“The Use of Force” is a short story written by William Carlos Williams in 1938. The story revolves around a doctor’s encounter with a young girl who is suffering from a severe case of diphtheria. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive summary of the story, exploring the themes of power, control, and the ethics of using force in medical treatment. We will also analyze the characters and their motivations, as well as the narrative structure and literary devices used by Williams to create a thought-provoking and impactful story.
Background Information
William Carlos Williams was an American poet and physician who lived from 1883 to 1963. He is considered one of the most important poets of the modernist movement in American literature. Williams was born in Rutherford, New Jersey, and grew up in a family of artists and writers. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied medicine and became a practicing physician. Despite his busy medical career, Williams continued to write poetry and became associated with the avant-garde literary scene in New York City. His poetry is known for its simplicity, clarity, and attention to everyday life. “The Use of Force” is one of Williams’ most famous short stories, first published in 1938. The story explores themes of power, violence, and the ethics of medical treatment.
Summary of “The Use of Force”
“The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams is a short story that explores the ethical dilemma of a doctor who is forced to use physical force to examine a young girl. The story is narrated by the doctor, who is called to examine a sick child. The girl, named Mathilda, is suffering from a high fever and is refusing to open her mouth for the doctor to examine her throat. The doctor becomes increasingly frustrated and resorts to using force to open her mouth, causing Mathilda to scream and resist. The story raises questions about the use of force in medical situations and the boundaries of medical ethics. Ultimately, the doctor is able to diagnose Mathilda’s illness, but at what cost? The story leaves readers to ponder the consequences of using force in situations where consent is not given.
Characters
The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams features only four characters, but each one plays a crucial role in the story. The narrator, a doctor, is the protagonist and the one who drives the action forward. He is determined to diagnose and treat the young girl, even if it means using force. The young girl, who is suffering from a high fever and possible diphtheria, is the patient and the one who is subjected to the doctor’s forceful examination. The girl’s mother is a minor character who is present but does not play a significant role in the story. Finally, the father is mentioned but never appears in the story. Despite the small cast of characters, Williams manages to create a tense and emotionally charged atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Setting
The setting of “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams is a small, rural house in the early 20th century. The story takes place during a house call made by a doctor to a young girl who is suffering from a suspected case of diphtheria. The house is described as being “two rooms and a kitchen” with “a stove, a sink, a table, and chairs.” The setting is important to the story as it creates a sense of intimacy and confinement, which adds to the tension between the doctor and the young girl’s parents. The small space also highlights the physical struggle that takes place between the doctor and the girl as he tries to examine her throat. Overall, the setting of “The Use of Force” plays a crucial role in the development of the story and the characters.
Themes
One of the prominent themes in William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force” is the power dynamic between the doctor and the young girl. The doctor, who is supposed to be a figure of authority and care, becomes increasingly frustrated and aggressive as the girl resists his attempts to examine her throat. This power struggle highlights the ways in which authority figures can abuse their power and the importance of respecting boundaries and consent. Additionally, the theme of communication is also explored as the doctor struggles to understand the girl’s reluctance to open her mouth and the girl’s inability to express her fear and discomfort. Overall, “The Use of Force” is a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics and communication in a medical setting.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force.” The story is filled with various symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols is the girl’s mouth. Throughout the story, the girl’s mouth is described as “tight-lipped” and “clamped shut.” This symbolizes her resistance to the doctor’s attempts to examine her throat. It also represents her powerlessness in the situation, as she is unable to communicate her discomfort and fear to the adults around her. Another symbol in the story is the doctor’s hands. His hands are described as “strong” and “powerful,” which represents his authority and control over the situation. However, as the story progresses, his hands become more violent and aggressive, symbolizing the doctor’s loss of control and descent into brutality. These symbols, among others, add depth and complexity to the story, making it a powerful commentary on the dynamics of power and control in human relationships.
Irony
Irony is a literary device that is often used to create a sense of contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. In William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force,” irony is used to great effect to highlight the theme of power and control. The story follows a doctor who is called to examine a young girl who is suffering from a severe case of diphtheria. Despite the girl’s protests and resistance, the doctor insists on examining her, using force to pry open her mouth and examine her throat. The irony in this situation is that the doctor, who is supposed to be a healer, is using his power to inflict pain and discomfort on his patient. This irony is further emphasized by the fact that the doctor is unable to control the situation, as the girl’s resistance only serves to make him more determined to examine her. Ultimately, the use of irony in “The Use of Force” serves to highlight the complex power dynamics at play in the doctor-patient relationship, and the ways in which power can be both wielded and resisted.
Narrative Technique
In “The Use of Force,” William Carlos Williams employs a unique narrative technique to convey the intense struggle between the doctor and the young patient. The story is told from the perspective of the doctor, who is both the protagonist and the narrator. This allows the reader to experience the doctor’s frustration and desperation as he tries to diagnose the girl’s illness. Williams also uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a sense of tension and urgency throughout the story. The result is a powerful and unsettling narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and the limits of compassion.
Analysis of the Doctor’s Character
The character of the doctor in William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force” is complex and multifaceted. On the surface, he appears to be a caring and dedicated medical professional, determined to help his young patient overcome her illness. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is a darker side to his personality. He becomes increasingly frustrated and aggressive as the little girl resists his attempts to examine her throat, ultimately resorting to physical force to get the job done. This raises questions about the doctor’s motivations and the extent to which he is willing to go to achieve his goals. Is he genuinely concerned for the girl’s well-being, or is he simply driven by a desire to assert his authority and prove his own competence? These are important questions to consider when analyzing the doctor’s character in “The Use of Force.”
Analysis of the Girl’s Character
The character of the young girl in William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force” is complex and multi-dimensional. At first glance, she appears to be a typical child, playful and carefree. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that she is also stubborn and resistant to authority. This is evident in her refusal to open her mouth for the doctor, despite his repeated requests. Additionally, the girl’s behavior suggests a certain level of intelligence and cunning. She is able to manipulate the situation to her advantage, using her physical strength to resist the doctor’s attempts to examine her. Overall, the girl’s character is a fascinating study in the complexities of human nature, and Williams’ portrayal of her is both nuanced and thought-provoking.
Analysis of the Conflict
The conflict in William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force” is primarily between the doctor and the young girl, who is suspected of having diphtheria. The doctor is determined to examine her throat, but the girl is resistant and uncooperative. This conflict is further complicated by the fact that the girl’s parents are also present and have conflicting opinions on how to handle the situation. The doctor’s use of force to examine the girl’s throat raises ethical questions about the use of power and authority in medical situations. Additionally, the conflict highlights the tension between individual autonomy and the responsibility to protect public health. Overall, the conflict in “The Use of Force” raises important questions about the role of medical professionals in society and the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when treating patients.
Analysis of the Resolution
The resolution of William Carlos Williams’ “The Use of Force” is a complex one, as it leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The story ends with the doctor successfully examining the young girl’s throat, but at what cost? The doctor’s use of force and aggression towards the child raises questions about the ethics of medical treatment and the power dynamics between doctor and patient. Additionally, the fact that the girl’s parents are not present during the examination raises concerns about informed consent and the role of parents in their children’s medical care. Overall, the resolution of “The Use of Force” leaves the reader with much to ponder and reflect upon.
Comparison to Other Works by William Carlos Williams
In comparison to other works by William Carlos Williams, “The Use of Force” stands out for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the power dynamics between a doctor and his young patient. While Williams is known for his vivid and evocative poetry, this short story showcases his ability to craft a compelling narrative with complex characters and a thought-provoking theme. In contrast to his more abstract works, “The Use of Force” is grounded in the reality of a doctor’s office, making it all the more unsettling in its depiction of violence and control. Overall, this story is a testament to Williams’ versatility as a writer and his ability to capture the nuances of human behavior in all its complexity.
Critical Reception
The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams has been widely praised for its vivid portrayal of the power dynamics between a doctor and his patient. Critics have noted the story’s ability to capture the tension and complexity of the doctor-patient relationship, as well as its commentary on the nature of violence and control.
Some critics have also praised Williams’ use of language and imagery, noting the story’s ability to evoke a visceral response in readers. Others have criticized the story for its portrayal of the young girl as a passive victim, arguing that it reinforces harmful stereotypes about women and children.
Despite these criticisms, The Use of Force remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature, one that continues to resonate with readers today.
Historical Context
In order to fully understand William Carlos Williams’ short story “The Use of Force,” it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. The story was first published in 1938, during a time when the medical profession was rapidly evolving and becoming more specialized. This was also a time when there was a growing awareness of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing the spread of disease. Additionally, the 1930s were marked by the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on American society and culture. All of these factors likely influenced Williams’ portrayal of the doctor and the family in “The Use of Force,” and provide important context for interpreting the story’s themes and messages.
Social Commentary
The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams is a short story that delves into the complexities of human behavior and the power dynamics that exist between individuals. Through the use of vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, Williams offers a scathing critique of the medical profession and the ways in which doctors often abuse their authority. The story centers around a doctor who is called to examine a young girl who is suffering from a severe case of diphtheria. Despite the girl’s protests and resistance, the doctor insists on examining her, using force to pry open her mouth and examine her throat. This scene is a powerful commentary on the ways in which those in positions of power often use force to exert their will over others, even when it is not necessary or appropriate. Williams’ story is a reminder that we must always be vigilant against abuses of power and work to create a more just and equitable society.
Relevance Today
The Use of Force by William Carlos Williams is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. The themes of power dynamics, morality, and the human condition are still relevant in contemporary society. The story’s exploration of the doctor-patient relationship and the use of force in medical treatment raises important ethical questions that are still debated in the medical field. Additionally, the story’s examination of the struggle between the individual and society is a topic that remains pertinent in today’s political climate. The Use of Force is a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers and spark important discussions.