In “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams, the narrative opens with a desperate plea for medical assistance. A father summons a doctor urgently, informing him that his daughter is seriously ill. Upon arrival at their home, the doctor is met by the mother, who, though visibly anxious, ushers him inside. She apologizes for the dampness of their surroundings and guides him to the kitchen, where the sick child is situated. The child’s father offers to stand but is told to remain seated.
The doctor senses the family’s unease and realizes that they are withholding information, a common occurrence in his profession. The sick child, a beautiful and strong-looking girl, remains motionless and unresponsive, except for her cold, steady gaze. The doctor observes signs of fever and asks about a sore throat, suspecting diphtheria due to recent cases in the area. The story sets the stage for a tense and complex exploration of medical ethics, trust, and the power dynamics between doctors and patients.