Question

Describe Sadao as a true doctor. (from 'The Enemy')

Answer 1

Step 1: Context:
In 'The Enemy', Dr. Sadao Hoki discovers a wounded American soldier washed up near his house and faces a moral conflict between his patriotic duty to report an enemy and his professional duty as a doctor to save a human life.

Step 2: His medical skill and dedication:
Sadao, trained as a surgeon in America, uses all his medical expertise to remove the bullet from the soldier's wound, clean and dress it meticulously, and even performs a delicate second operation when the wound reopens — treating the patient with the same professional care he would give any patient, regardless of nationality.

Step 3: His moral courage as a doctor:
Despite the immense personal risk — hiding an enemy soldier during wartime could mean death for his entire family — Sadao's instinct as a healer overrides his fear and even his own initial hatred for the soldier. He cannot let a patient die under his hands, showing that his identity as a doctor ultimately transcends nationalism and personal danger.

Final Answer:
Sadao proves himself a true doctor because his commitment to saving a life — skilfully and courageously — outweighs both his fear for his family's safety and his patriotic hatred of the enemy.