Answer Key: The Enemy by Pearl S.
Buck
Section A: Reference to Context (RTC) Answers
Extract 1:
1. 'He' refers to the wounded American soldier who had been washed ashore near Dr.
Sadao’s house.
2. Sadao is facing a dilemma between his duty as a doctor to save a life and his loyalty as a
Japanese citizen during wartime.
3. This extract reveals that Sadao is a compassionate and responsible man who values
human life above political boundaries.
Extract 2:
1. The speaker is Dr. Sadao. He is wondering why he could not kill the soldier despite the
fact that the soldier was his country’s enemy.
2. 'Whole again' signifies that the soldier has completely recovered from his wounds after
Sadao treated him.
3. This extract highlights Sadao’s internal conflict between his professional ethics as a
doctor and his national loyalty.
Extract 3:
1. The speaker is Hana, Sadao’s wife. She says this when Yumi refuses to wash the wounded
American soldier.
2. This statement reveals Hana’s sense of humanity and empathy towards the helpless
soldier.
3. This contrasts with Yumi’s reaction because Yumi prioritizes her patriotism and refuses
to help the enemy soldier.
Section B: Competency-Based Short Answer Questions
1. The servants left Sadao because they feared punishment from the authorities for
sheltering an enemy soldier. It reflects the fear and rigid loyalty to the state during wartime.
2. Hana complements Sadao by supporting him despite her fears. She stands by his decision
and helps him in caring for the soldier.
3. Sadao’s decision to operate on the soldier was ethically right because saving a life is a
doctor’s foremost duty, even if the person is an enemy.
4. The General’s private assassins signify the corruption and moral decline in Japanese
society during the war, where power was misused for personal motives.
5. Sadao resolves his conflict by secretly sending the soldier away in a boat, ensuring his
safety without betraying his country.
6. The sea symbolizes both danger and escape. For the soldier, it is a path to freedom, and
for Sadao, it represents a way to resolve his dilemma.
7. The story emphasizes that humanity is greater than national boundaries as Sadao risks
his life to save an enemy soldier out of compassion.
8. Sadao was not sent to war because the General needed his medical expertise for his own
survival.
Section C: Competency-Based Long Answer Questions
1. The story vividly presents the conflict between personal ethics and national loyalty
through Dr. Sadao. As a doctor, he feels morally bound to save the wounded soldier’s life,
even though he belongs to the enemy side. His decision to treat the soldier despite the risk
of being labeled a traitor highlights his strong sense of humanity. At the same time, he
remains loyal to his nation by informing the General and ultimately ensuring the soldier’s
escape without harming him. Thus, Pearl S. Buck portrays Sadao as a man torn between
duty and patriotism, yet guided by conscience.
2. Hana plays a crucial role in supporting Sadao throughout the crisis. Initially, she is
shocked and fearful of the consequences of harboring an enemy soldier, but gradually, her
humanitarian instincts overcome her hesitation. Her care for the soldier and assistance
during the operation show her courage and empathy. Hana’s transformation reflects the
central theme of the story—humanity above prejudice and nationalism. She evolves from a
traditional, obedient wife to a strong, independent thinker who prioritizes moral duty over
societal norms.
3. The varied reactions of characters in the story reveal different facets of human nature.
Sadao acts out of humanitarian values and professional ethics. Hana, despite initial fear,
supports her husband. The servants, on the other hand, abandon their masters out of fear
and blind patriotism. The General, though powerful, prioritizes his health and disregards
the soldier’s life. These contrasting reactions show that during wartime, some uphold moral
values while others succumb to fear or self-interest.
Section D: Value-Based Question
The message of 'The Enemy' is highly relevant today. In a world divided by political
conflicts, religious differences, and territorial disputes, acts of humanity remind us that
compassion transcends boundaries. For example, during natural disasters like earthquakes
or pandemics, countries often extend aid to rival nations, proving that humanity is above
enmity. Similarly, medical professionals treat patients without discrimination, even during
wars. These instances reaffirm that moral values and empathy are universal and should
guide our actions over narrow nationalism.
