Skip to content

How does Pearl S. Buck… (Class 12 English 2026, Q13B)

questionbuddy.in/q/cbse-12-english-2026-301-1-1-q13b-how-does-pearl-buck-explore

EnglishCBSE Class 12 · Board exam 2026, set 301/1/1 · 5 marks · Long answer

CBSE Class 12 English 2026: question 13(B)

Set in the CBSE Class 12 board exam of 2026, paper 301/1/1, section C, question 13(B), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q13(B) · 5 marks · Long answerThe Enemy

How does Pearl S. Buck explore the theme of humanitarianism versus patriotism in the lesson 'The Enemy' ? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2026 board paper, set 301/1/1.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Start with what Sadao does when he finds the wounded man on the beach.

Hint 2

Contrast his duty as a doctor with his duty as a Japanese citizen.

Hint 3

Use the General and the escape plan to show how the conflict ends.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

Verified: two independent solves agreeChecked 2026-11-01

  1. Introduction: In 'The Enemy', Pearl S. Buck sets the humanitarian duty of a doctor against the patriotic duty to one's nation during the Second World War. The conflict is dramatised through Dr Sadao Hoki.

    1 mark

  2. Humanitarian impulse: Sadao finds a wounded American prisoner of war washed ashore. As a doctor he cannot let the man die, so he carries him home and operates to remove the bullet, saying 'I couldn't kill him' or turn him away.

    1 mark

  3. Patriotic pressure: Japan sees Americans as enemies. Sadao knows that sheltering him is treason. The servants leave in protest, and Hana's own hesitation shows the fear and the social pressure of patriotism.

    1 mark

  4. Resolution: Sadao informs the General, who is himself dependent on Sadao's skill. Sadao and Hana finally help Tom escape by boat, with supplies and a lantern signal. Their human compassion overrules narrow national hatred.

    1 mark

  5. Conclusion: Buck suggests that humanity transcends national boundaries and that true duty lies in saving life. The ending, where the white man vanishes and Sadao never regrets, supports the triumph of humanitarianism.

    1 mark

Answer: Through Dr Sadao's saving and helping the American prisoner escape despite the risk of treason, Buck shows humanitarianism prevailing over patriotism.

Where the marks are

  • Introduces the theme and Dr Sadao (1 mark)
  • Humanitarian act of saving the prisoner with evidence (1 mark)
  • Patriotic pressure and fear: servants, Hana, treason (1 mark)
  • Resolution through the General and Tom's escape (1 mark)
  • Conclusion and expression (1 mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: The Enemy (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)

Want more questions like this?

Practise CBSE Class 12 English questions free, marked against the answer key, with hints when you are stuck.

Practise freeSend this to a friendAsk my parent to unlock
Practise this chapterBoard-style questions from The Enemy, one at a time, marked against the answer key and marking points.Back to the full paper2026 board paper, set 301/1/1: every question, by section.

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error?Report it in one tapand a person will check it.