Class 12 English - ODISHA
Supplementary: The Enemy
Supplementary: The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck is a profound story set during World War II, focusing on Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon who finds a wounded American prisoner of war washed ashore. The chapter explores the eternal conflict between humanism and patriotism, testing whether professional ethics and universal brotherhood can transcend national loyalties. For Odisha BSE board exams, this chapter is crucial for long-answer questions testing critical thinking, character analysis, and moral dilemmas, making a deep understanding of Sadao and Hana's internal struggles essential for scoring high marks.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Professional Ethics vs. Patriotism
Dr. Sadao faces a severe moral dilemma: as a doctor, his oath compels him to save a life, but as a Japanese citizen, helping an enemy soldier is an act of treason.
Universal Brotherhood
The story transcends national and racial boundaries, emphasizing that deep down, human beings share the same pain and vulnerability regardless of nationality.
Character of Dr. Sadao Hoki
A brilliantly trained surgeon molded by his traditional Japanese father and modern American education, representing a balance of scientific duty and emotional detachment.
Role of Hana
Sadao's loyal and compassionate wife who supports him through the ordeal, managing the household servants and helping during the surgery despite her own fears.
The Servant's Reaction
The traditional servants, Yumi and Gardener, represent the rigid societal prejudices and blind patriotism of wartime Japan, refusing to wash the 'enemy' and eventually leaving the house.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 12 English board examinations, 'The Enemy' frequently appears in the supplementary reading section. It generally carries 6 to 10 marks, typically tested through Long Answer Type Questions (100-150 words) evaluating character sketches, theme analysis, or critical justification of the title, alongside Short Answer Type Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dr. Sadao save the American soldier despite knowing the risks?
Dr. Sadao saved the soldier primarily because of his professional training and medical ethics as a doctor, which compelled him to preserve human life above all political enmities.
How did the servants react to the presence of the American prisoner?
The servants were deeply frightened, angry, and prejudiced. They believed helping an enemy would bring disaster upon the household and ultimately chose to leave Dr. Sadao's house.
Why did General Takao not arrest Dr. Sadao for harboring an enemy?
The General was selfish and relied entirely on Sadao's exceptional surgical skills for his own survival. He promised to have the prisoner assassinated quietly but forgot due to his own failing health.
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