The Enemy is a powerful short story about humanity, duty, and moral conflict during wartime. It is set in Japan during World War II and focuses on a Japanese doctor who faces a difficult decision when an injured enemy soldier appears at his house. The story shows how compassion and ethics can be stronger than hatred created by war.
Setting of the Story
The story takes place in Japan during World War II. The main character lives in a house built on a hill near the seashore. The atmosphere of war creates fear and tension, because helping an enemy soldier could be considered treason.
Main Characters
1. Dr. Sadao Hoki – A skilled Japanese surgeon who studied in America. He is intelligent, calm, and humane.
2. Hana – Dr. Sadao's loyal wife who supports him despite her fear.
3. The American Prisoner of War – A wounded enemy soldier washed ashore near Sadao's house.
4. The General – A powerful Japanese military leader who later promises to deal with the prisoner.
Dr. Sadao's Background
Dr. Sadao was born in Japan and raised by a traditional Japanese father who wanted his son to become a great doctor. To achieve this goal, Sadao was sent to America for his medical studies.
While studying there, Sadao experienced racial discrimination, but he still worked hard and completed his education successfully. During his stay in America, he met Hana, another Japanese student. They eventually married and returned to Japan.
Back in Japan, Sadao became a famous surgeon and scientist. Because of his skill, he was appointed to treat soldiers and important officials during the war.
The Discovery of the Enemy
One night, during the war, Dr. Sadao and Hana were walking near the beach outside their house. Suddenly, they noticed a man lying on the shore.
When they approached him, they realized something shocking.
The man was an American soldier, one of the enemies of Japan.
He had been shot in the back and was badly wounded. He must have escaped from a nearby prisoner-of-war camp and had been washed ashore by the sea.
The Moral Conflict
Dr. Sadao immediately faced a terrible dilemma.
If he helped the soldier, he could be arrested for treason by the Japanese authorities.
But if he left the man to die, it would go against his duty as a doctor.
After thinking carefully, Sadao made a decision.
He said that as a doctor, his duty was to save a life, even if that life belonged to an enemy.
So he carried the wounded soldier into his house.
Hana's Reaction
Hana was extremely frightened. She hated the idea of helping an American enemy, especially during wartime.
However, she also respected her husband's decision.
Although she was nervous and disgusted at first, she helped Sadao prepare the room and clean the wounded man.
The Difficult Surgery
Dr. Sadao examined the soldier carefully.
The man had a bullet stuck inside his body. If the bullet was not removed, the soldier would certainly die.
Despite the danger of being discovered, Sadao performed a very delicate surgery in his own house.
The operation was difficult, but finally Dr. Sadao succeeded in removing the bullet and saving the soldier's life.
Fear of Discovery
After the surgery, the soldier slowly began to recover.
However, keeping an enemy prisoner in the house became very dangerous.
The household servants soon discovered the truth and were horrified. They believed helping an enemy was wrong and feared punishment from the government.
Eventually, the servants left the house, refusing to stay there any longer.
The General's Promise
Dr. Sadao decided to report the situation to the General, a powerful military leader whom he often treated medically.
The General listened carefully.
Instead of punishing Sadao, the General told him not to worry. He promised that his secret agents would come quietly at night and kill the American soldier so that Sadao would not be blamed.
But days passed, and no assassins came.
The General had completely forgotten about the matter because he was too concerned with his own health problems.
Sadao's Final Decision
Now Dr. Sadao faced another difficult choice.
If the soldier stayed longer, the authorities might discover him and Sadao would be in serious trouble.
However, the soldier had become strong enough to travel.
Finally, Sadao decided to help the soldier escape.
He secretly gave him:
Food
Water
A flashlight
A boat
He instructed the soldier to row to a nearby island where he could hide until an American ship came to rescue him.
The Soldier's Escape
The American soldier quietly followed Sadao's instructions and escaped into the sea at night.
The next morning, Dr. Sadao looked toward the island with binoculars.
After a few days, he noticed that the signal of the flashlight had disappeared, which meant the soldier had likely been rescued by his countrymen.
The General's Realization
Later, the General remembered his promise to send assassins.
When he asked Sadao about the prisoner, Sadao calmly said the man had escaped.
The General admitted he had forgotten to send the assassins and said it was probably better that the man had escaped.
Sadao's Reflection
At the end of the story, Dr. Sadao reflects deeply.
Even though the soldier was his enemy, Sadao could not let him die.
His humanity and professional duty as a doctor were stronger than hatred caused by war.
Themes of the Story
1. Humanity vs War
The story shows that human compassion is more powerful than war and hatred.
2. Duty vs Patriotism
Dr. Sadao struggles between:
his duty to his country
his duty as a doctor to save lives
3. Moral Courage
Sadao shows bravery by doing what he believes is morally right, even when it is dangerous.
Conclusion
The Enemy teaches that kindness and humanity should not disappear even during war. Dr. Sadao proves that a true doctor values life above nationality or politics.
Despite the risks, he saves an enemy soldier, showing that compassion and moral responsibility are stronger than hatred.