12th Standard Supplementary Reader Textbook - Vistas. Lesson No 4: The Enemy - Pearl S. Buck. Glossary, Summary, Questions and Answers Gl...
12th Standard Supplementary Reader Textbook - Vistas.
Lesson No 4: The Enemy - Pearl S. Buck.
Glossary, Summary, Questions and Answers
Glossary -
1. Yonder - at some distance.
2. Troops - soldiers.
3. Wreathing - caplet, garland.
4. Haori - a loose outer garment resembling a coat and extending to the knee worn in Japan.
5. Kimono - a traditional Japanese piece of clothing.
6. Heedlessly - careless, thoughtless.
7. Beforehand - at an earlier time than something.
8. Mists - fog.
9. Flung - to throw something with great force.
10. Staggered - very surprised.
11. Crawling - to move slowly.
12. Tended - to usually do or be something.
13. Solemn voice -serious and without any humour.
14. Beachcombers - a person who walks along a beach looking for valuable or interesting items.
15. Stanch -to stop the flow of liquid.
16. Moss -a small soft green plant that grows in wet places.
17. Strewed - scatter or spread untidily over a surface or area.
18. Moaned -to make a low sound because you are in pain.
19. Stupor - the state of being unconscious.
20. Battered -damaged.
21. Endanger - to cause danger to somebody.
22. Fowl- a bird.
23. Quilt - a cover for a bed.
24. Pallor - pale-coloured face because of illness, fear, or death.
25. Vitality -the state of being full of energy.
26. Menace- a danger or threat.
27. Quilts - a cover for a bed.
28. Bluntly -bluffly, roundly.
29. Stubbornness -the quality of being determined to do what you want and refusing to do anything else, obstinacy.
30. Impulsively -done without careful thought.
31. Blond -
32. Ebbing - ( used about sea water) to flow away from the land, which happens twice daily.
33. Tokonoma -space to display flowers.
34. Alcove - a small area in a room.
35. Retching -to make sounds as if you are vomiting.
36. Ruthless - merciless, cruel.
37. Crouched - squat.
38. Vial - a small glass container.
39. Hypodermic - a medical instrument with a long needle.
40. Perceived - to notice or realize.
41. Moss - a small soft green plant with no flowers that grows in wet places.
42. Contemptuously - expressing deep hatred or disapproval.
43. Traitor - a person not loyal to his country, blockade, opposite of a patriot.
44. Assuage - mitigate, lighten.
45. Dismayed -disappointment, frustration.
46. Brusquely - often signifies rudeness, blunt action.
47. Assassins - a person who kills a famous or important person for money or political reasons.
48. Gaunt - skinny person because of hunger or illness.
49. Stubbly -unshaven.
50. Jap - japaneese.
51. Rustling - to make a sound like dry leaves.
52. Refrain - to stop doing something.
53. Eaves - the edges of a roof.
54. Fortifying - to make a place stronger and ready for an attack.
55. Fathoms - a measure of the depth of water.
56. Chrysanthemums - a flowering plant symbolizes a long and happy life.
57. Dereliction - the state of being abandoned or neglected.
58. Slatternly - dirty and untidy.
59. Haggard - looking tired or worried.
Summary -
Read and find out ( Page.No -24)
1. Who was Dr. Sadao? Where was his house?
Ans - Dr. Sadao Hoki was an eminent Japanese surgeon specializing in wound healing. He was perfecting a discovery that would render wounds entirely clean. His house was located at the sea beach. It was on a spot of the Japanese coast.
Read and find out ( Page.No -27)
2. Will Dr. Sadao be arrested for harboring an enemy?
Ans - Dr. Sadao was not only an eminent surgeon but also an honest citizen and loyal to his country, when he realized that an American prisoner was out of danger as he had removed a bullet and operated on him very well, he honestly narrated the whole incident to the General of Japanese army. The General assured him that you would not be arrested because Dr. Sadao had been arrested, and if the General faced pain the next day, who would save him because the General was not ready to believe in other doctors. At the same time, he assured Dr. Sadao that his private assassins would take care of the American prisoner, meaning they would kill him secretly. So, we can say that Dr. Sadao will not be arrested for harboring an enemy.
Read and find out ( Page.No -31)
3. Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?
Ans - Yes, Hana will help the wounded man and wash him herself, because the gardener and the cook were frightened to serve their enemy, moreover her maid, Yumi refused to support Hana even after scolding, So Hana decided to wash herself. The stronger reason behind it was, that Dr. Sadao made his mind to operate on the wounded soldier, so she had to follow him. Actually, there was no other option left in front of her except to assist her doctor husband.
Read and find out ( Page.No -35)
4. What will Dr. Sadao and his wife do with the man?
Ans - When at first, Dr. Sadao saw the wounded enemy soldier, he was a little bit confused and in a dilemma about what he should do, but soon he decided to operate and cure him because as per the ethics and principles of the medical profession, the doctor must operate the needy patient whoever he or she maybe. So, his first intention was that he would operate on him, extract the bullet from his back, make him on his senses, and make him strong enough to walk on his feet, and then he would think about a way to get rid of him. Either he would push him again into the sea or hand over him to the Japanese Army.
Read and find out ( Page.No -43)
5. What will Dr. Sadao do to get rid of the man?
Ans - When at first, Dr. Sadao saw the wounded enemy soldier, he was a little bit confused and in a dilemma about what he should do, but soon he decided to operate and cure him because as per the ethics and principles of the medical profession, the doctor must operate the needy patient whoever he or she maybe. So, his first intention was that he would operate on him, extract the bullet from his back, make him on his senses, and make him strong enough to walk on his feet, and then he would think about a way to get rid of him. Either he would push him again into the sea or hand over him to the Japanese Army.
Reading with Insight -
1. There are moments in life when we have to make hard choices between our roles as private individuals and as citizens with a sense of national loyalty?
Ans "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck is a compelling story illustrating the conflict between personal ethics and national loyalty. Set during World War II in Japan, it focuses on Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon, who faces a profound moral dilemma when he encounters an injured American prisoner of war, washed ashore near his home.
Dr. Sadao's training and personal ethics as a doctor compel him to save the life of the injured man, despite knowing that as a Japanese citizen during wartime, his actions could be seen as treasonous. His sense of duty as a physician transcends national boundaries, reflecting a universal commitment to the sanctity of human life.
However, Sadao is also acutely aware of his responsibilities and loyalty to his country. Harboring an enemy soldier could endanger his family and himself, potentially labeling them as traitors. This internal conflict is heightened by societal pressures and the expectation to prioritize national loyalty over personal ethics.
Throughout the story, Dr. Sadao grapples with this tension. His decision to treat the American soldier highlights the complexities of human morality, where compassion and duty intersect in challenging ways. The narrative does not provide easy answers but instead invites readers to reflect on the nature of loyalty, the responsibilities of individuals in wartime, and the universal principles of humanity that transcend national boundaries.
"The Enemy" portrays the intricate balance between personal conscience and national duty, illustrating how difficult choices can define our humanity and ethical integrity.
2. Dr. Sadao was compelled by his duty as a doctor to help the enemy soldier. What made Hana, his wife, sympathetic to him in the race of open defiance from the domestic staff?
Ans - Hana's sympathy towards the enemy soldier, despite the open defiance from the domestic staff, was likely influenced by several factors:
1. Humanitarian Instinct: Hana, like her husband Dr. Sadao, likely felt a basic humanitarian instinct to help someone in need, regardless of their nationality or the political situation.
2. Support for Her Husband: As Dr. Sadao's wife, she would have felt a duty to support her husband's decision, especially knowing that his actions were driven by his professional oath and moral responsibility as a doctor.
3. Personal Convictions: Hana may have had her own personal convictions about right and wrong, which led her to believe that helping the wounded soldier was the correct thing to do.
4. Compassion: Seeing the soldier's suffering and vulnerability might have stirred her compassion and empathy, making it difficult for her to turn him away despite the risks and opposition from the staff.
5. Sense of Duty: She might have felt a sense of duty not just to her husband, but also to her own ethical standards, choosing to act according to what she believed was right in a morally complex situation.
These factors together likely made Hana sympathetic to the enemy soldier and willing to assist in his care, even in the face of defiance from the domestic staff.
3. How would you explain the reluctance of the soldier to leave the shelter of the doctor's home even when he knew he couldn't stay there without risk to the doctor and himself?
Ans - The soldier's reluctance to leave the shelter of the doctor's home can be understood through several lenses:
1. Safety and Security: The soldier may have felt that the doctor's home provided a rare and crucial sense of safety, something he likely hadn't experienced in a long time. Leaving that shelter could mean facing immediate danger or returning to a state of constant fear and uncertainty.
2. Physical and Mental State: The soldier could have been physically wounded or mentally exhausted, making the prospect of venturing out again overwhelming. His condition might have made the doctor's home a necessary place for recovery, however temporary.
3. Emotional Connection: The soldier might have developed an emotional bond with the doctor or the environment. The kindness and care shown by the doctor could have created a strong emotional anchor, making it difficult to leave despite the risks involved.
4. Lack of Options: The soldier may not have had a clear or safer alternative to the doctor's home. Without a concrete plan or destination, leaving might have seemed like a greater risk.
4. What explains the attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier? Was it human consideration, lack of national loyalty, dereliction of duty, or self-absorption?
Ans - The attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the specific context and details of the narrative you are referring to. Here are a few possible explanations:
1. Human Consideration: The General might have been moved by compassion or a sense of humanity, seeing the enemy soldier not just as an adversary but as a fellow human being in need. This perspective highlights the General's empathy and moral values.
2. Lack of National Loyalty: The General's actions might suggest a lack of strong allegiance to his country or cause. He might prioritize personal beliefs or relationships over national duties and loyalty.
3. Dereliction of Duty: The General could be seen as neglecting his professional responsibilities. By aiding or showing leniency towards the enemy soldier, he might be failing to uphold the duties and expectations of his role, which can be seen as a form of dereliction of duty.
4. Self-Absorption: The General's behavior might stem from a focus on his own interests, desires, or well-being. If his actions are primarily driven by personal gain, fear, or convenience, it suggests a self-centered motivation rather than a principled stance.Moreover, he was in state physical disability that needed an immediate kind of operation or a surgery, so he was more worried about his own well-being rather than looking into the matter of wounded soldier.
The specific interpretation can depend on the details of the narrative, the General's character development, and the broader thematic elements of the story.
5. While hatred against a member of the enemy race is justifiable, especially during wartime, what makes a human being rise above narrow prejudices?
Ans - Rising above narrow prejudices, especially during wartime, often involves several key factors:
1. Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others can help individuals see their enemies as fellow human beings rather than just faceless opponents.
2. Education: Knowledge about different cultures, histories, and perspectives can reduce ignorance and foster a more nuanced understanding.
3. Personal Relationships: Direct positive interactions with members of the enemy race can humanize them and break down stereotypes.
4. Moral and Ethical Values: Strong personal principles and a commitment to justice and fairness can lead individuals to reject prejudice.
5. Leadership and Role Models: Influential figures who promote tolerance and understanding can inspire others to do the same.
6. Self-Reflection: Personal introspection and the willingness to question one's own beliefs and biases can lead to growth and change.
7. Humanitarian Principles: A belief in the fundamental dignity and worth of every person can motivate individuals to rise above prejudice.
These factors collectively help individuals transcend hatred and recognize the common humanity shared by all people.
6. Do you think the doctor's final solution to the problem was the best possible one in the circumstances?
Ans - In "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck, Dr. Sadao Hoki faces a significant moral dilemma. An American prisoner of war washes ashore near his home in Japan during World War II, and Dr. Sadao, despite his duty to his country and the risk to his own safety, decides to save the man's life.
Dr. Sadao's final solution involves arranging for the American to escape by giving him a boat, food, and instructions on how to reach safety. This solution seems to balance his ethical duty as a doctor to save lives with his loyalty to his country, which is at war with America.
In the circumstances of the story, this decision can be seen as the best possible one for several reasons:
1. Humanitarian Act: Dr. Sadao fulfills his moral obligation as a physician to save a life, irrespective of the man's nationality or enemy status.
2. Loyalty to Country: By not directly turning the American over to the authorities, he avoids the immediate repercussions that might arise from aiding an enemy, while still ensuring the man is no longer a threat.
3. Personal Safety: Dr. Sadao mitigates the risk to himself and his family by not being directly involved in the American's capture or death, which could have led to severe consequences for harboring an enemy.
4. Cultural Context: In the context of Japanese culture and the wartime environment, Dr. Sadao's actions reflect a delicate balance between honor, duty, and compassion.
Given these factors, Dr. Sadao's final solution appears to be a pragmatic and humane decision, considering the extreme circumstances he faces.
7. Does the story remind you of ' Birth' by A.J.Cronin which you read in Snapshot last year? What are the similarities?
Ans - "Birth" by A.J. Cronin and "The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck share several thematic and narrative similarities:
1. Medical Profession: Both stories center around doctors and their professional duties. "Birth" follows Dr. Andrew Manson, while "The Enemy" focuses on Dr. Sadao Hoki.
2. Moral Dilemmas: Both characters face significant moral and ethical dilemmas. Dr. Manson grapples with the challenges of delivering a baby under difficult circumstances, while Dr. Hoki must decide whether to save an enemy soldier during wartime, risking his own safety and that of his family.
3. Compassion and Humanity: Despite the challenges and dangers they face, both doctors ultimately choose to act with compassion and humanity. Dr. Manson's determination to save the baby and Dr. Hoki's decision to save the American soldier highlight their commitment to their oaths as doctors.
4. Cultural and Social Contexts: Both stories are set against rich cultural backdrops that influence the characters' decisions and actions. Dr. Hoki's story is deeply embedded in Japanese culture during World War II, while Dr. Manson's is set in the context of British society.
5. Conflict and Resolution: Both narratives involve significant conflict—whether internal, as in Dr. Manson's self-doubt, or external, as in Dr. Hoki's fear of repercussions from his actions. Both stories resolve with the doctors' actions leading to positive outcomes, demonstrating their integrity and dedication.
These shared elements highlight the universal themes of duty, ethics, and compassion in the medical profession.
8. Is there any film have seen or novel you have read with a similar theme?
Ans -"The Enemy" by Pearl S. Buck explores themes of compassion, humanity, and the moral dilemmas faced during wartime. Here are some Hindi and English films or novels with similar themes:
Hindi Films and Novels
1. Film: "Border" (1997) - - Directed by J.P. Dutta, this film portrays the humanity and camaraderie among soldiers on opposing sides during the India-Pakistan war of 1971.
2. Film: "Lal Kaptaan" (2019) - Directed by Navdeep Singh, it delves into themes of revenge, redemption, and humanity during tumultuous times.
3. Novel: "A Train to Pakistan" by Khushwant Singh - This novel explores the human cost of the Partition of India in 1947, focusing on the moral dilemmas and compassion among people of different communities.
English Films and Novels
1. Film: "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) - Directed by David Lean, this film explores the complex relationships and moral dilemmas between British POWs and their Japanese captors during World War II.
2. Film: "Schindler's List" (1993)- Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of many Jews during the Holocaust, highlighting themes of humanity and compassion.
3. Novel: "A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway- This novel portrays the impact of war on individuals, focusing on love, loss, and the struggle to maintain humanity during World War I.
4. Novel: "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini - This novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Afghanistan.
These works, like "The Enemy," focus on the humanity that persists even in the darkest times of conflict.
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