The story centers around Dr. Sadao Hoki, a Japanese surgeon, and his conflict regarding a wounded American prisoner of war washed ashore near his home.
Themes include duty, conflict between personal ethics and societal expectations, and the nature of humanity in times of war.
Setting
Dr. Sadao Hoki's house is built on the Japanese coast, surrounded by rocks and a narrow beach.
The story reflects Sadao's childhood memories and his father's aspirations for Japan's future.
Characters
Dr. Sadao Hoki
A skilled surgeon and scientist, educated in America.
Torn between his duty to save lives and societal expectations in wartime Japan.
His father's influence shaped his education and career.
Hana
Sadao's wife, who shares a connection with him from their time in America.
Initially apprehensive about helping the wounded American.
The Wounded American
A prisoner of war who washes ashore, injured and unconscious.
A symbol of the enemy, yet evokes compassion from Sadao and Hana.
Key Events
Discovery of the Wounded Man:
Sadao and Hana find a white man washed up on the beach, severely injured.
They debate whether to help him or turn him over to the authorities.
Decision to Save Him:
Sadao decides to operate on the man, despite the risks involved, as he feels a duty to save lives.
Hana assists him, even though the servants refuse to help due to superstitions and fear of repercussions.
Operation:
Sadao performs surgery on the American, retrieving a bullet and treating his wounds.
Hana feels conflicted but ultimately supports Sadao’s decision.
Servants’ Reactions:
The servants express their discomfort and leave Sadao and Hana's employment, believing they are traitors for harboring an enemy.
Moral Dilemma:
Sadao struggles with the implications of saving the enemy, questioning his own loyalty to his country.
The old general, for whom Sadao operates, offers to send assassins to eliminate the American, highlighting the conflict between duty and morality.
Themes
Conflict of Loyalties:
Sadao's loyalty to his profession and ethics as a doctor conflicts with nationalistic pressures.
Humanity vs. Duty:
The story explores the complexities of human compassion in the face of war.
The Nature of War:
The narrative raises questions about the nature of enemies and the human condition across cultural boundaries.
Conclusion
The story ends with Sadao reflecting on his actions and the nature of his feelings towards the wounded American.
It leaves an open question about the moral implications of his choices and the struggle between duty and human compassion.