The Enemy Pearl S. Buck Before you Read | Class 12 English Notes

Before you Read

The introductory section 'Before you Read' sets the historical and thematic context for the story 'The Enemy' by Pearl S. Buck. The story is set during the time of World War II, a period marked by intense conflict and nationalistic fervor. The central conflict arises when an American prisoner of war, severely wounded, is washed ashore near the home of a Japanese doctor, Dr. Sadao Hoki. The ethical dilemma posed is whether Dr. Sadao should fulfill his professional duty as a doctor and save the life of an enemy soldier or act as a patriot and hand him over to the Japanese Army. This sets the stage for exploring themes of humanity, duty, loyalty, and the conflict between personal ethics and national allegiance.

The narrative begins by describing Dr. Sadao's house on the Japanese coast, a place tied to his childhood memories and his father's vision of Japan's future. The house is situated on rocks above a narrow beach lined with bent pines, evoking a serene yet isolated setting. Dr. Sadao's upbringing is marked by his father's strict and serious approach, emphasizing education and the importance of Japan's future. His father's words about the islands being 'stepping stones to the future for Japan' reflect the nationalistic aspirations prevalent during the era.

Dr. Sadao's education abroad in America, where he mastered surgery and medicine, highlights the blend of traditional Japanese values and Western scientific knowledge. His marriage to Hana, a Japanese woman he met in America, further symbolizes this cultural intersection. Their arranged marriage, approved by his father, underscores adherence to traditional customs despite their modern experiences abroad.

The section ends with the dramatic arrival of the wounded American soldier, setting the narrative tension. The foggy, mist-covered beach and the man's desperate struggle to reach the shore create a vivid image of vulnerability and danger. The initial reactions of Sadao and Hana introduce the central moral conflict that will drive the story forward.

📊 Diagram: The NCERT textbook includes images depicting the Japanese coastal setting with bent pines and the stone house on rocks, illustrating the serene yet isolated environment. The arrival of the wounded soldier is shown emerging from the mist-covered beach, emphasizing vulnerability.

🧪 Activity: No specific activity in this section; it serves as a preparatory context for reading.

🔗 Connection: Leads into the detailed narrative of Dr. Sadao's discovery of the wounded soldier and the unfolding ethical dilemma.