CBSE Class 12 English Vistas NCERT Solutions: Chapter 3 The Enemy

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CBSE Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 3, 'The Enemy,' NCERT Solutions delve into the profound moral and ethical quandaries faced by Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana. When a wounded American prisoner of war washes ashore, they are thrust into a conflict between their professional duty as healers and their nationalistic sentiments. The solutions meticulously explore Dr. Sadao's internal struggle, his wife Hana's evolving reactions, and the story's central themes of humanity, nationalism, and the dictates of personal conscience. This guide offers clear, concise explanations to help students understand the story's complexities and prepare thoroughly for their examinations. It aims to illuminate the narrative's deeper meanings and the characters' difficult choices.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectEnglish Vistas
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 3

Chapter summary

Chapter 3, 'The Enemy,' presents a profound moral quandary for Dr. Sadao and Hana. These NCERT Solutions focus on key questions regarding the characters' decisions and actions when confronted with an injured American soldier. The solutions analyze the ethical conflict between humanitarianism and national loyalty, exploring Dr. Sadao's professional ethics versus his duty to his country during wartime. They also examine Hana's role and her struggle with the situation. This chapter's solutions are crucial for understanding the story's thematic depth and character development.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by Dr. Sadao and Hana.
  • Analyze the conflict between professional duty and national loyalty.
  • Explain the significance of humanitarianism in wartime.
  • Identify the character development of Dr. Sadao and Hana.
  • Interpret the themes of prejudice and compassion in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character analysis of Dr. Sadao
  • Character analysis of Hana
  • Moral and ethical dilemmas
  • Humanitarianism vs. Nationalism
  • The conflict of war
  • Loyalty and betrayal
  • The role of servants (Yumi)
  • Setting and its significance

Important topics

  • Dr. Sadao's internal conflict
  • Hana's evolving role
  • The ethical implications of saving an enemy
  • Themes of humanity and duty

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Who was Dr. Sadao? Where was his house?
Solution: Dr. Sadao Hoki was a distinguished Japanese surgeon and scientist. He had dedicated a significant part of his youth, eight years, to studying in America to gain comprehensive knowledge in surgery and medicine. His primary professional ambition was to achieve perfection in medical science and discover a drug capable of completely healing wounds. Dr. Sadao's residence was uniquely situated on rocks, positioned high above a narrow beach that was bordered by pine trees. This location was near the coast of Japan.

Question 2

Will Dr. Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
Solution: Dr. Sadao faces the risk of being arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy if any complaint is filed against him. He was aware that sheltering a white man in their home during wartime could lead to severe consequences. The wounded man was an escaped prisoner of war, bearing a bullet wound on his back. Given that Japan was at war with America at the time, providing refuge to an enemy soldier was considered an act of treason against Japan. Therefore, despite his compassionate medical instincts, he could be treated as a traitor.

Question 1

Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?
Solution: Yes, Hana will eventually help the wounded man and wash him herself. The American soldier was in a critical condition and required immediate cleaning before any medical procedure could be performed. Hana was reluctant to ask Dr. Sadao to clean the unconscious and dirty prisoner, so she initially instructed their servant, Yumi, to do it. However, Yumi refused, fearing that assisting the enemy would make her a traitor and subject her to legal punishment. Faced with Yumi's defiance and the soldier's urgent need, Hana had no alternative but to take on the task of washing him herself. Although this action stemmed partly from an impulsive sense of superiority over her servant, she carried it out with sincerity.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Dr. Sadao's professional ethics with personal loyalty.
  • Underestimating the societal and political pressures of wartime.
  • Misinterpreting Hana's initial hesitation as a lack of empathy.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the internal conflicts of Dr. Sadao and Hana.
  • Consider the historical context of World War II and Japan's role.
  • Analyze the symbolism of the sea and the house.
  • Discuss the ethical questions raised by the story with peers.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Dr. Sadao's profession and primary goal?

Q2. Why was harbouring the American soldier considered treason in Japan?

Q3. What was Hana's initial reaction to washing the wounded man?

Q4. What ultimately compelled Hana to wash the wounded man herself?

Q5. Where was Dr. Sadao's house located?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 3 of CBSE Class 12 English Vistas about?

Chapter 3, 'The Enemy,' is a story about a Japanese surgeon, Dr. Sadao, and his wife Hana, who find an injured American prisoner of war and face a moral dilemma about whether to help him or turn him over to the authorities, given that Japan is at war with America.

Who is Dr. Sadao?

Dr. Sadao Hoki is a highly skilled Japanese surgeon and scientist who studied in America. He is dedicated to his profession but faces a conflict between his duty as a doctor and his loyalty to his country when he encounters an enemy soldier.

What is the main conflict in 'The Enemy'?

The main conflict is the internal struggle of Dr. Sadao and Hana between their humanitarian instincts to save a life and their patriotic duty to their nation during wartime, which dictates that harboring an enemy is treason.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the complex moral issues, character motivations, and themes of the story, which is essential for exam preparation.

What role does Hana play in the story?

Hana plays a significant role, initially hesitant and fearful, but ultimately showing compassion by helping Dr. Sadao in treating the wounded American soldier, even washing him herself when their servant refuses.

What does the story suggest about humanity during war?

The story suggests that even amidst the brutality and division of war, fundamental human compassion and the instinct to save a life can transcend national boundaries and animosity.

Important links

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