The Enemy

“‘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.”

Sadao’s statement about accepting Tom into their home jeopardizing himself and his family is indicative of the theme of duty. It is Sadao’s duty as a Japanese man to report the American to the police, and not doing so would make him culpable in the eyes of his society. However, Sadao also knows that in the American’s current wounded state, the police would harm him further, and he would die as a result, making Sadao culpable in the death of the young man.

“‘The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea,’ Hana said. But neither of them moved. They were staring with a curious repulsion upon the inert figure.”

The sea is a motif that represents freedom for the American. This statement is an example of foreshadowing, as Tom will be returned to the sea after all, but his return will be for his safety rather than just the safety of Sadao and his family. The theme of racial prejudice is also seen in this quote since both Sadao and Hana are repulsed by Tom. However, their actions convey the theme of human kindness; despite their agreement on putting Tom back in the sea, they physically do not do so.