The Message of the Story

The central message is that genuine humanity rises above nationalism, hatred and prejudice. When law, patriotism and public opinion all demand cruelty, conscience and compassion can still choose life. Sadao's decision to heal and then free the man he was expected to kill affirms that the bonds of common humanity — and the healer's duty to preserve life — are deeper and more binding than the artificial divisions of nation and race. The story leaves us with the conviction that goodness lies in seeing a fellow human being where others insist on seeing only "the enemy." …