Class 12 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Supplementary: The Enemy
Supplementary: The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck is a profound narrative set during World War II, exploring the moral dilemma faced by Sadao Hada, a brilliant Japanese surgeon. When he finds a wounded American prisoner of war washed ashore near his home, he must choose between his duty as a patriot and his ethical obligation as a doctor to save a human life. For Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 12 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing critical thinking, character analysis, and value-based long-answer questions about humanity transcending national boundaries.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Ethical Dilemma of Dr. Sadao
Dr. Sadao is torn between his national duty to report an enemy soldier and his professional oath as a doctor to save every human life regardless of nationality.
Role of Hana
Sadao's wife, Hana, represents compassion and moral support, standing bravely by her husband despite the immense personal danger and societal backlash.
Patriotism vs. Humanism
The story highlights how universal human values and medical ethics can triumph over narrow-minded nationalism and wartime hatred.
The General's Selfishness
General Takada is self-absorbed and delays action regarding the American soldier solely because he relies exclusively on Sadao's surgical skills for his own survival.
The White Man's Burden and Prejudice
Reflected in the servants' resistance and society's attitude, highlighting the deep-seated racial and national prejudices during wartime.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 12 English board examinations, the Supplementary reader chapters like 'The Enemy' frequently carry questions worth 4 to 8 marks. Students can expect long-answer questions focusing on character sketches (Dr. Sadao or Hana), thematic justifications (e.g., humanity above war), or reference-to-context short-answer questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Sadao saved the soldier primarily because of his professional training and the Hippocratic oath he took as a doctor, which compelled him to treat any suffering human being, even if it was an enemy.
Why didn't General Takada have Sadao arrested for harboring an enemy?
General Takada was a selfish man who cared only about his own health. He knew Sadao was the best surgeon available and feared that if Sadao was arrested, no one else could successfully operate on his ailing condition.
How do the servants react to the presence of the American prisoner?
The domestic servants, particularly Yumi, are deeply frightened and prejudiced against the American. They refuse to help the wounded soldier and eventually leave the household in protest of Sadao's decision.
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