CBSE
Class 12 English Core Vistas
Chapter-2 The Enemy
Short Answer Questions
1. Why did the General overlook the matter of the enemy soldier?
Ans. The General had an attack and according to Dr. Sadao he could not survive the
second attack. So if Dr. Sadao was arrested, no other doctor was capable of performing
the operation. So for furthering his selfish needs he overlooked the matter and promised
to send his assassins. But he was so self-absorbed, he forgot about it.
2. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent with the troops?
Ans. The General thought that Dr. Sadao is indispensable to his life and can save anyone
as he is very skilled.
He also does not trust anyone except Dr. Sadao. So he was not sent with troops.
3. How was the plan of the patient's escape executed in the story?
Ans. The prisoner was successful in his escape only because of the right guidance and
help from Dr. Sadao. He provided him his boat, gave his food, made him wear Japanese
clothes and also helped him in comfortable sail to a nearby island.
4. Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao's house?
Ans. They were not in favour of keeping the American prisoner hidden in the house.
They also did not want Dr. Sadao to save his life as he was the enemy. Also, if the police
came to know of it, all their lives would be in danger. So they left the house.
5. How did Hana help Dr. Sadao?
Ans. Hana was very helpful while the operation was on. She dipped a small clean towel
into the steaming hot water washed the face of the soldier herself. She was requested to
give the anesthetic if needed. With the help of instruments from his emergency bag,
Sadao made a clean and precise incision. The bullet was out and the doctor declared that
the man would live.
6. Why did Dr. Sadao's father send him to America though he hated Americans?
Ans. The sole motive behind his decision may be the lure of technological advanced
medical studies available in America. As he may have wanted his son to be trained
according to the latest medical development.
7. Which difficulties did Dr. Sadao face for the sake of the enemy?
Ans. First of all, Dr. Sadao faced reluctance of his wife, who was initially apprehensive to
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keep an American at their home. Side by side, rebelled and quiet Dr. Sadao was himself
in dilemma because of the inner conflict between patriotism and humanity.
Long Answer Question
1. How did Dr. Sadao Hoki get rid of the American Soldier?
Ans. Since Dr. Sadao was keeping an enemy at his house and he was becoming the cause
of great stress, tension, trouble and fear for him. Even the General failed to send his
assassins, so Dr. Sadao worked out a plan and apprised the soldier about his return and
safety. It was pointed out by Dr. Sadao that he would put his boat with extra clothing,
medicines and other essentials on the shore that night. He would row it to the little island
which was not far off from the coast. The island is inhabited. He would have a Korean
fishing boat. The American soldier agreed and pulled that boat down to shore. Dr. Sadao
arranged everything to the prisoner. He gave him some instructions. In case he ran short
of food he would flash two signals when the sun sets. If he was alright and was on the
island he would flash one. The man escaped in the night and Dr. Sadao got no flash of
light in the twilight. So the soldier had safely boarded the Korean fishing boat. Thus, Dr.
Sadao was able to get rid of the soldier.
Value based Questions
1. Do you think being human is the greatest virtue and treating an enemy is not a sin?
Explain taking reference of 'The Enemy'.
Ans. I agree with the statement, reason being, whatever is our nationality, gender, colour,
caste or creed- we are humans first. Being embroiled in conflicts and controversies is the
side product of our egoism and ideology. These exist because of difference in perception
about any idea of issue. But our basic conscience is sensitive for other's suffering as
reflected very beautifully through the character of Dr. Sadao in the intriguing story 'The
Enemy'. It is rather a core of our spirit, even mythology of every religion support this idea
of compassion. One can not deny its existence, in spite of all the worldly elements,
humanity provides its glimpse all around us- in our words, through our acts. One feels for
the sufferer. So, whether the injured one is our enemy or friend, it should never matter
while treating or extending a helping hand. Humanity is a common thread which binds
us despite our differences.Since time unknown & till up to eternity, humanity will prevail
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