Question

Dr. Sadao’s basic human values and the education he received gave him the ability to rise above prejudices. Analyse the theme of ‘The Enemy’ in the light of the above statement.

Hint:

Focus on how Sadao’s professional training and inner values help him choose humanity over blind nationalism. Always connect the theme to moral education.

Answer 1

In The Enemy, Dr. Sadao’s actions reflect a profound internal conflict between duty to his country and loyalty to his conscience. As a skilled surgeon educated in America, Sadao is deeply rooted in the principles of science, ethics, and humanitarianism. These values clash with the prevailing social and political norms of wartime Japan, where aiding an enemy soldier is seen as a betrayal. However, his moral compass does not allow him to abandon a wounded human being, regardless of his nationality. Dr. Sadao's inner struggle is heightened by the fear of being labeled a traitor. His wife, Hana, also experiences anxiety and hesitation, but supports his decision—demonstrating how human empathy overrides conditioned prejudice. Despite the hostile reactions from their servants and the threat of government surveillance, Sadao remains resolute in his choice to save the American prisoner. His conduct exemplifies how education, when rooted in ethics, empowers individuals to rise above societal and political divisions. Moreover, Sadao’s decision to eventually help the soldier escape, rather than hand him over to the authorities, reveals the depth of his integrity. He does not merely act out of professional obligation but from a place of personal conviction. In doing so, he protects both his moral self and the life of a fellow human being. The story thus illustrates that genuine education is not about academic excellence alone—it’s about cultivating a moral vision that places humanity above hatred. Dr. Sadao stands as a symbol of moral courage and universal compassion in a world divided by war and prejudice.