Vistas: The Enemy

Topics in this chapter

• Moral Conflict and Humanism
• Sadao and Hana’s Characterisation
• Medical Ethics and Professional Duty
• War, Nationalism and Identity
• The Soldier’s Escape and Plot
• Setting, Symbolism and Narrative Technique

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-7532E3

   Why does Dr Sadao decide to save the wounded American soldier despite knowing that he is an enemy of Japan?

   1. A.He expects the American soldier to reveal military secrets.
   2. B.His professional duty as a doctor and his humanitarian instincts compel him to save a dying man.
   3. C.He wants to impress his wife and servants.
   4. D.He has been ordered by the Japanese General to perform the operation.
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-ED7868

   How does Dr Sadao's treatment of the wounded American reveal the central conflict in the story?

   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-F18D36

   Why does Dr Sadao's plan to have the wounded American quietly killed by the General's assassins fail?

   1. A.The General forgets to send the assassins because he is preoccupied with his own illness and affairs.
   2. B.The servants discover the plan and secretly warn the American.
   3. C.The American escapes before the assassins can reach the house.
   4. D.Hana refuses to allow the assassins to enter the house.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-D920DB

   How does the isolated setting of Dr Sadao's house contribute to the development of the story?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-12E8E1

   What is the most significant implication of the servants leaving Dr Sadao’s house after learning that the wounded man is an American?

   1. A.They are afraid that the American soldier will take control of the household.
   2. B.Their reaction reflects wartime prejudice and their inability to accept compassion toward an enemy.
   3. C.They believe Dr Sadao has failed professionally as a surgeon.
   4. D.They want to protect the American soldier from being arrested by the Japanese army.
   See the answer and solution