Use of Force

             In William Carlos Williams's "The Use of Force" it is apparent that the physician took great gratification in defeating the tenacious child in her valiant attack towards him during an examination. During their physical discord another struggle manifested concerning who had control and power above the other. It could be stated that the doctor was doing his duty overpowering the girl for the sake of her health. However, he strangely and almost perversely enjoyed the dominance over the child. In the end, Mathilda was diagnosed with diphtheria, but it was she who possessed control of the situation in the beginning of the story. Just as there are never-ending struggles between man and woman, this story inconspicuously implies an allegory for rape.
             As the doctor arrives he immediately notices the child's beauty and penetrating stare. He senses the parents' distrust in him. Although he thinks they distrust him, it is his own inability to behave himself in a professional manner that he realizes he may not be able to contain. "I could see they were all nervous, eyeing me up and down distrustfully." The doctor smiles and calmly approaches in an effort to gain her confidence. He reassures Mathilda that he will not hurt her. As in many rape cases, women fall victims to courteous men whom they already know. They are coaxed into believing they are safe with seemingly nice men.
             Mathilda's mother tried to help by comforting her daughter and stating that the man was a nice doctor and not going to hurt her, but these comments enraged the doctor. He abhorred being referred to as a "nice man" as the mother described him. The doctor foresaw then that he was no longer going to be a nice man. It was now or never and he was to have his way whether she willingly cooperated or not. When Mathilda refused to open her mouth, her mother was ordered to leave the room wh
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Use of Force. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 13:07, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/54261.html