The short story “The Enemy” by Pearl S. Buck is part of the CBSE Class 12th NCERT English Flamingo book. It explores human empathy, moral dilemmas, and the power of compassion during times of conflict.
The story revolves around Dr. Sadao, a Japanese doctor, who discovers an injured American prisoner of war near his home. Despite his initial conflict between national duty and humanitarian values, Dr. Sadao chooses to save the soldier’s life. Through this narrative, Buck highlights themes of humanity, courage, and ethical responsibility, showing how personal integrity can overcome societal pressures and wartime prejudices.
For CBSE Class 12 students, The Enemy is important for summary, theme, character analysis, and literary devices. The story’s elements such as moral conflict, irony, and human values are key for board exam questions and comprehension exercises.
The story teaches readers about empathy, ethical decision-making, and the triumph of humanity over hatred, making it a timeless piece for understanding moral courage.
