The Triumph of Human Values in Pearl S. Buck's The Enemy

Abstract

The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck is a great work that brings out the issue of human values that cross national borders, political views, and wartime enmities. The story is set against the background of the Second World War where a Japanese surgeon, Dr Sadao Hoki, finds an injured American prisoner of war washed on the shore into his home. Although the mood of the whole country was the spirit of nationalism and dire aftermath of giving aid to the enemy soldier, Dr Sadao decides to save the life of the man, following his professional ethics and humanitarian conscience. This paper will explore the way in which Buck portrays compassion, moral courage, empathy and sanctity of human life as universal values that take over hatred and prejudice. It also examines the ethical dilemma between individual right and wrong and patriotism and proves that true humanity is not characterized by political loyalty but rather by the ability to promote justice and mercy in extreme situations. The paper also addresses the symbolic meaning of medical profession that Dr Sadao belongs to, and the role of the physician that should save life regardless of race, nationality, or ideology. The paper, based on textual analysis and by adopting a humanistic critical approach, contends that according to Buck, there should be a vision of universal brotherhood where moral obligations override social and political boundaries. In the end, The Enemy is a classical story that confirms that love and integrity have the power to triumph fear, war, and discrimination. The story is still relevant in the modern world, reminding the reader that the victory of human values is still needed to promote peace, mutual respect, and coexistence in the world.