The Enemy Quiz : The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck unfolds on the quiet coastline of Japan during World War II. Dr. Sadao Hoki, a respected surgeon, lives with his wife Hana in a secluded home by the sea. One rainy evening, the couple spots a wounded man crawling out of the waves. When they rush closer, they are shocked to see that he is a young American, the enemy of Japan in the ongoing war.
The stranger has a fresh bullet wound and bleeding scars on his neck. Although Sadao dislikes Americans, his training as a doctor does not allow him to leave the man to die. After a long discussion, Sadao and Hana secretly carry the unconscious soldier, later known as Tom, inside their house. They know that this act may cost them their honour, safety, and possibly their lives.
Sadao operates on Tom and slowly restores his health. The couple hides him from servants and soldiers, but the household staff, frightened and angry at the decision, leave them. Even though Sadao and Hana nurse Tom honestly, they insist they will hand him over when the right time comes.
Troubled by fear, Sadao consults the General, a powerful patient who trusts Sadao’s skills. The General offers to send assassins to remove the “enemy,” but days pass without action. Finally, tired of waiting, Sadao arranges a secret escape. He gives Tom a boat, food, and instructions to signal if he needs help.
Tom disappears without a trace. The General later confesses he forgot to send his killers due to illness. Life returns to normal as the servants quietly resume work. Sadao often wonders why he could not kill Tom. Deep inside, he realises that humanity is greater than narrow loyalty or national hatred.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Pearl S. Buck |
| Setting | Japanese coast during World War II |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Main Characters | Dr. Sadao, Hana, Tom (American soldier), The General |
| Core Conflict | Humanity vs. patriotism |
| Climax | Sadao helps Tom escape safely |
| Theme Focus | Human kindness, racism, nationalism |
The Enemy Quiz with 20 Questions
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