The Use of Force

William Carlos Williams in "The Use of Force" utilizes characterization in depth. When the doctor first appears, he does not seem to have bedside manner. His only concern is to diagnose the young child's illness. He does not mince words when talking to the family. He loses control in his fight with the young girl, and the result is the use of force. The mother is an apologetic woman who is embarrassed of her household environment. She seems to be powerless. The father seems to be a gentleman as he wanted to stand up and shake the doctor's hand when the physician arrived. He is perplexed by his daughter's illness, but he wants her to get better. We notice as he speaks his uneducated vernacular speech. Mathilda is a cute young child, but she is quite feisty. As the doctor moves closer in proximity, she attempts to claw his eyes as she knocks his eyeglasses onto the floor. As her fear grows more intense, her strength and anger also heightens.