To choose between professional loyalty and patriotism was a dilemma for Dr. Sadao. How did he succeed in
betraying neither?
Answers
Dr. Sadao’s dilemma was: ‘should he save the American POW or not?’ America and Japan at that time were engaged in war. If he helped an American (that too an American soldier), he could be charged with treason. If he would not save the injured POW, he would dishonor Hippocratic pledge. Finally he decided to honor his pledge.
Undoubtedly, his final solution under the given circumstances was the best. We can’t say he was treacherous to the country. He did inform General Takima about the presence of the POW at his home. It was the General who omitted to take the necessary action. Sadao did the best by sending the POW to the island from where he escaped.
In conclusion we can say that Dr. Sadao neither betrayed his loyalty to his profession, nor to his country.
Answer:
The central theme of the lesson, ‘The Enemy’ deals with the paradox of how a human being can also be termed as the enemy of a nation which is at war with another nation.
By giving shelter to the enemy, Dr Sadao had broken the rules of patriotism, and he could even be guilty of treason but it only deals with his profession which was saving lives without distinction.
Dr Sadao makes it clear that there was sense of ‘repulsion’ in the minds of Dr Sadao and Hana. Therefore, he reports General Takima about the presence of the white sailor.
This way he neither betrays his professional loyalty nor his patriotism