Point of View: The story is told from the first-person perspective of the doctor. This allows the reader to experience the story through the doctor's eyes, including his frustrations, judgments, and internal conflicts. We get a direct sense of his attitude toward the patient and her family, which contributes to the tension and ambiguity of the story.
Imagery: Williams uses vivid sensory imagery to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere. For example, he describes the "ugly" and "dirty" house, the "thick" air, and the "hot" room, all of which contribute to the oppressive atmosphere of the story.
Symbolism: The title itself, "The Use of Force," is symbolic. It refers to the doctor's use of physical force to examine the child, but it also suggests a broader theme of the forces that can be used to control and manipulate others. The girl's refusal to cooperate, her defiance of the doctor's authority, can be seen as a symbol of her resistance against these external forces.
Irony: The story is full of situational irony, particularly in the doctor's actions. He claims he's trying to help the girl, but his methods are increasingly aggressive and ultimately harmful. The irony highlights the conflict between his good intentions and the damaging effects of his actions.
Theme of Power: The story explores the theme of power dynamics and the ways in which power can be misused. The doctor, as a figure of authority, is shown to be more concerned with his own professional ego than with the well-being of his patient. This exploration of power is particularly relevant in the context of the story's historical setting, when medical practices were often more forceful and less patient-centered.
Dramatic Tension: The story builds dramatic tension through the doctor's escalating frustration and the increasing resistance of the child. Each step the doctor takes to force the child to open her mouth creates more tension, culminating in a climax of violence and uncertainty.
Ambiguity: The ending of the story is ambiguous. We are left wondering if the child truly had diphtheria or if the doctor simply forced her to show symptoms. This ambiguity adds to the story's complexity and forces the reader to consider the doctor's motivations and the potential consequences of his actions.
These are just some of the key literary devices employed in "The Use of Force." The story's effectiveness lies in its skillful use of these techniques to create a complex and disturbing portrayal of a power struggle between a doctor and a child.