Question

How did Dr. Sadao resolve the conflict in his mind between his loyalty to his country and his duty as a doctor? 
 

Hint:

Highlight both sides of the conflict clearly: "Patriotism" vs "Professional Ethics/Humanity". Outline his sequential actions (treating → informing General → aiding escape) to show how he satisfied both.

Answer 1

Analyze the central moral dilemma in Pearl S. Buck's "The Enemy", detailing Dr. Sadao's internal struggle and his final actions.

Dr. Sadao Hoki faces a severe ethical dilemma when a wounded American prisoner of war washes up on his beach. His mind is caught in a fierce conflict between his patriotic duty as a Japanese citizen during World War II, which demands that he hand the enemy over to the police, and his core ethical duty as a doctor, which compels him to save a dying human being.
Initially, he and his wife Hana contemplate throwing the man back into the sea, but Sadao's conscience does not allow it. He ultimately resolves the first part of his conflict by deciding to operate on the soldier, stating that a doctor is trained not to let a man die if he can help it. He treats the enemy with utmost professional care, saving his life.
To resolve his loyalty to his country, once the soldier is out of danger, Sadao voluntarily informs the old General about the POW's presence in his house. This absolves him of treason. When the General promises to send assassins but forgets, Sadao cannot bear the psychological strain of waiting for the man to be murdered in his house. He then fulfills his broader humanitarian duty by helping the young soldier escape secretly on a boat, providing him with food and instructions.