Preparing for your Class 12 English exam on Vistas Chapter 4 The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck and need some important questions and answers? Look no further! This comprehensive guide provides you with a collection of essential questions and their corresponding answers to help you ace your exam.
| Subject | English Language & Literature |
| Class | 12 |
| Board | CBSE & State Boards |
| Chapter Name | The Enemy |
| Type | Important Questions and Answers |
| Session | 2023-24 |
| Book Name | Vistas |
| Literature | Prose |
"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."
- Sam Levenson
The Enemy Class 12 Question Answers
Q. No. 1) In the story 'The Enemy', what is the main dilemma that Hana and Sadao face?
a. to abandon the American as a patriot or save him as a humanist
b. to keep their servants or to dismiss them for their offensive behavior
c. to hand over the American to the Japanese military or the American army
d. to retain their American learnings or to remain loyal to their Japanese values
Ans. Option (a)
Q. No. 2) Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract.
The man moaned with pain in his stupor but he did not awaken.
“The best thing that we could do would be to put him back in the sea,” Sadao said, answering himself. Now that the bleeding was stopped for the moment he stood up and dusted the sand from his hands.
“Yes, undoubtedly that would be best,” Hana said steadily. But she continued to stare down at the motionless man.
“If we sheltered a white man in our house we should be arrested and if we turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.
“The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea,” Hana said. But neither of them moved. They were staring with curious repulsion upon the inert figure.
i. In which of the following options can the underlined words NOT be replaced with ‘stupor’?
a. She hung up the phone feeling as though she had woken up from a slumber.
b. The manager complained about the employee’s sluggishness.
c. He seemed to be in a trance when the doctor called upon him last week.
d. Seeing him in a daze, the lawyer decided not to place him in the witness box.
Ans. Option (b)
ii. Pick the option that best describes Sadao and Hana in the passage.
a. Sadao: scrupulous, Hana: wary
b. Sadao: daring, Hana: prudent
c. Sadao: prudent, Hana: suspicious
d. Sadao: wary, Hana: daring
Ans. Option (c)
iii. Pick the idiom that best describes the situation in which Sadao and Hana were in.
a. to be like a fish out of water
b. like water off a duck’s back
c. to be dead in the water
d. to be in hot water
Ans. Option (d)
iv. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
- Statement 1: Sadao and Hana cared about the soldier but were worried about the consequences of being considerate.
- Statement 2: Sadao and Hana wanted to shirk their responsibilities of looking after an injured soldier, who could be an American.
a. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b. Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
d. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Ans. Option (a)
Q. No. 3) “Those scars,” she murmured, lifting her eyes to Sadao. The ‘scars’ DO NOT indicate
a. torture perpetrated on prisoners of war.
b. superiority of Japan over America.
c. the quest for supremacy in war.
d. the rumors of torture are often heard.
Ans. Option (b)
Q. No. 4) ‘She did not wish to be left alone with the white man.’ Why did Hana feel so, despite having studied in America?
This was so because
a. being Japanese, it wasn’t appropriate to stay on with a stranger.
b. America and Japan were not allies in the ongoing World War.
c. He was someone she’d recognized from her past in America.
d. her husband had cautioned her against the American.
Ans. Option (b)
Q. No. 5) Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
She had the bottle and some cotton in her hand.
"But how shall I do it?" she asked.
"Simply saturate the cotton and hold it near his nostrils," Sadao replied without delaying for one moment the intricate detail of his work. "When he breathes badly move it away a little." She crouched close to the sleeping face of the young American. It was a piteously thin face, she thought, and the lips were twisted. The man was suffering whether he knew it or not. Watching him, she wondered if the stories they heard sometimes of the sufferings of prisoners were true. They came like flickers of rumor, told by word of mouth and always contradicted. In the newspapers, the reports were always that wherever the Japanese armies went the people received them gladly, with cries of joy at their liberation.
i. In the given extract, Hana experiences a bit of __________ for the young American.
a. compassion
b. contempt
c. hope
d. rage
Ans. Option (a)
ii. Which of these questions does Hana start reflecting on in the extract?
a. Why did men like the young American choose to fight?
b. What should she and her husband do about the enemy?
c. Is the Japanese army actually emerging victorious or is it all fake news?
d. How different was the reality of prisoners from what she was led to believe?
Ans. Option (d)
iii. What changes Hana's perception of the young American?
a. reading stories about the 'enemy' as a prisoner of war
b. seeing the 'enemy' as an actual person in front of her
c. wondering if she herself is more American than Japanese
d. realizing that the war against America is not an honorable one
Ans. Option (b)
iv. How do Hana and Sadao react to the situation of the wounded man?
a. Hana is confused about it but Sadao is confident about it.
b. Hana is suspicious about it but Sadao is accepting of it.
c. Hana is disturbed by it and Sadao is disappointed by it.
d. Hana is disgusted by it and Sadao is conflicted about it.
Ans. Option (a)
v. Select the sentence that has the same literary device as the underlined phrase in the line below.
They came like flickers of rumor, told by word of mouth and always contradicted.
a. The trees danced to the rhythm of the stormy winds.
b. Her smile was as bright as the sun when he returned home.
c. We need to cut corners if we want to finish the work on time.
d. I am so hungry right now that I could eat a thousand burgers.
Ans. Option (c)
Q. No. 6) Sadao’s servants leave his house, but none of them betrays the secret of the American P.O.W. Select the option that explains this.
a. The servants truly believed that they must not be a part of the household which sheltered a prisoner of war, but their love and loyalty to Sadao made them keep the secret safe.
b. The servants knew that any information about the P.O.W. would result in punishment for them and their families which is why they revealed nothing.
c. The servants were superstitious and scared of a white man on the premises and consequently, chose to remove themselves and stay silent about the situation.
d. The servants did not want to incur the wrath of Dr. Sadao and lose their jobs, therefore they chose to exit instead, and return later.
Ans. Option (a)
Q. No. 7) Dr. Sadao mutters the word ‘my friend’ while treating the American P.O.W. in the light of the circumstances, we can say that this was
a. humourous.
b. climactic.
c. ironical.
d. ominous.
Ans. Option (c)
Q. No. 8) “I wondered, Your Excellency,” Sadao murmured.
“It was certainly very careless of me,” the General said. “But you understand it was not lack of patriotism or dereliction of duty.” He looked anxiously at his doctor. “If the matter should come out you would understand that, wouldn’t you?”
“Certainly, Your Excellency,” Sadao said. He suddenly comprehended that the General was in the palm of his hand and that as a consequence he himself was perfectly safe. “I swear to your loyalty. Excellency,” he said to the old General, “and to your zeal against the enemy.”
i. Pick the option that best describes the word ‘dereliction’ as used in the passage.
- evasion
- deterioration
- negligence
- carelessness
- dilapidation
- management
a. 2, 3 and 6
b. 1, 4 and 5
c. 2, 4 and 6
d. 1, 3 and 4
Ans. Option (d)
ii. At the end of the conversation with the General, Sadao felt
a. rejuvenated and guilt-free.
b. conceited and egotistic.
c. refreshed and self-conscious.
d. relieved and guilt-free.
Ans. Option (d)
iii. Read the analysis of the General based on the given extract. Choose the option that fills in the given blanks most appropriately:
The General (i) _____________ power but is (ii) ___________ of the obligations of his job. He is so (iii) _____________ with his health that he forgets to send the assassins to kill the prisoner. Due to his (iv) ____________ interests, he doesn’t want to expose Sadao and agrees to keep the prisoner’s escape a secret.
a. (i) fantasizes; (ii) lonely; (iii) consumed; (iv) vested
b. (i) relishes; (ii) weary; (iii) self-absorbed; (iv) selfish
c. (i) fancies; (ii) apathetic; (iii) negligent; (iv) worthless
d. (i) desires; (ii) concerned; (iii) indisposed; (iv) narrow
Ans. Option (b)
iv. Pick the option that best matches the idioms with ‘hand’ with their meanings.
| Idioms | Meanings |
| 1. hand in glove | A) in the care of somebody good and knowledgeable |
| 2. in good hands | B) to reveal a secret about one’s plans |
| 3. tip one’s hand | C) do harm to someone who has been kind to you |
| 4. bite the hand that feeds you | D) two or more people who are in collusion |
a. 1-A; 2-D; 3-C; 4-B
b. 1-B; 2-C; 3-D; 4-A
c. 1-D; 2-A; 3-B; 4-C
d. 1-C; 2-A; 3-D; 4-B
Ans. Option (c)
Q. No. 9) Pick the quote that best describes the theme of the story.
a. World belongs to humanity, not this leader, that leader, or that king or prince or religious leader. The world belongs to humanity.
b. You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
c. The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.
d. To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
Ans. Option (c)
Q. No. 10) The author has used ‘blood’ as a symbol in the story. Comment on its impact on the reader.
Ans. The author's use of the symbol of 'blood' in the story "The Enemy" creates a strong impact on the reader. It represents the common humanity shared by enemies and challenges the notions of hatred and prejudice, evoking empathy and promoting reflection.
Q. No. 11) Sadao and Hana look upon their time in America with disdain due to the prejudice that they were subjected to. How does racial prejudice taint a person’s soul forever?
Ans. Racial prejudice stains a person's soul forever by instilling deep-seated feelings of inferiority, anger, and resentment. It undermines one's self-worth, fosters bitterness, and hampers the ability to trust and connect with others, leaving a lasting emotional and psychological impact.
Q. No. 12) Sadao and Hana have a moral compass that urges them to save the prisoner’s life. Do we all need this moral compass? Why?
Ans. Yes, we all need a moral compass because it guides us to make ethical choices and act in ways that are fair, just, and compassionate. It helps us uphold values, consider the consequences of our actions, and promote the well-being of others and ourselves.
Q. No. 13) Pearl Buck depicts the servants in a way to convey a message about Japanese people and culture. Support your answer with textual evidence.
Ans. In "The Enemy," Pearl Buck portrays the servants in a respectful and dignified manner, highlighting their loyalty, dedication, and willingness to serve. This indicates her intention to challenge stereotypes and prejudices associated with Japanese people and culture.
Q. No. 14) “But Sadao searching the spot of black in the twilight sea that night, had his reward”. What was the reward?
Ans.
- The “reward” was the escape of the enemy.
- Despite all moral dilemmas, Dr. Sadao listens to his heart every time and takes the right decision and his wife Hana very gently follows him.
- At last, the general forgets to keep his promise, which gives Sadao an opportunity to reconsider his decision.
- He gives the soldier a boat, food, bottled water, and quilts and asks him to wait for a Korean fishing boat to escape.
- Dr. Sadao searched the spot of black in the twilight sea that night to see if the man was still there but there was no light. Obviously, the man had gone.
Q. No. 15) How do we know that Dr. Sadao was conscientious as well as loyal?
Ans.
- True to his profession (conscientious) – attended to the wounded soldier and saved his life.
- Informed the General about the prisoner and agreed to the plan of assassination. (loyal to his country)
Q. No. 16) In The Enemy, Hana's thoughts and actions regarding Tom were in discord. Support this statement with examples from the text.
Ans. Hana mentions that the kindest thing that they could do for Tom would be to put him back in the sea and yet, she takes him back inside the house with Sadao.
When Sadao decides to operate upon him, she stops him from trying to save Tom. Yet, when he asks her to help give him anesthesia, she does, even though she retches at the sight of blood.
Q. No. 17) Answer the question in the context of the following lines from ‘The Enemy’.
“Stupid Yumi,” she muttered fiercely. “Is this anything but a man? And a wounded helpless man!”
In the conviction of her own superiority, she bent impulsively and untied the knotted rugs that kept the white man covered.
Explain the superiority Hana is convinced about.
Ans.
- In the given lines, Hana is expressing her frustration with Yumi, who is hesitant to help her with the wounded white man.
- By saying "Is this anything but a man? And a wounded helpless man!" Hana is highlighting the fact that they are all humans, regardless of their race or nationality.
- She believes that their common humanity makes it their moral duty to help the wounded man.
- In these lines, she is asserting her own intervention and belief in the importance of doing the right thing, even if it goes against traditional values or societal norms.
- This demonstrates her sense of moral superiority over Yumi, who is more concerned with following the strict rules of her society than with helping a fellow human being.
Q. No. 18) What happened on the seventh day after Dr. Sadao had typed the letter?
Ans. Two things that happened on the seventh day.
- The cook, the gardener, and Yumi packed up their belongings and left together. But Hana put up a brave front.
- The second thing that happened was the arrival of a messenger to tell Sadao that he had been called to the palace as the general was in pain again.
Q. No. 19) Sadao’s acceptance of the General’s plan to assassinate Tom was counterproductive to have put him on the path of recovery. Substantiate with reason/s.
Ans.
- As a doctor- adhere to a sense of duty
- As a human being- a sense of humaneness
- Acceptance of the general’s plan – in accord with loyalty to his country which was at war with Tom’s country.
Q. No. 20) Dr. Sadao planned and helped the enemy soldier to escape. Comment.
Ans. General had promised Dr. Sadao that he would get the soldier quietly killed through his private assassins but he forgot to get rid of him. Dr. Sadao could do nothing. He wanted to get rid of the wounded soldier as the servants had left the house, the news could spread. So he devised his own plan to get the soldier off to the nearby island. He managed food, clothes, water, a torch, and his boat for the soldier. He guided and instructed him. The white soldier took leave of him and followed his instructions and managed to escape safely. Thus all these prove that it was the only way to get out of the dilemma/problem.
Q. No. 21) The servants of Sadao and Hana reflect a particular mindset of the general public in society towards thinking and broad-minded human beings. Elaborate with the help of the story “The Enemy”
Ans. Servants reflect the mindset of a poor, uneducated, and narrow-minded section of society.
They are frightened on hearing about the wounded American soldier:
- The old gardener- felt the soldier should die if saved sea would take revenge
- Yumi- refused to wash the wounds of the enemy soldier, angry with Sadao for putting his family in danger
- The cook- felt Sadeo was too proud of his skills so operated and saved the enemy
Finally, servants left Sadao’s house afraid of the repercussions of helping an enemy soldier and could not understand Sadao’s dilemma.
Q. No. 22) You recently watched an interview of one of the doctors who serve for the organization named ‘Doctors without Borders’. This organization serves people in remote corners of the world that are affected by civil strife, poverty, and lack of medical facilities.
You were impressed with the dedication, compassion, and professional ethics of this doctor.
Write an article for an e-zine expressing the need for more such people in the world to serve selflessly.
Ans.
The Need for Selfless Service: Inspiring Stories from Doctors without Borders
In a world often overshadowed by conflicts, poverty, and inadequate healthcare, there exists a group of extraordinary individuals who epitomize dedication, compassion, and professional ethics. They are the doctors serving with the organization "Doctors without Borders," bringing medical aid to the remote corners of the world where it is needed most. Their selfless service not only saves lives but also ignites a beacon of hope in the hearts of those who have been neglected and forgotten.
Recently, I had the privilege of watching an interview with one of these remarkable doctors, and their words left an indelible mark on my soul. They spoke of the profound impact that even a single doctor can have on communities ravaged by civil strife, poverty, and the absence of medical facilities. It is their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment that truly make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.
The dedication displayed by these doctors is awe-inspiring. They leave the comforts of their homes, families, and familiar surroundings to venture into the unknown, facing challenges unimaginable to most. They work under arduous conditions, often risking their own safety, driven solely by their desire to heal and alleviate suffering.
Moreover, the professional ethics upheld by these doctors are exemplary. They prioritize the well-being of their patients above all else, providing equal and unbiased care to every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. They work tirelessly to restore health and dignity to those who have been marginalized.
These doctors serve as a reminder of the immense power of selflessness. Their inspiring stories compel us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can contribute to making this world a better place. We need more individuals who are willing to set aside personal comforts and embrace the call to serve humanity. We need more doctors who will go beyond the boundaries of their own countries to provide medical aid to those in desperate need.
It is through their collective efforts that we can bridge the gap between privilege and poverty, conflict and peace, illness and well-being. Let us celebrate the work of these extraordinary individuals and strive to follow in their footsteps. Together, we can build a world where selfless service becomes the norm, and no corner of this planet is left devoid of compassion and medical care.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Let us heed his words and embark on a journey of selflessness, just like the doctors of "Doctors without Borders."
Q. No. 23) Imagine Tom reaches home safely. He has fully recovered and the war has now come to an end. He owes his life to Sadao and Hana and is forever indebted to them. Years later, he has been invited on a radio show as a war hero where he recounts his tribulations and the experience of being granted a new life by a Japanese couple. As Tom, write down that narration.
Ans. Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to be here today, sharing my story with all of you. As I sit in this studio, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought me to this very moment.
Years ago, in the midst of the war, I found myself wounded and stranded on a foreign shore. Desperation filled my heart as I clung to the hope of survival. Little did I know that fate had a different plan for me—a plan that involved two remarkable individuals who would forever change the course of my life.
Sadao and Hana, a Japanese couple, took me into their home, treating my wounds and nursing me back to health. Their compassion and selflessness were unmatched, as they extended a lifeline to a stranger from a distant land. I owe them my life, and the debt I carry in my heart can never be fully repaid.
Their love and care embraced me like a warm embrace, erasing the scars of war and restoring my faith in humanity. Sadao, with his expertise as a skilled surgeon, mended my broken body, while Hana, with her kind words and gentle touch, healed my wounded spirit. Together, they showed me the true meaning of compassion and grace.
In the years that followed, the war came to an end, and I regained my strength. The horrors of battle slowly faded away, replaced by deep gratitude for the life I had been given by this extraordinary couple. I embarked on a mission to honor their kindness, vowing to share their story and the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Today, as I sit here, I am overwhelmed with emotions, thinking about the countless lives that have been touched by the love of Sadao and Hana. Their act of humanity transcends borders, reminding us that compassion knows no boundaries.
In this moment, I am not just a war hero; I am a witness to the extraordinary capacity of the human heart to heal, to forgive, and to rebuild. I am forever indebted to Sadao and Hana, and their legacy will forever live on in the depths of my soul.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story, honor the remarkable individuals who saved my life, and inspire all of you to embrace the power of compassion and love. May we strive to create a world where acts of kindness and selflessness prevail, and where the bonds of humanity unite us all.
Q. No. 24) Both the general (The Enemy) and the Maharaja (The Tiger King), deal with death. They are powerful figures confronted by a similar fate. You wish to include both of these characters in an upcoming play. As a part of your research essay, compare and contrast their experiences and their responses to these experiences in 120–150 words. [Clue: Include the similarities and differences of their circumstances - their way of dealing with things - their ultimate fate]
Ans.
- Both of them face death, one owing to old age and disease while the other was destined to die at the hands of the hundredth tiger he came across.
- The general, weak yet hopeful, turned to a doctor to cure him of his illness. Anticipating that he would die, he went to the extent of keeping Sadao in the country instead of letting him go to the war front like others. The king challenged death and decided to kill a hundred tigers to ensure his safety.
- In order to protect Sadao from possible arrest because this would leave him without a doctor, the general offered his personal assassins to murder Tom. The king decided to marry a girl from a royal family whose kingdom had a healthy tiger population. Thus, both of them took extreme measures for their safety, albeit differently.
- The king was careless and so self-absorbed that he did not kill the 100th tiger properly, which eventually led him to be killed by a toy tiger instead. The general behaved similarly because he was so preoccupied with his illness that he forgot to send the assassins.
- However, this carelessness cost the king his life while the general recovered.
| Also Read: Class 12 Important Questions and Answers |
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