Feminist Analysis of Power in “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams

Introduction

In William Carlos Williams brief tale “The Use of Force,” the narrator, a physician, is summoned to examine a sick child, Mathilda Olson. The child resists the doctors attempts to identify her illness, refusing to open her mouth to be examined (Williams). What ensues is a tense and violent struggle as the doctor endeavors to pry open Mathildas mouth to uncover the cause of her illness. Feminist literary theory, which focuses on the power dynamics between men and women and the oppression of women, can be used to analyze this story.

Theoretical Approach and Key Story Elements

Power and Authority

Feminist literary theory aims to unveil the ways in which male dominance and gender expectations shape literature and society. In “The Use of Force,” the power dynamics between the male doctor and the young female patient are unmistakable. The doctors exasperation and fury towards the defiant child can be interpreted as a reflection of the societal norms that demand female compliance and submission (Williams). The doctors insistence on examining Mathildas throat, despite her resistance, can be seen as an embodiment of the patriarchal authority over womens bodies.

Agency

The narrative also emphasizes the notion of agency, as Mathilda asserts her independence and bodily autonomy by rejecting the doctors examination. This can be viewed as a form of resistance against the male-dominated medical professions inclination to exert control over womens bodies. Mathildas disobedience challenges the traditional power dynamic between doctor and patient, illustrating the struggle for self-governance and self-determination.

Insights Gained from Applying the Theory

The application of feminist literary theory to “The Use of Force” exposes the underlying power dynamics and gendered implications of the doctor-patient interaction. By scrutinizing the narrative from this perspective, one can gain a deeper comprehension of the ways in which gender and power intersect in the story. Moreover, this analysis illuminates the societal expectations imposed on women and the methods through which women assert their independence in the face of male authority.

Conclusion

The story of “The Use of Force” contains gendered undertones and power relations that can be uncovered by analyzing it through the prism of feminist literary theory. The narrative offers a provocative examination of the ways in which gender norms and male domination affect mens and womens interactions. Applied to this theoretical framework, we get significant insights into the nuances of gendered power relations and the assertion of independence against male authority.

Work Cited

The Use of Force–William Carlos Williams (1883-1963). Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Feminist Analysis of Power in “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams'. 3 May.

1. StudyCorgi. "Feminist Analysis of Power in “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams." May 3, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/feminist-analysis-of-power-in-the-use-of-force-by-william-carlos-williams/.


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StudyCorgi. "Feminist Analysis of Power in “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams." May 3, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/feminist-analysis-of-power-in-the-use-of-force-by-william-carlos-williams/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2025. "Feminist Analysis of Power in “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams." May 3, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/feminist-analysis-of-power-in-the-use-of-force-by-william-carlos-williams/.

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