The enemy

"The Enemy" by Richard Wilson is a thought-provoking science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of warfare and humanity through a lens that questions the morality of killing in combat, contrasting past and present conflicts. Set in a dystopian scenario, it examines how war can dehumanize soldiers and the psychological toll it takes on them. The story centers on a sergeant and a lieutenant standing watch over the battlefield, grappling with the horror of their actions as they witness the aftermath of combat. The sergeant reflects on the grim responsibility of inflicting death on the enemy, demonstrating a deep sense of empathy and reluctance to embrace total violence. They discuss the idea that the enemy soldiers they fight are somehow preserved, metaphorically “frozen,” raising questions about the nature of life and death in war. As they navigate their discomfort with the brutality surrounding them, the narrative delves into the internal struggles of soldiers who must reconcile their humanity with the demands of warfare.