THE ENEMY

THE ENEMY

The story takes place in Japan during World War II. It covers the moral dilemma of a Japanese surgeon who discovers an enemy soldier on his doorstep as well as the struggle between humanity and patriotism.

1. Introduction to Dr. Sadao

Dr. Sadao Hoki is a Japanese doctor with extensive training and expertise who lives on a remote, peaceful coast. He grew up on this beach as a child and went on to study medicine in America. Sadao's father was strict and solely concerned with his schooling.

Sadao married Hana, a Japanese girl he met in America. Both are loyal to their country.

2. Discovery of the American Soldier

Sadao and Hana witness a man washed up on the beach one evening when the beach is covered in fog. As they approach, they see that:

• he is badly injured,
• heavily bleeding, and
• above all— a white white.

They discover faint writings on his cap that identify him as an escaped American sailor who is a prisoner of war.

3. The Moral Dilemma

Both Sadao and Hana are afraid. They know:

•  if they shelter an enemy soldier, they could be arrested for treason,
• but if they hand him over immediately, he will die.

They can not throw a wounded man back into the sea since they are doctors and human beings. They carry him into the house.

4. Fear, Disgust and Duty

Hana is disturbed seeing an American so close. The servants are shocked too:

• Yumi refuses to wash him.
• According to the cook and gardener, the couple has “forgotten their country.”
• They worry that aiding the enemy may result in misfortune and punishment.

Despite her disgust and fear, Hana washes the man herself since no servant is ready to touch him.

5. The Operation

Sadao decides to operate because the American will die otherwise. He successfully completes the surgery because his skill overcomes his emotions. Hana assists by administering anaesthesia, even though she nearly faints.

The surgery saves the prisoner’s life.

6. Consequences at Home

As the man recovers:

• The servants start to believe that Sadao and Hana have a greater affection for Americans than for Japan.
• After a while, they quit and move out of the house.
• Hana starts to worry more and more that Sadao could be arrested at any time.

The prisoner slowly gains strength. He later tells Hana that his name is Tom, but she refuses to become friendly with him.

7. Sadao Approaches the General

Finally, Sadao visits the old General, who has medical conditions that only Sadao can cure. Sadao tells him everything. The General surprisingly:

• does not punish Sadao,
• does not order his arrest,
• and instead offers to send two private assassins to quietly kill the American.

The General promises Sadao that he will handle everything, and Sadao need not be involved.

8. Waiting for the Assassins

Sadao and Hana are scared of hearing footsteps or evidence of murder, so they lie awake every night. However, the killers never show up. Later, the General admits that he was so unwell and self-absorbed that he forgot.

9. Sadao Makes His Own Decision

Unable to bear the tension, Sadao secretly makes a new plan:

· He prepares a boat

· Packs food, water, and quilts.

· Gives the young soldier Japanese clothes and instructions.

· Tells him to row to a nearby uninhabited island and wait for a Korean fishing boat.

The American escapes safely.

10. Final Resolution

The next day, Sadao informs the General that the prisoner has fled. The General is happy that he won't be involved in any scandals. Additionally, he asks Sadao not to bring up the fact that he neglected to dispatch the assassins.

Sadao realises he is now safe.

He inspects the island that night. The fact that the prisoner is no longer there indicates that he was able to board a Korean boat.