Chapter 4 The Enemy Class 12 Vistas English NCERT Summary
Chapter 4 The Enemy Class 12 Vistas English NCERT Summary provide concise and comprehensive information that can aid in grasping the main points and concepts discussed in the chapter. By using NCERT notes into your study routine, students can effectively enhance your understanding of the chapter.
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Chapter 4 The Enemy Class 12 Vistas NCERT Notes
About the Chapter
In this story, a Japanese doctor shows immense courage and compassion as he goes against societal norms and saves the life of an American prisoner of war. Despite the ongoing conflict between their nations, the doctor’s actions showcase his ability to rise above narrow national prejudices. Throughout the narrative, readers witness the doctor’s internal struggle as he grapples with his personal morals and sense of duty as a citizen.
About the Author
Pearl Buck, a renowned American writer and activist, was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. However, she spent her formative years in China as her parents were missionaries there. Despite her upbringing in a foreign land, Buck received her education at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. It was during the 1920s that she discovered her passion for writing and went on to publish her first novel, East Wind, West Wind, in 1930. Even during the tumultuous period of World War II, Pearl Buck remained committed to fighting for equal rights for minorities and women. In 1942, she took on the role of chairing the newly formed Committee against Racial Discrimination within the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The Enemy Class 12 Vistas English NCERT Summary
During World War II, Sadao, a Japanese surgeon who had studied in America, met and married Hana, a Japanese girl he had met during his time abroad. They decided to return to Japan and settle down together. However, their plans were disrupted when the war broke out and all doctors were summoned to serve in the Japanese army. This turn of events forced Sadao to leave his peaceful life behind and fulfill his duty as a surgeon for his country during this tumultuous period. Despite most doctors being sent to serve in the Japanese army during World War II, Sadao was exempted from duty as he was desired by the old General, who was nearing death. However, one fateful night disrupted Sadao’s otherwise uneventful life when an injured and dying American Navy-man appeared at his doorstep.
Although his desire not to aid the enemy, Sadao accepts the young soldier and gives him with medical care. He keeps him in his residence to keep any threat from approaching him. He was aware, however, that by assisting the enemy, he had opened the door to danger. Sadao’s servants also decide to depart. As the days passed, the soldier’s condition began to improve. Sadao chooses to assassinate the soldier in his sleep now that he is no longer Sadao’s patient. He notifies the General about the American, and the General responds. They plan to dispatch private assassins to assassinate the American soldier.
Having been initially hoping for the American’s death, Sadao is dismayed to discover that the man is still alive and even thriving. This realization prompts a shift in Sadao’s perspective, as he begins to see beyond the divisions of nationality, race, and war. Sadao starts to recognize the intrinsic value of every human life and embraces the concept of universal brotherhood. Consequently, he no longer views the American as his enemy and sees no logical basis for considering him as such. As a result, he overcomes his prejudices and does the right thing by assisting the American soldier in fleeing, thus saving his life.