The Enemy is Chapter 4 in the NCERT Class 12 English Vistas textbook. Written by Pearl S. Buck, this powerful short story is set in Japan during World War II and follows the journey of a Japanese doctor, Sadao Hoki, who finds an injured American soldier on the beach near his house. Even though the soldier is his country’s enemy, Sadao chooses to treat him. The story explores difficult moral questions about humanity, duty, and national loyalty. In this post, you will find a clear summary of the chapter, its key themes, important questions, and a link to download the official NCERT PDF.
I decided to write about this chapter because I feel it’s one of the most emotionally intense stories in the Class 12 English syllabus. When I first read it, it made me think—what would I do in Sadao’s place? The chapter is not just about war and nationality; it’s about the basic human values of kindness and ethics, which matter even in the most difficult situations. Many students find the topic sensitive and deep, and that’s exactly why it often appears in CBSE exams. This post will help you understand the plot and message clearly so you can write confident answers in your board exams.
Chapter Overview: What is “The Enemy” About?
The Enemy is a thought-provoking story about Dr Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon trained in America, who discovers a wounded American soldier (enemy prisoner) washed ashore near his home. Despite the political tension of wartime, Sadao chooses to treat the man secretly, against his own country’s law and the expectations of his servants.
This decision causes internal conflict. On one side is his duty as a doctor, and on the other is loyalty to his nation. The story captures the emotional and mental struggle he and his wife, Hana, go through while hiding and healing the enemy.
Main Characters:
- Dr Sadao Hoki – A Japanese surgeon, highly skilled and educated, who faces a moral dilemma
- Hana – His supportive but anxious wife who eventually helps him care for the soldier
- The American Soldier (Tom) – Injured in battle and saved by Sadao’s surgery
- Domestic Servants – Represent traditional views; they disapprove of helping the enemy
Key Themes:
- Humanity vs patriotism
- Moral courage and ethical duty
- Effects of war on individuals
- Personal conflict in extreme situations
Why This Chapter Matters for Class 12 Students
- Common in CBSE board exams: Long answer and value-based questions are often based on this chapter
- Moral reflection: Encourages students to think beyond textbook knowledge and develop emotional intelligence
- Good for discussion: Topics like war, ethics, and duty are relevant in real life and debate settings
- Strong English practice: The story’s language is formal yet emotional, improving reading comprehension and writing skills
For many students, this chapter is also a personal favourite because of its real-life relevance and deep message.
Download PDF
You can download the official NCERT Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4 PDF directly from here:
