1. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent to the battlefield despite being a skilled surgeon?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao was not sent to the battlefield because he was engaged in a significant medical research project aimed at discovering a method to clean wounds entirely. Additionally, the old General of Japan trusted only Dr. Sadao for his medical needs, anticipating that he might require surgery. Therefore, Dr. Sadao’s expertise was considered indispensable on the home front.
2. Describe the dilemma faced by Dr. Sadao and Hana upon discovering the wounded American soldier.
Answer:
Upon finding the wounded American soldier washed ashore near their home, Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, faced a profound moral and ethical dilemma. As loyal Japanese citizens during wartime, they were expected to report or hand over enemy soldiers to the authorities. However, their humanitarian instincts and Dr. Sadao’s professional oath as a doctor compelled them to save the man’s life. This internal conflict between duty to their country and their moral obligation to save a human life forms the crux of their predicament.
3. How did the domestic staff react to the presence of the American soldier in Dr. Sadao’s house?
Answer:
The domestic staff strongly disapproved of harbouring an enemy soldier. They believed it was a betrayal of their country and were apprehensive about the potential repercussions from the authorities. Their fear and patriotic sentiments led them to abandon Dr. Sadao’s household, leaving the couple to manage both the household chores and the care of the wounded soldier on their own.
4. What plan did the General propose to eliminate the American soldier, and why was it not executed?
Answer:
The General proposed to send his private assassins to discreetly kill the American soldier, ensuring that Dr. Sadao would not be implicated. However, this plan was never executed because the General, preoccupied with his own health issues and self-centered concerns, neglected to send the assassins. This oversight provided Dr. Sadao with the opportunity to devise an alternative plan for the soldier’s escape.
5. How did Dr. Sadao ensure the safe escape of the American soldier?
Answer:
Dr. Sadao facilitated the soldier’s escape by providing him with a boat, supplies, and detailed instructions to reach a nearby uninhabited island. He advised the soldier to wait there for a Korean fishing boat that could take him to safety. Dr. Sadao also instructed him on how to signal if he ran out of supplies, emphasizing the importance of caution to avoid detection. This plan allowed the soldier to evade capture and ensured Dr. Sadao fulfilled his ethical responsibilities without directly confronting his national loyalties.
6. Discuss the internal conflict experienced by Dr. Sadao in the story.
Answer:
Dr. Sadao’s internal conflict revolves around his dual obligations as a patriotic Japanese citizen and a compassionate doctor. While his national duty dictated that he should report the enemy soldier, his medical ethics and personal conscience urged him to save the man’s life. This turmoil is exacerbated by the societal and legal implications of harboring an enemy, juxtaposed against his inherent sense of humanity and professional duty to preserve life.
7. What does the story “The Enemy” convey about the theme of humanity during wartime?
Answer:
“The Enemy” underscores the idea that human compassion and moral duty can transcend the enmity and prejudice fostered by war. Through Dr. Sadao’s actions, the narrative illustrates that personal ethics and the intrinsic value of human life can prevail over nationalist fervor and societal expectations, highlighting the potential for empathy even amidst conflict.
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