Dr. Sadao Hoki is a highly skilled Japanese surgeon living during World War II. One day, he discovers an injured American prisoner of war washed ashore near his home. Despite the tensions of war, Dr. Sadao decides to secretly treat and shelter the wounded soldier, putting himself and his family at risk by aiding the enemy. The story explores themes of morality, compassion, and the conflict between loyalty to one's country versus upholding personal ethics.

1. Introduction
“The Enemy”! It’s a captivating short story written by Pearl S. Buck. The story is set in Japan
during World War II and follows the life of Dr. Sadao Hoki, a highly skilled Japanese surgeon.One
day, Dr. Sadao discovers an injured American prisoner of war washed ashore near his house.
Despite the tension between Japan and the United States during the war, Dr. Sadao decides to
secretly treat and shelter the wounded soldier. This decision puts him and his family in a difficult
position, torn between their duty to their country and their compassion for a fellow human
being.“The Enemy” explores themes of morality, compassion, and the conflict between personal
ethics and national loyalty. It’s a thought-provoking story that raises questions about the
complexities of war and the universal bonds of humanity! It’s a powerful story that delves into
the depths of human nature.

2. Need for developing humanism like empathy,
forgiveness, charity etc
• Developing humanism is incredibly important, as it helps us foster empathy, forgiveness, and
charity towards others. These qualities are essential for building strong and compassionate
communities.
• Empathy allows us to understand and share the feelings of others, putting ourselves in their
shoes. It helps us connect with people on a deeper level, promoting kindness and understanding.
By practicing empathy, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world.
• Forgiveness is another vital aspect of humanism. It involves letting go of grudges, resentments,
and the desire for revenge. Forgiving others not only brings peace to our own hearts but also
allows for healing and growth in relationships. It’s a powerful act of compassion and
understanding.
• Charity, in its broadest sense, means showing kindness and generosity towards others. It can
involve giving our time, resources, or support to those in need. Acts of charity help create a more
equitable society and remind us of the importance of helping one another.
• By developing these qualities of humanism, we can contribute to a more empathetic, forgiving,
and charitable world. It starts with small acts of kindness and understanding in our everyday lives.
Together, we can make a positive difference and create a more compassionate society.

3. Background info about Dr. Sadao’s upbringing
• Dr. Sadao’s upbringing really highlights the importance of developing humanistic
qualities like empathy, forgiveness, and charity. Growing up in a traditional
Japanese household, Dr. Sadao would have been exposed to values that
emphasize compassion and kindness towards others.
• In Japanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on harmony and the well-being of
the community. This upbringing likely instilled in Dr. Sadao a sense of empathy, the
ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s this empathy that drives
him to help the injured American soldier, despite the risks involved.
• Moreover, forgiveness and charity are also important aspects of humanism. Dr.
Sadao’s decision to treat and shelter the enemy soldier demonstrates his capacity
for forgiveness, looking beyond the conflict and seeing the wounded man as a
fellow human being in need of help.
• By developing these humanistic qualities, individuals like Dr. Sadao can bridge
divides, promote understanding, and create a more compassionate and inclusive
society. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of empathy, forgiveness, and charity
in our own lives.

4. Description about His education in the USA
• Sadao’s education was his father’s chief concern. So he had been sent
at twenty-two to America to leam all that could be learnt of surgery
and medicine. He studied there for eight years and returned to Japan
at thirty. Before his father died, Sadao had become famous not only
as a surgeon, but also as a scientist.
• He had had great difficulty in finding a place to live in America
because he was a Japanese. The Americans were full of prejudice and
it had been bitter to live in it, knowing himself to be superior to them.
An ignorant and dirty old woman at last consented to house him in
her miserable home. He found her repulsive to him even in her
kindness.

5. Conflict between patriotism and humanism
• The conflict between patriotism and humanism can be a challenging one to navigate. On one
hand, patriotism involves a deep love and loyalty towards one’s country, which can sometimes
lead to a sense of duty and protection for fellow citizens. On the other hand, humanism
emphasizes the value and well-being of all human beings, regardless of their nationality or
background.
• In times of conflict, these two ideals can clash. Patriotism may drive individuals to support their
country’s actions, even if it means disregarding the well-being or rights of others. Humanism, on
the other hand, calls for empathy, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of
their affiliation.
• It’s important to find a balance between these two perspectives. While it’s natural to feel a sense
of loyalty towards one’s country, it’s equally important to uphold the principles of humanism and
treat all individuals with dignity and compassion. Recognizing the humanity in others, even those
deemed as “enemies,” can help foster understanding and peace.
• Ultimately, it’s a personal journey to reconcile these conflicting ideals. It requires critical thinking,
empathy, and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs. By striving to find common ground and
promoting dialogue, we can work towards a world that embraces both patriotism and humanism
in a harmonious way

6. Examples of Dr. Sadao’s empathetic nature
• Dr. Sadao’s empathetic nature is evident throughout the story. Here are a few examples:
• 1. When Dr. Sadao finds the injured American soldier washed up on the shore, he immediately
feels compassion and decides to help him, even though the soldier is considered an enemy.
Despite the potential risks and consequences, Dr. Sadao cannot bear to leave him to die.
• 2. Dr. Sadao’s empathy is further demonstrated when he insists on providing the best medical
care for the soldier, using his own skills and resources. He goes above and beyond to ensure the
soldier’s well-being, despite the potential backlash from his own country and the risk of being
discovered.
• 3. Throughout the story, Dr. Sadao shows understanding and compassion towards the soldier’s
fear and vulnerability. He tries to ease the soldier’s discomfort and offers reassurance, treating
him not as an enemy, but as a fellow human being in need of care.
• These examples highlight Dr. Sadao’s ability to empathize with others, even in difficult and
complex situations. His actions go beyond the boundaries of patriotism, showcasing his deep
commitment to humanistic values and the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every
individual.

7. Dr. Sadao’s resolve of the internal conflict and
display of humanity against prejudices and
barriers.
• Dr. Sadao’s resolve and display of humanity in the face of prejudices and barriers are truly
inspiring. Despite the prevailing societal prejudices and the potential consequences for helping an
enemy soldier, Dr. Sadao chooses to prioritize his humanistic values.
• One example of Dr. Sadao’s empathetic nature is when he decides to treat the wounded American
soldier, even though the soldier is considered an enemy. Driven by his medical training and his
innate compassion, Dr. Sadao cannot ignore the suffering of another human being, regardless of
their nationality. This act of empathy goes against the prejudices and barriers that exist during
times of war.
• Another example is when Dr. Sadao risks his own safety and that of his family to provide shelter
and care for the soldier. Despite the potential repercussions from his own government and the
disapproval of his community, Dr. Sadao remains steadfast in his commitment to help the
wounded soldier. His actions demonstrate his unwavering belief in the value of human life and
the importance of compassion.
• Dr. Sadao’s resolve to overcome these prejudices and barriers highlights his strength of character
and his dedication to his humanistic principles. His actions serve as a powerful reminder that
empathy and compassion can transcend the divisions created by war and conflict.