme of “The Enemy” revolves around the idea of humanism transcending national and cultural boundaries. The chapter explores the ethical dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon, when he discovers a wounded American soldier, an enemy, on the beach during World War II.
Key themes include:
Humanism and Compassion:
The central theme emphasizes the universal values of compassion, empathy, and humanity. Dr. Sadao, despite the wartime conflict between Japan and America, chooses to prioritize his role as a doctor and human being over national loyalty.
Ethical Dilemma:
The narrative delves into the ethical dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao as he grapples with the decision to treat the wounded enemy soldier. It raises questions about the conflict between personal moral duties and national obligations during times of war.
Triumph of Individual Morality:
The story suggests that individual morality and the principles of the medical profession can triumph over the prejudices and hostilities of war. Dr. Sadao’s commitment to saving lives and upholding his ethical responsibilities demonstrates the power of personal integrity.
National Loyalty vs. Humanitarianism:
The clash between national loyalty and humanitarian values is a recurring theme. Dr. Sadao’s decision to treat the American soldier highlights the tension between one’s duty to their country and the broader duty to humanity.
Global Understanding:
The narrative promotes a global understanding and challenges stereotypes by presenting a Japanese doctor’s compassionate treatment of an American soldier. It encourages readers to look beyond nationalistic perspectives and recognize our shared humanity.
The Price of Compassion:
The story subtly explores the potential consequences of showing compassion to the enemy, such as the fear and disapproval of society and even the servants in Dr. Sadao’s household. It raises questions about the sacrifices one might make for ethical choices.
Overall, “The Enemy” serves as a powerful commentary on the capacity of individuals to rise above geopolitical conflicts and embrace universal values of compassion and humanity.
The Enemy Characters–
Major Characters –
- Dr. Sadao Hoki: A Japanese doctor trained by Americans.
- Hana: Wife of Dr. Sadao, met in America, became friends and got married in Japan.
- The old General: a sick Japanese army General, needed an operation, trusted only Dr. Sadao
Minor Characters –
- Sadao’s father: much concerned about his son’s education, a true patriot.
- An officer: A messenger of the General.
- Gardener: an old gardener in the house of Dr. Sadao.
- Yumi: Hana’s maid servant.
- The cook: an old cook in the house of Dr. Sadao.
The Enemy Setting –
The narrative unfolds in a coastal town in Japan in 1941, a pivotal moment when Japan launched an attack on Pearl Harbor, sparking a war between America and Japan. Tensions run high as the Japanese harbor hostilities towards Americans, prepared to confront and harm any American presence on their soil.
The Enemy Summary –
Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon and scientist, pursued his studies in America. Upon his return to Japan, he brought with him Hana, a Japanese woman he had met and married during his time in the United States. They established a comfortable life together in Japan.
His residence is perched on the Japanese coastline and stood proudly on rocks overlooking a narrow beach, enveloped by the serene presence of pine trees.
At the age of twenty-one, Sadao was sent to America to learn all knowledge related to surgery and medicine. At the age of thirty, he returned after having completed his studies. He became popular not only as a skilled surgeon but also as a distinguished scientist.
Sadao had a tough time finding a place to live in America because he was Japanese. He felt that Americans were prejudiced, and living with them was a difficult experience, considering he thought himself superior. Sadao disliked the old woman who eventually agreed to let him stay in her poor home. Although she had helped him through influenza, he found it hard to be grateful because she was still unkind and unpleasant to him.
During the war, Japan and America were fighting. Many doctors went to help the Japanese army in World War II. However, Dr. Sadao didn’t go with the troops because the old General needed medical care and might require an operation. The General trusted only Dr. Sadao for this, so Sadao stayed in Japan to take care of him.
One night, Sadao and Hana were looking at the sea from their porch. Suddenly, they noticed something black emerging from the mist. It was a man who staggered a bit before disappearing in the mist again. Hana and Sadao leaned over the porch railing and saw a man crawling on the sand. He was hurt and lying still. He was a white man, and Sadao noticed a reopened gunshot wound on the right side of his lower back. The man was bleeding, so Sadao used sea moss to help stop the bleeding. Despite the pain, the man didn’t wake up. They saw the letters on his cap: “U.S. Navy.” He was an American, a prisoner of war.
Sadao faced a tough choice. He understood that helping the enemy could cause problems. He felt torn between his duty as a doctor, wanting to save the dying man, and his duty as a citizen, which meant giving the man to the army because he was from the enemy side.
The American soldier ,whose name is Tom ,needed urgent medical help. Hana carefully washed Tom’s chest and face with hot water. Sadao was prepared to operate because the bullet was still inside him, and he had lost a lot of blood. Hana couldn’t watch the operation and ran out of the room. Sadao continued with the operation. Hana returned with a bottle and cotton. With a clean cut, Sadao removed the bullet. The man shivered but remained unconscious. He mumbled a few words in English. Sadao assured everyone that the man would survive despite his pain. When the young man woke up, he was weak and scared. Hana comforted him, assuring him he would get stronger soon. Sadao wanted the prisoner to practice standing up every day until he regained his strength.
The servants got scared when their master, Sadao, told them about the American prisoner of war. They thought Sadao shouldn’t help the wounded white man. Yumi refused to wash the white man and went back to her work. The servants felt they couldn’t stay if Sadao kept hiding the white man in the house because people might think they liked Americans. The servants became more and more watchful every day. Finally, one day, they decided to leave.
A person in an official uniform came to Sadao’s house. He asked Dr. Sadao to come to the palace right away because the old general was in pain. There was an emergency operation needed because a big part of the general’s gall bladder was affected.
Hana told Sadao that she was scared. She thought they had come to arrest him. Sadao promised to take care of the situation for her. He explained everything to the General. The General knew that Sadao was crucial to him and didn’t trust other Japanese surgeons. The General assured Sadao that nothing bad would happen to him.
When Sadao told the General about the American prisoner of war staying at his home, the General promised that Sadao would be safe. However, the General made a plan to have the American soldier killed by his private assassin. These assassins were skilled and could also get rid of the dead body.
After the meeting, Sadao waited for the assassins for three nights, but they didn’t come. It became too hard for him to wait any longer, so he decided to get rid of the enemy himself. The next morning, he went to the guest room and planned to take his boat to the shore that night, with food and extra clothing.
The American might be able to go to a small island not far from the coast. Nobody lived there. Sadao gave all the needed instructions to Tom and even gave him his own flashlight. He told Tom to flash the light twice if he needed something, and once if everything was fine. Tom should only do this after the sun went down (after sunset). Sadao also mentioned that Tom could find many fishes to eat, but he should be careful not to let the fire be seen.
Sadao went to the General and told him that the American had escaped. The General said he forgot about the prisoner because he wasn’t feeling well. He asked Sadao not to tell anyone about it. Sadao got his reward, and he didn’t hear anything from Tom. No one was on the island, and the prisoner had safely gone away.
The Enemy -Word Meaning
- Haori: a loose outer garment worn over the kimono.
- Kimono: a traditional Japanese garment.
- Heedlessly: carelessly
- Staggered: walk unsteadily as if about to fall
- Leaned: bent forward
- Spiked: covered with sharp points
- a stain of red: blood stain
- Tended: cared for, looked after
- Solemn: serious and concerned
- Beachcomber: a vagrant who makes a living by searching beaches for articles of value and selling them
- Stanch: stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound.
- Sea moss: a kind of seaweed
- Strewed: to be scattered untidily over a place or area
- Moaned: a low cry in pain
- Stupor: a state of unconsciousness
- Repulsion: a strong dislike
- Inert: motionless
- Battered: torn and worn out
- Fowl: cock, hen
- Distress: sadness
- Pallor: an unhealthy pale appearance
- Stoop: bend forward
- Pulse: heartbeat
- Vitality: energy, life
- Menace: danger, threat
- Nursery: a room in a house for the special use of young children.
- Bluntly: in a straight – forward manner
- Courteously: politely
- Superstitious: irrational beliefs
- Stubbornness: firm determination
- Fierce: dangerous
- Resistance: the refusal to accept or comply with something
- Dignity: respect
- Sustained: continued
- Conviction: firm belief
- Impulsively: to do something suddenly without thinking
- Rugs: blanket blond: of light colour
- Ebbing: decreasing gradually
- Rose: stood up
- Chilled: freeze due to cold weather
- Sterilized: disinfected
- Tokonoma alcove: The word ‘toko’ literally means “floor” or “bed”; ‘ma’ means “space” or “room.” In English, tokonoma is usually called alcove. It is a part of a room where things are displayed.a niche or an alcove in a Japanese home for displaying a flower arrangement, kakemono, or other piece of art.
- Concise: short
- Anesthetic: a substance that induces insensitivity to pain
- Superficial: existing or occurring at or on the surface.
- her face the colour of sulphur: sulphur is a yellow coloured element. The clause means that her face became pale – yellowish in colour.
- Leaped: jumped
- Retching: vomiting
- Ruthless: harsh, merciless
- Moaned: made low, soft sounds due to pain
- Paid no heed: did not pay attention to
- Beginning To Stir: gaining consciousness.
- Saturate: wet
- Cable – thick rope
- Slack – to reduce
- Shed – removed
- Panic – fear
- Seized – gripped
- Crouched- sit in a squatting position
- Piteously – causing you to feel sad and sympathetic
- By Word Of Mouth: people tell it to each other rather than it being printed in written form.
- Manchuria– Manchuria (Northeast China) is the homeland of the Manchu people.
- Probed– searched
- Anatomy– the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.
- Cardinal – basic, first
- Precise – accurate
- Incisions– surgical cuts
- Quivered – shivered, trembled
- Muttered – spoke
- Guts– informal word for bravery and determination
- Profound – very great or intense
- Pulse – heartbeat
- Feeble – weak
- Vial – a small container, typically cylindrical and made of glass, used especially for holding liquid medicines.
- Hypodermic – needle, syringe, injection
- Thrust – pushed
- Fluttered – trembled
- Compelled – forced
- Apologise – feel sorry
- Summon– to gather
- Gasped – to catch one’s breathe due to astonishment
- Knelt – sat on her knees
- Porcelain – a white vitrified translucent ceramic also called china used for making utensils, pottery, etc
- Moss – a very small soft green plant
- Pine needles – very thin, sharp leaves that grow on pine trees
- Marred – spoiled
- Contemptuously– disrespectfully
- Wistaria wine – a flowering plant used for decoration
- Traitor– a person who betrays his country
- Impulsive – sudden, thoughtless
- Assuage– decrease, reduce
- Kerchief – square piece of cloth
- Dismayed– shocked
- Mistress– a woman in a position of authority or control
- Inclined– bent towards one side
- Grieving– in a state of sadness
- Briskly– quickly
- Crimson– bright red colour
- Unaccustomed labour– not used to perform hard work
- Gasping– struggling to breathe, unable to speak
- Southern sunshine – the door of the office which opened into the garden faced the South direction. This means that the sunshine which entered the office was not direct and bright instead it was a shady sunshine.
- Indispensable– necessary
- Ruthlessness– harshness
- Sentimentality – being emotional
- Execution – legal punishment
- Peculiar – strange
- Overwhelmed– full of emotions
- Cares of his life– problems and responsibilities that he faced during his life
- South pacific– the part of the Pacific Ocean that lies in the southern hemisphere.
- Assassins– professional killers
- Timid– showing lack of courage or confidence
- Absolute state – a state run by kings having total powers
- Reason – an idea backed by common sense
- Gaunt– gloomy, weak
- Stubbly– unshaven, bearded
- Blond– light – coloured, yellowish colour
- Gripping– holding tightly
- Rustling– the sound made by footsteps
- Twig– branch of tree
- Burden– here, it refers to a dead body.
- Shaggy– hairy
- Refrain– a sound that is repeated time and again
- Boughs– branches of trees
- Partitions – structures dividing a room into parts
- Eaves– part of the roof that meets or overhangs the wall of a building
- Wail– cry loudly
- Infected– affected
- Crept– crawled
- Gay– happy
- Washed– bathed
- There was a faint colour in his cheeks– his pale yellow coloured cheeks were turning pinkish in colour which indicated that he was recovering.
- Weary– tired
- Strain– stress
- Fortifying– putting security at a place
- Submerged– here, sink into the sea
- Fathom– a unit of measuring the depth of the sea.
- Comprehending– understanding
- Nodded– lower and raise one’s head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or to give someone a signal.
- Dragged– pulled
- Stout – fat, big
- Pawnshop– a store that lends money in exchange for a valuable thing that they can sell if the person leaving it does not pay an agreed amount of money by an agreed time
- Post– pole
- Flashlight– torch
- Supper– an evening meal, typically a light or informal one.
- Modern– relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.
- Pulse– heartbeat
- Hesitated– paused in indecision before saying or doing something.
- Runs out– finishes
- Sun drops– the Sun sets
- Horizon– the line at which the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet, skyline
- Raw– uncooked
- Suspected– doubted
- Gall bladder– the small sac-shaped organ beneath the liver, in which bile is stored after secretion by the liver and before release into the intestine.
- Sulphur– a chemical element used as a disinfectant
- Cross– angry, disappointed
- Chrysanthemum– a flower
- Amazement– surprise
- Patriotism– love for one’s country
- Dereliction– failure to perform one’s duty
- the General was in the palm of his hand– he had control of the general
- Consequence: result
- Zeal– great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective
- Twilighted– at the time of twilight i.e. sunset or sunrise.
- Prick– slightest amount
- Dusk– the time of sunset
- Whence– where
- Anatomy– the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.
- Slatternly– dirty, untidy
- Prejudice– preconceived idea or opinion
- Bitter– unpleasant
- Despised– hated
- Miserable– in poor condition
- Grateful– thankful
- Nursed him– taken care of him
- Influenza– a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever
- Repulsive– awful, terrible
- Haggard– looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering.
Questions Answers –
Long Answer Type Questions –
Q.1 Who was Sadao ? Where was his house?
A.1 Dr. Sadao was a famous well established Japanese doctor. His house was built on a spot of the Japanese coast. The low square stone house was set up on rocks well above a narrow beach which was outlined by bent pines.
Q.2 What kind of relationship did Sadao share with his father?
A.2 Sadao’s father had a motivating influence on him. As he always told him that no one can limit one’s future. He never joked with him but took infinite pains for his son and sent him to America at the age of 22 to study medicine.
Q.3 what were the reasons for Sadao being kept in Japan and not sent to overseas with the troops?
A.3 Dr. Sadao was perfecting the science on how to keep wounds absolutely claen. There was a danger that the old General would require operation for a condition for which he was being treated medically. So he was not sent overseas.
Q.4 What was the first reaction of Sadao when he saw the wounded man?
A.4. Sadao first noticed the wound and began to search for the wound with his expert fingers. He assessed the damage caused and tried to stop the bleeding, realizing that the man required urgent medical attention.
Q.5 What were the first thought that entered the minds of Sadao and Hana when they saw the wounded man?
A.5 At first, they thought they should put him back into the sea. They knew if they sheltered a white man they would certainly be arrested. Yet, they were reluctant to leave the man to die, though the sight of the American repulsed them.
Q.6 How did Hana support her husband to save American’s life?
A.6 When the maid refused to clean up the white man, she did it herself. Even though she had no experience she assisted her husband with administering the anesthesia and helped him during the operation. She nursed him back to health.
Q.7 At what point did Sadao decide that it was time to get the enemy out of their house?
A.7 Hana began to get very anxious about the bold step taken and when an official in uniform came to their door, she assumed that he had come to arrest her husband. At this point, they decided to get him out.
Q.8 How did Sadao manage to tell the General about the American in his house without compromising his own integrity as a patriotic Japanese?
A.8 Sadao reported what he had done to save the man and at the same time letting the General feel that he had the ability to save life with greatest skill increasing the General’s dependence o him at a time when he was physically weak and needed his treatment.
Q.9 What plan did the General make for ridding the doctor and his wife of what could become an embarrassment to them?
A.9 The General promised to arrange for the enemy to be killed through a process of internal bleeding so that it did not appear as a murder. He promised to get rid of the body assuring Sadao that no one would know about it.
Q.10 Why was the General’s plan not successful?
A.10 The General forgot his promise and when Sadao reported the American’s escape, he apologized and explained that having fallen so ill he thought only of his recovery.
Q.11 How does the writer convey, the fact that Sadao never liked Americans?
A.11 After the prisoner had escaped, Sadao recalled all the white people he had encountered while in America and was filled with revulsion and this reaffirmed his feelings of superiority. The face of the American prisoner also filled him with revulsion.
Long Answer Type Questions –
Q.1. Sadao used his skills as a doctor not only to keep the prisoner alive but also to safeguard himself and his family. Elaborate with reference to the story “The Enemy.”
A.1 Sadao made up his mind that for the sake of his wife he must make a concerted effort to get rid of the enemy. He decided to sue the General’s dependence on his medical prowess and skills to his advantage. He reported what he had done to save the man at the same time letting the General feel that he has to depend on him at a time when he was physically weak and in need of Sadao’s expertise. The General promised him to get rid of the enemy with an assurance that nobody would know of his involvement I the matter.
When Sadao reported the matter of the American’s escape the General apologized explaining that having fallen so ill he forgot about the promise. He wanted Sadao to know that his lapse should not be mistaken for a lack of patriotic feelings on his part and if the mater came out into the open e would support his explanation. Sadao understood at once that he had the General in his palm and had no cause to worry about his own role of having given refuge to an enemy.
Q.2 There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles a private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty. Discuss with reference to the story “The Enemy.”
A.2 When Dr. Sadao realised that the man who had been washed ashore was actually an American prisoner of war they were torn between the natural human instinct to take the man into his house and catered to his needs or to respond as Japanese citizens and turn him over to authorities. Being a doctor who has spent so many years of his life learning to save lives, Sadao was overcome with the urge to do the same for the American. He also realized that the man was in need of urgent medical attention. In the end, the couple allowed their empathetic human instinct to dictate the course of action and took the American inside their house to tend to his needs.
Q.3 -In the given circumstances, do you believe that the doctor’s ultimate resolution to the problem was the most optimal choice?
A.3-The doctor’s final solution to the problem in “The Enemy” involves helping the American soldier escape by providing him with a boat and necessary supplies. Whether this is the best possible solution depends on one’s perspective.
From a moral standpoint, Dr. Sadao’s decision to save a human life, regardless of nationality or the circumstances of war, reflects compassion and a commitment to the principles of his profession. However, it goes against the expectations of his society and the orders of the military.
From a nationalistic standpoint, some may argue that Sadao’s duty was to prioritize his loyalty to his country over individual lives, especially considering the wartime context.
Ultimately, the best possible solution is subjective and depends on the values and priorities one considers most important. Dr. Sadao’s decision highlights the complex moral and ethical dilemmas that individuals may face in challenging situations.
Q.4. For Dr. Sadao, navigating the dilemma between professional loyalty and patriotism was challenging. How did he manage to avoid betraying either commitment?
A.4– Dr. Sadao navigated the challenging dilemma between professional loyalty and patriotism by prioritizing the fundamental principles of his medical profession. While acknowledging his duty to his nation, he chose to uphold the moral imperative of saving a human life, transcending national boundaries. By helping the American soldier escape, he demonstrated a commitment to his role as a healer and humanitarian, aiming to mitigate the conflict between his professional and patriotic loyalties. In doing so, Dr. Sadao aimed to uphold the values of compassion and humanity, finding a delicate balance that allowed him to avoid betraying either commitment entirely.