The Enemy

The sea is a recurring symbol in “The Enemy,” thus making it a motif. The sea is symbolic of freedom for Tom, but it is also a symbol of doom. Tom escapes his captivity as a prisoner of war, and it is through the sea that he washes up on the shores outside of Sadao’s house. However, once he is discovered, the sea threatens to also be his doom. Sadao suggests that “the best thing that [they] [can] do [is] to put him back in the sea” (43), but in his state, he would undoubtedly die. For Sadao and Hana, the sea could also provide their freedom. If they were to return Tom to the sea, they would not be faced with their current situation nor place themselves in danger. The motif of the sea returns once more with the denouement of the story. Sadao prepares the boat for Tom’s escape, and once again, the sea provides Tom with a passage toward liberation. With this action, Sadao saves not only Tom but also himself by ensuring that the prisoner is no longer in his care.