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Determination In William Carlos Williams The Use Of Force

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In William Carlos Williams’ story The Use of Force, a resolute doctor takes an unconventional course of action and lets his frustration fuel his drive as he attempts to diagnose a very stubborn little girl with a life-threatening illness. The antagonist of the story, Matilda, portrays a persevering young girl with a secret, a secret she is determined to keep. Point of view makes a serious impact in the complexity of this story. While experiencing this story through the Doctors eyes, we are able to clearly see the shifts from a collected professional to those of an eccentric form of examination. The Use of Force is an unconventional portrayal of determination through the use of subject point of view.
Internal struggles of determination play …show more content…

We see this as the doctor fills with uncontrollable emotions and states “then I grasped the child’s head in my hand” (Williams 1335). The internal battle continues after Matilda reduces the wooden tongue depressor to shreds. The doctor, stating “but a blind fury, a feeling of shame, bred of a longing for muscular release are the operatives. One goes on to the end” (William 1336) then begins to question his own actions, yet can’t seem to convince himself to accept defeat. With ongoing determination, the doctor gives one last “assault” and “overpowered the child’s neck and jaws. (He) forced the heavy silver spoon back to her teeth and down her throat till she gagged”(Williams 1336). Finally, the doctor has succeeded. A feeling of attainment overwhelms the doctor as he uncovers the two tonsils covered in “membrane”. This victory is the final event that ends the conflict between the two characters. While the reader is clearly able to experience the doctor’s frustrations and follow his determination to defeat Matilda, they are also able to grasp her frustrations towards the doctor. After an afternoon of frustration and fighting back, she “tried to get off her fathers lap and fly at (the doctor) while tears of defeat blinded her eyes (Williams 1336). With that closing statement, the author is

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