Class 12 English - PUNJAB
Supplementary: The Enemy
The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck is a powerful story set during World War II, exploring the moral dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon. When he finds an injured American prisoner of war washed ashore near his home, Sadao must choose between his duty as a patriot and his ethical obligation as a doctor to save a human life. This chapter is vital for the PSEB Class 12 English board exams as it tests students' comprehension of deep themes like humanitarianism, professional ethics, and prejudice versus compassion through passage-based and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Dr. Sadao Hoki
A talented Japanese surgeon and scientist torn between intense national pride instilled by his father and the universal ethics of the medical profession.
Tom (The American POW)
An escaped American Navy prisoner who represents the 'enemy' to wartime Japan, yet becomes the catalyst testing Sadao and Hana's humanity.
Hana
Sadao's loyal and supportive wife who stands by him through the immense danger of harboring an enemy soldier in their home.
The General
General Takima, a self-absorbed Japanese military leader who delays arresting Sadao because he relies entirely on Sadao's surgical skills for his own survival.
Conflict of Duty
The central theme contrasting a citizen's legal and patriotic duty to the state with a doctor's sacred oath to save every human life.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the PSEB Class 12 English board exams, this chapter regularly features in long-answer questions (carrying 5 marks) and short-answer questions (2-3 marks), alongside comprehension passages to test character analysis and thematic understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dr. Sadao save the American soldier despite knowing the risk?
As a trained physician, Sadao's primary professional ethics and humanitarian instinct compelled him to save a dying human being, regardless of his nationality.
Why didn't the General have Sadao arrested for treason?
The General was self-absorbed and suffered from a severe ailment; he trusted only Sadao's surgical skills and kept his secret to ensure his own survival.
What message does Pearl S. Buck convey through 'The Enemy'?
The story conveys that universal human values, empathy, and professional ethics transcend man-made divisions like race, nationality, and war.
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