NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Chapter 17 The Enemy

Short Note:

• Set during World War II, the story follows Dr. Sadao Hoki, a respected Japanese surgeon, who discovers a severely wounded American prisoner of war, Tom, washed up near his home, and faces an intense moral dilemma about whether to help or abandon his enemy.

• Despite significant personal risk, including potential accusations of treason from his own community, Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, choose to secretly treat and nurse the wounded American soldier back to health, driven by their deep sense of medical duty and humanity.

• Eventually, fearing discovery and the danger it poses to his family and reputation, Dr. Sadao arranges for Tom's safe escape, ultimately prioritising his sense of professional and moral integrity over narrow nationalistic loyalty.

Short Note:

• Dr. Sadao Hoki: A skilled, morally conscientious surgeon who grapples deeply with the ethical dilemma of treating an enemy soldier, ultimately choosing humanity and professional duty over nationalistic prejudice.

• Hana: Dr. Sadao's supportive and courageous wife, who initially struggles with fear and revulsion but ultimately assists her husband in caring for the wounded soldier, embodying compassion despite personal risk.

• Tom: The wounded American soldier, whose vulnerability and humanity challenge the rigid nationalistic and racial prejudices prevalent during wartime.

Short Note:

• The story powerfully explores the theme of humanity transcending national boundaries and wartime prejudice, emphasising the importance of compassion, medical ethics, and moral integrity even amid intense political and social pressures.

• It also highlights the psychological complexity and personal courage required to act according to one's conscience, especially when such actions directly conflict with prevailing societal expectations and nationalistic loyalty.