The story “The Enemy” by Pearl S. Buck is a compelling narrative set in Japan during World War II. It revolves around Dr. Sadao Hoki, a skilled Japanese surgeon, who faces a profound moral dilemma when he discovers an injured American prisoner of war (POW) washed ashore near his home. Despite the risks to his own safety, Dr. Sadao chooses to treat and shelter the wounded enemy soldier, balancing his duty as a doctor against his loyalty to his country.
A turning point in the story occurs when a messenger from the palace arrives at Dr. Sadao’s home. The arrival of this messenger creates tension and suspense, making readers question the government’s knowledge of Dr. Sadao’s actions. But why did the messenger come to Dr. Sadao? What did this visit signify in the larger context of the story?
Let’s explore the reasons behind the messenger’s visit, its significance to the narrative, and how it highlights themes of loyalty, morality, and human compassion.
1. Suspense and Fear of Government Action
When the messenger arrives, Dr. Sadao and his wife, Hana, are filled with fear. In wartime Japan, harboring an enemy soldier was considered treason—a crime punishable by death. The couple naturally assumes that the authorities have discovered their secret and that the messenger’s visit means Dr. Sadao is about to be arrested.
The author uses this moment to create suspense and to depict the oppressive atmosphere of the time, where the government’s control was absolute, and citizens lived in constant fear of punishment for any perceived disloyalty. The messenger’s arrival represents the looming presence of the state, reminding readers of the risks Dr. Sadao took by following his conscience rather than the law.
2. Summons for Professional Duty
Contrary to Dr. Sadao’s fears, the messenger had not come to arrest him. Instead, he brought a summons from the palace, requesting Dr. Sadao’s services to attend to the old General, a powerful figure in Japan. The General suffered from a life-threatening condition and trusted only Dr. Sadao with his treatment due to the doctor’s expertise in surgery.
This summons highlights Dr. Sadao’s professional reputation and skill. Despite his fears of political persecution, the visit reveals that Dr. Sadao was indispensable to the Japanese elite, including those in power. The government valued his abilities so much that his suspected “disloyalty” was overlooked, at least temporarily.
3. Reflection of the General’s Self-Interest
The General’s decision to send the messenger also reveals a great deal about his character. Though he was aware of Dr. Sadao’s situation—having been informed about the American prisoner—he chose not to report the doctor. Instead, he selfishly prioritized his own health, knowing that Dr. Sadao was the only surgeon capable of saving his life.
The General even offers to have the prisoner quietly killed by his private assassins, showing the cold pragmatism with which he views human life. However, after recovering from surgery, the General forgets about the promise, leaving Dr. Sadao to resolve the matter himself. The messenger’s visit, therefore, represents the intersection of personal survival, power, and political indifference in times of war.
4. Highlighting Dr. Sadao’s Internal Conflict
The arrival of the messenger serves as a catalyst for Dr. Sadao’s moral reflection. When he believes he might be arrested, he prepares himself mentally, considering whether he made the right choice by saving the enemy soldier. His decision to help the American was based on his Hippocratic Oath as a doctor, which compelled him to save lives regardless of nationality.
The messenger’s visit forces Dr. Sadao to confront the duality of his identity—as a loyal Japanese citizen during wartime and as a compassionate human being bound by professional ethics. Ultimately, his decision to help the prisoner escape shows that his sense of humanity triumphed over blind patriotism.
5. The Messenger as a Symbol of Authority and Power
In the broader context of the story, the messenger represents the power structures that dictate individuals’ lives during times of war. His presence reminds the reader that no action goes unnoticed in such regimes. Even though the messenger’s visit turned out to be harmless, it reflects the constant surveillance and control the government exercised over its people.
This element of the story underscores how, in times of conflict, morality becomes complicated, and the lines between right and wrong are blurred. The messenger, though a minor character, embodies the fear, uncertainty, and control experienced by civilians under authoritarian rule.
Conclusion
The messenger came to Dr. Sadao’s house not to arrest him for aiding an enemy soldier but to summon him to attend to the ailing General. However, the significance of his visit goes far beyond this simple task. It introduces a moment of intense suspense, reveals the General’s self-serving nature, and forces Dr. Sadao to confront his own ethical and moral dilemmas.
In “The Enemy”, Pearl S. Buck masterfully uses the messenger’s arrival to highlight the complexities of loyalty, duty, and humanity during wartime. The story ultimately shows that true courage lies in doing what is morally right, even when it comes at great personal risk. Dr. Sadao’s compassion for a wounded enemy, despite the fear of severe consequences, stands as a powerful testament to human decency and ethical integrity in the face of war’s harsh realities.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
