The Enemy Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English (Vistas) Chapter 4

1. What is the central conflict in the story The Enemy?

The central conflict in The Enemy is Dr. Sadao Hoki’s moral dilemma. He is caught between his loyalty as a Japanese citizen during World War II and his responsibility as a doctor to save the life of an American soldier. This conflict represents the larger theme of humanity versus nationalism.

2. How does Dr. Sadao's background influence his decision to save the American soldier?

Dr. Sadao, educated in America and a trained surgeon, holds a strong belief in the value of human life and medical ethics. Despite his Japanese nationality, which urges him to follow the dictates of the war, his duty as a doctor compels him to save the wounded soldier.

3. What role does Dr. Sadao’s wife play in the story?

Dr. Sadao's wife, Hana, is initially reluctant to shelter the American soldier. Her feelings of fear and anger toward the enemy soldier mirror the prejudice and wartime animosities of the time. However, she supports her husband’s decision to save the soldier, despite her initial reservations, showing her underlying trust in his judgment.

4. What are the moral dilemmas faced by Dr. Sadao throughout the story?

Dr. Sadao faces moral dilemmas about whether to save the life of an enemy soldier or hand him over to the army, whether to protect him from death or remain loyal to his country. The dilemma between medical ethics and national loyalty challenges his identity and principles.

5. How does the doctor’s decision impact his personal life?

Dr. Sadao’s decision to save the American soldier causes tension in his household, with the servants abandoning him and his wife fearing for their safety. His actions lead to isolation and strained relationships, highlighting the conflict between personal integrity and societal pressures.

6. What does Dr. Sadao's conversation with the general reveal about Japanese views during the war?

The conversation with the general reveals the nationalist sentiment during the war, where the general suggests killing the soldier to avoid suspicion or dishonour. It contrasts Dr Sadao’s humanitarian instincts with the wartime mentality that prioritises country over individual life.

7. How does Dr. Sadao handle the situation when the general offers to have the American soldier killed?

Dr Sadao initially hesitates but eventually arranges for the soldier to be sent away safely, choosing a path that allows him to protect the man’s life while also attempting to keep himself safe from being implicated in harbouring an enemy.

8. Explain the significance of Dr. Sadao’s decision to help the American soldier escape.

Dr. Sadao’s decision to help the soldier escape symbolises his rejection of the concept of “enemy” based on nationality. By helping him escape, he asserts his belief in the sanctity of life, transcending national borders and ideologies.

9. What are the reactions of the servants to the presence of the American soldier?

The servants, unable to overcome their nationalistic hatred and prejudice, abandon Dr. Sadao when they learn he is caring for an enemy soldier. Their reaction reflects the deep-rooted animosity towards the enemy, which overpowers their loyalty to their employer.

10. How does the wounded soldier’s survival affect Dr. Sadao’s perspective?

As the soldier survives and gradually recovers, Dr. Sadao is forced to confront the complexities of war, loyalty, and human compassion. He begins to question why he saved the life of an enemy and the meaning of his actions, especially in the context of the war.

11. How does Pearl S. Buck explore the theme of humanity in the story?

The story emphasises the theme of humanity through Dr. Sadao’s decision to save a life, irrespective of nationality. His choice to uphold medical ethics and compassion, even at the risk of personal harm, highlights the importance of human connection over national loyalty or prejudice.

12. How does the story reflect the impact of war on individuals?

The Enemy shows how war dehumanises individuals and creates prejudices, yet it also explores how personal values, like compassion and humanity, can transcend the boundaries created by war. The soldier, as well as Dr. Sadao, becomes a symbol of how war challenges moral and ethical values.

13. What role does fear play in the story?

Fear plays a significant role in the story, as Dr. Sadao and his wife fear the repercussions of saving an enemy soldier. Similarly, the servants fear the consequences of being associated with an enemy. Fear drives the actions and decisions of characters throughout the story.

14. What is the significance of the title The Enemy?

The title The Enemy reflects the central theme of the story, where the concept of the “enemy” is questioned. The wounded soldier, initially perceived as an enemy, is revealed to be a human being, complicating the simple notions of good and bad, patriotism and betrayal.

15. How does the story explore the theme of loyalty?

The story explores loyalty from different perspectives. Dr. Sadao is loyal to his profession and medical ethics, even when it contradicts his national loyalty. His wife, initially torn between her loyalty to her husband and her fear of being involved with an enemy, eventually supports his decision.

16. What is the symbolism of the sea in The Enemy?

The sea symbolises both life and death. The American soldier washes up on the shore, symbolising life and hope, while the sea represents the perilous situation the soldier faces, where he could easily have died.

17. How does the soldier’s condition reflect the impact of war?

The soldier’s injury and weakened state upon being found by Dr. Sadao represent the brutality and devastation of war. His condition symbolises the many soldiers who suffer, often without the human empathy they deserve.

18. Why does Dr. Sadao keep the soldier’s presence a secret?

Dr. Sadao keeps the soldier’s presence a secret to avoid political and social repercussions. In wartime Japan, harbouring an enemy could lead to severe punishment, and Dr. Sadao must balance his duty as a doctor with the risks involved.

19. What does the story suggest about the role of doctors in times of war?

The story suggests that doctors, like Dr. Sadao, are bound by their ethical obligation to save lives, regardless of the circumstances or the person’s nationality. It challenges the notion of loyalty to the nation over humanity.

20. What does the soldier’s eventual escape symbolise?

The soldier’s escape symbolises the triumph of human compassion over nationalistic hostility. It shows that even during war, there is room for kindness and understanding, allowing the soldier to live despite being the enemy.

21. What impact does the American soldier’s presence have on Dr. Sadao’s family?

The presence of the soldier disrupts Dr. Sadao’s family life, causing fear, distrust, and division. His wife’s initial hesitation and the servants’ abandonment reflect the tensions war creates within personal relationships.

22. How does Dr. Sadao’s decision challenge the concept of "enemy"?

Dr. Sadao’s decision challenges the concept of “enemy” by showing that human life and compassion should take precedence over the labels assigned by war. The soldier, initially an enemy, becomes a person in need of help, which complicates the idea of loyalty to one’s country.

23. What does Dr. Sadao’s internal conflict reveal about the moral complexities of war?

Dr. Sadao’s internal conflict reveals that war is not just about physical battles, but also moral struggles. It forces individuals to choose between loyalty to their country and their ethical duty as human beings, highlighting the complexity of moral decisions in times of conflict.

24. How does The Enemy critique nationalism during wartime?

The story critiques nationalism during wartime by showing how it can dehumanise individuals and encourage actions that contradict basic human values. It portrays the destructive nature of blind loyalty to national identity, at the cost of compassion and empathy.

25. What does the ending of The Enemy suggest about the possibility of reconciliation?

The ending suggests that despite the brutality of war, reconciliation and humanity are possible. Dr Sadao’s actions indicate that individuals can choose empathy over hostility, and even during the harshest times, it’s possible to act with kindness and compassion.

Points to Remember From Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4: The Enemy

• The story is set during World War II, specifically in Japan, where the conflict between the United States and Japan is a central theme.

• Dr. Sadao is a skilled Japanese surgeon who is trained in America. He is caught between his duty as a doctor and his loyalty to his country when an American soldier washes up on the shore near his home.

• Dr. Sadao faces a moral dilemma: Should he save the life of the injured American soldier (who is an enemy) or follow the patriotic duty and report him to the authorities?

• The story highlights the intense prejudice and nationalism that define wartime loyalties. Dr. Sadao’s actions challenge these societal norms.

• Dr. Sadao's decision to save the life of the enemy soldier emphasises the importance of human compassion over blind patriotism.

• The story is told from a third-person point of view, which allows readers to see Dr. Sadao's internal conflict and his external actions. 

• This perspective also provides insight into the views of other characters like Hana and the general.

• The story emphasises the importance of following one's conscience and acting with empathy, even in the most challenging circumstances. 

• It teaches the value of human life over nationalistic ideologies.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4: The Enemy

• Important questions help students develop a deeper understanding of the key themes, characters, and conflicts in the story. 

• By exploring questions related to moral dilemmas, the characters' motivations, and the consequences of their actions, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the chapter.

• Important questions serve as a valuable tool for exam preparation. 

• They provide a structured way to review the most significant aspects of the chapter and ensure that students are well-prepared to answer essay-type and short-answer questions in their exams.

• They learn how to organise their thoughts coherently, structure essays effectively, and present their ideas clearly, which are essential skills for both exams and future academic writing.

• Through answering questions that deal with moral conflicts and ethical decisions, students develop empathy and an understanding of the complexities of human nature. 

• Practising important questions helps students manage their time efficiently during exams.

Conclusion

Vedantu’s English (Vistas) Important Questions for Chapter 4: The Enemy Class 12 is an invaluable resource for students aiming to understand this story. By thoroughly exploring these important questions, students can deepen their understanding of the chapter's themes, characters, and symbols, while preparing effectively for their exams. The FREE PDF download offers easy access, helping you approach the chapter with confidence and clarity. 

Related Study Materials for Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4

Chapter-wise Important Questions for English Vistas Class 12 

Bookwise Important Questions Links for Class 12 English

Important Study Material for English Class 12