The Enemy

Conflict is a literary element that creates a struggle the protagonist must overcome. In usual cases, conflict occurs between the protagonist and the antagonist of a story. The conflict in “The Enemy” is an example of inner conflict. Sadao faces a struggle within himself and his two opposing beliefs. One of his beliefs is that the Americans are his enemies and that the Japanese are a superior race. His other belief stems from his oath as a medical professional not to harm anyone in his care. For this reason, although the doctor resists his patriotic requirements, he is ultimately overcome by the need to rescue Tom. The inner conflict faced by Sadao is also encountered by his wife, Hana. She struggles to overcome her instinctual maternal kindness while trying to maintain her belief in her racial superiority.

The rising action of a narrative consists of the early events that cause tension and lead up to the climax. The rising action in “The Enemy” begins once Sadao confesses to the general that he has taken in a wounded American. Sadao places himself in great danger by confessing this to a Japanese general, who prides himself on his patriotism and duty. Yet Sadao is the general’s surgeon, and he is responsible for the general’s health. The general suggests that he could send assassins to kill Tom, which would not implicate Sadao directly in the decision of whether the man lives or dies. Sadao readily accepts the offer, but after three sleepless nights and seeing the great physical progress Tom has made, he decides to help the man escape instead. This decision leads to the resolution of the conflict Sadao struggles with.