The Enemy-Pearl S. Buck-Analysis

The story portrays the intense conflict between duty, patriotism, and humanity primarily through Dr. Sadao and his family. This conflict plays out on various levels—internal conflict, external societal reaction, and ultimately, a personal resolution.

Here's how this conflict is portrayed:

1. Dr. Sadao's Internal Conflict (Duty vs. Humanity)

Dr. Sadao, a renowned Japanese surgeon, is at the center of this moral dilemma.

• Patriotism and National Duty: Sadao was always reminded by his father that he is "first and foremost a Japanese." When he finds a wounded American soldier (the enemy), he knows, as a patriot, that he should not shelter the enemy. He subsequently feels immense stress due to his loyalty to his country and wonders whether he should have let the man die. Even at the end of the story, he remains deeply engrossed in his reflections on his deep Japanese identity.

• Humanity and Professional Duty: As a doctor, Sadao's sense of duty and professional duty do not allow him to leave the wounded man to die. Driven by this sense of humanity, he carries the unconscious soldier inside the house. Using his surgical skills, he operates on the man and saves his life.

• Deepening Conflict: Day by day, Sadao's internal conflict deepens—he is loyal to his country, yet as a doctor, he has saved the enemy's life.

2. Hana's Conflict and Loyalty

Dr. Sadao's wife, Hana, also feels this conflict.

• Initial Patriotism/Resistance: Hana, too, initially feels hesitant to help a white man.

• Humanity and Duty to Her Husband: However, her sense of humanity and loyalty to her husband leads her to help him. When the maid Yumi refuses to touch or wash the white man, Hana feels insulted, but she has to do it herself.

3. Social and External Conflict (Illustrated Through the Servants)

The servant class represents pure patriotism and national duty, rejecting acts of humanity.

• Patriotic Protest: The servants (Yumi, the gardener, and the cook) are shocked and enraged by the enemy's presence. They call him "the enemy" and insist that he be handed over to the police. They argue that keeping an enemy is unpatriotic.

• Triumph of Duty: Registering their protest, the three servants leave the house. This action shows that for them, national duty prevails over personal humanity.

4. Resolution and Final Action

Dr. Sadao resolves this conflict by acting on behalf of humanity, but he also tries to fulfill his national duty:

• Attempted Escape from Duty: Unable to bear the stress, Sadao informs the Japanese General about the situation. The General, who relies on Sadao, assures him that he will secretly send assassins to fulfill his patriotic duty.

• Secret Victory for Humanity: When the General, concerned for his health, forgets to send assassins, Sadao takes matters into his own hands. He prepares a boat to help the American soldier (Tom) escape and instructs him to escape by sea.

• Resolution of the Conflict: Thus, Dr. Sadao secretly fulfills his humanitarian and medical duties by saving the enemy's life, while outwardly trying to show that he has handed him over to the police. The story shows that he is still torn between duty to the country and duty to humanity.