Take a closer look at “The Enemy,” based on the themes of Conflict between duty and patriotism from your Class 12 English book, Vistas. We’re going to talk about the main idea this story in a simple way, breaking it down point wise.  This post is for students who want to understand the story better and for teachers who are looking for ways to make this story clearer to their students. Let’s dive into what The Enemy theme is-

The Enemy Theme in Short –

“Conflict between duty and patriotism, and the power of human compassion.”

Theme Justification – 

Let’s see how this theme is applicable to the chapter “The Enemy”:  

The chapter shows Dr Sadao’s struggle between his professional duty as a doctor and his patriotic duty as a Japanese citizen. The injured man is an enemy soldier. Still, Sadao saves his life. This shows that kindness and care can be stronger than hate.

Also Read:

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List of Themes –

Let’s see some more themes appropriately applicable to the chapter “The Enemy”:  

1. Duty vs. Patriotism  
2. Human Compassion  
3. Moral Dilemma  
4. Prejudice vs. Humanity  
5. Conflict between Personal and Social Roles  

Point-wise Justification –

Let’s see in detail how these themes are connected to the chapter “The Enemy”:  

1. Duty vs. Patriotism: Dr Sadao feels confused. He must choose between saving the enemy soldier as a doctor or giving him to the authorities to stay loyal to Japan during the war.

2. Human Compassion: Dr Sadao and Hana care for the soldier. It is very risky for them. This shows that kindness can cross boundaries. 

3. Moral Dilemma: Sadao faces a tough choice. He must decide whether to do his duty as a doctor or stay loyal to his country.

4. Prejudice vs. Humanity: The soldier is seen as an enemy. Still, Sadao and Hana treat him like a human. This shows that kindness can defeat prejudice.

5. Conflict between Personal and Social Roles: Dr Sadao’s duty as a doctor goes against what society expects. His servants and the General expect something different. This shows the struggle between personal values and social responsibilities.

What are the main themes and sub-themes in the chapter “The Enemy,” and how are they shown through the actions and decisions of the different characters?

Answer: The chapter “The Enemy” highlights themes like duty versus patriotism, human compassion, moral conflict, and prejudice versus humanity. Dr Sadao, a Japanese doctor, faces a tough choice when he finds an injured American soldier, an enemy, on his doorstep.

He feels torn between his duty as a doctor to save a life and his loyalty to Japan during wartime. Despite the risks, he and his wife, Hana, choose to care for the soldier, showing that compassion can cross boundaries.

This decision causes a conflict with societal expectations, as the servants leave in disapproval. Through their actions, Dr Sadao and Hana show that kindness and humanity can go beyond prejudice and social expectations, even in difficult times. Their choices reveal the struggle of following one’s values over society’s rules.