CBSE Class 12 Vistas Chapter 3: The Enemy NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This is a summary of CBSE Class 12 Vistas Chapter 3, 'The Enemy.' The chapter explores the profound moral and ethical conflict faced by Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon, when he finds a wounded American prisoner of war washed ashore near his home. The narrative delves into his internal struggle between his professional duty as a doctor and his patriotic obligations as a Japanese citizen during wartime. It also highlights the role of his wife, Hana, and her own evolving perspective as she grapples with the presence of the enemy in their lives. The solutions provided aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of the characters' motivations, the story's central themes of humanity versus nationalism, and the complex decisions they are forced to make. Students will find detailed analyses of the plot, character development, and the underlying messages of the chapter, aiding in their preparation for exams.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectVistas
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter3. The Enemy

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'The Enemy' (Chapter 3) of CBSE Class 12 Vistas. This chapter focuses on the moral conflict faced by Dr. Sadao, a Japanese surgeon, when he encounters an escaped American prisoner of war. The solutions address questions about Dr. Sadao's identity, his home, the legal and ethical implications of sheltering an enemy, and Hana's difficult decision to assist in the man's care. It highlights the story's exploration of humanity transcending national boundaries during wartime.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the background and profession of Dr. Sadao.
  • Identify the location and description of Dr. Sadao's house.
  • Analyze the risks and consequences of harbouring an enemy soldier.
  • Evaluate Hana's actions and her internal conflict.
  • Discuss the ethical dilemmas presented in the story.
  • Explain the theme of humanity versus patriotism in the chapter.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Dr. Sadao's background and profession
  • Description of Dr. Sadao's house
  • The dilemma of harbouring an enemy
  • Hana's role and actions
  • The wounded American prisoner of war
  • Moral and ethical considerations
  • Humanity versus patriotism
  • Wartime conflicts

Important topics

  • The moral conflict of Dr. Sadao
  • Hana's decision to help
  • The risks of sheltering an enemy
  • Themes of humanity and war
  • Character analysis of Dr. Sadao and Hana

PDF preview

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Questions and Solutions

Read and Find Out - 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 surgery and medicine in America to gain comprehensive knowledge. He was also on the verge of a significant discovery that promised to make wounds completely clean. Dr. Sadao's residence was uniquely situated on the Japanese coast, perched on rocks high above a narrow beach bordered by pine trees.

Page No: 27 - Question 1

Will Dr. Sadao be arrested on the charge of harbouring an enemy?
Solution: Dr. Sadao was aware that sheltering a white man, especially an escaped prisoner of war, could lead to their arrest. Since Japan was at war with America, harboring an enemy soldier was considered an act of treason. If anyone were to report their actions or accuse them of aiding the enemy, Dr. Sadao and his family could face severe legal consequences, including arrest.

Page No: 31 - Question 1

Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?
Solution: The wounded American soldier was in a critical condition and required immediate cleaning before any medical procedure. Hana initially did not want Dr. Sadao to handle the task of washing the unconscious prisoner, given his dirty and injured state. She asked their servant, Yumi, to perform this duty. However, Yumi refused to obey the order, leaving Hana with no alternative. Consequently, Hana decided to wash the man herself, performing the task with sincerity, although it stemmed partly from a sense of superiority over her servant.

Page No: 35 - Question 1

What will Dr. Sadao and his wife do with the man?
Solution: Faced with the dilemma of a wounded enemy soldier on their property, Dr. Sadao and his wife Hana decide to help him. Dr. Sadao operates on the man to remove the bullet and save his life, despite the risks involved. Hana assists in caring for the soldier, ensuring he is fed and comfortable. Their ultimate goal is to help him recover and then find a way for him to escape safely, thus balancing their humanitarian instincts with the potential dangers they face.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Dr. Sadao's nationality or profession.
  • Underestimating the legal repercussions of aiding an enemy.
  • Misinterpreting Hana's motivations for helping the prisoner.
  • Failing to grasp the story's central moral conflict.

Revision tips

  • Review Dr. Sadao's background and his time in America.
  • Consider the potential consequences if Dr. Sadao and Hana were caught.
  • Analyze Hana's feelings and actions when she decides to wash the prisoner.
  • Think about the story's message regarding humanity and war.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Dr. Sadao's profession?

Q2. Where was Dr. Sadao's house located?

Q3. What was the nationality of the wounded man Dr. Sadao found?

Q4. What crime could Dr. Sadao be accused of if he sheltered the white man?

Q5. Why did Hana initially hesitate to wash the wounded man herself?

Frequently asked questions

Who is Dr. Sadao in CBSE Class 12 Vistas Chapter 3?

Dr. Sadao is the protagonist of the chapter, a renowned Japanese surgeon and scientist who faces a moral dilemma when he finds a wounded American prisoner of war.

Where was Dr. Sadao's house located?

Dr. Sadao's house was situated on the Japanese coast, built on rocks above a narrow beach lined with bent pines.

What was the main conflict in 'The Enemy'?

The main conflict revolves around Dr. Sadao's struggle between his professional duty as a doctor to save a life and his patriotic obligation as a Japanese citizen during wartime, where the patient is an enemy soldier.

Did Hana help the wounded man?

Yes, Hana eventually helped the wounded man by washing him herself after their servant refused to do so, despite her initial reluctance.

What were the potential consequences for Dr. Sadao if he was caught helping the prisoner?

If Dr. Sadao was caught harbouring an enemy, he could be arrested and charged with treason against Japan, as Japan was at war with America.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 12 students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the plot, characters, and themes, which is crucial for exam preparation.

Important links

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