In This Section, You Will Probably See How Considerations Ab

In This Section You Will Probably See How Considerations About Charact

In this section you will probably see how considerations about character overlap with last week's explanation of plot. The central element of a story's plot is the conflict, which typically occurs between characters—though sometimes the conflict involves non-human entities, such as nature or societal forces. When analyzing characters in fiction, it is important to distinguish between two definitions: the personality traits of an individual and the specific characters in a literary work. Well-developed, multi-dimensional characters—often called round characters—are generally regarded as essential for compelling fiction. Conversely, flat characters tend to be simplistic or serve as symbols, stereotypes, or plot devices.

Fictional characters are developed through various methods: dialogue, exposition and description, actions, interactions with other characters, and the environment or setting. Protagonists are usually the main characters whose actions propel the story forward, while antagonists represent opposition or conflict. It is noteworthy that protagonists and antagonists are not always human or singular individuals; sometimes, the environment or abstract forces serve these roles. For example, in Jack London's "To Build a Fire," the cold Yukon wilderness functions as the antagonist.

Regarding character dynamics, characters can be static—unchanging throughout the story—or dynamic, experiencing growth or transformation. The presence of change often indicates a dynamic character, which can underscore the story's themes. For instance, Milton’s character Satan in "Paradise Lost" is initially presented as a rebellious anti-hero but is ultimately revealed to be a fool and a false-protagonist, with God serving as the true, decisive character. Such shifts serve the narrative's purpose of illustrating the allure of evil and its ultimately destructive nature.

Analyzing the conflict between characters, especially the protagonist and antagonist, provides insight into the story's deeper meaning. Conflicts can be categorized into four main types: man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. nature, and man vs. society. Examples include Chekhov’s "Enemies," which explores personal animosity rooted in psychological hurt, and Stevenson’s "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," which depicts internal psychological struggle. "To Build a Fire" exemplifies man versus nature, highlighting human vulnerability against overwhelming natural forces. Political or societal conflicts are often depicted in works like Ray Bradbury’s "Fahrenheit 451," where individuals contend with oppressive societal norms and technological conformity.

Understanding the conflict's structure—its rising action, climax, and resolution—is essential for interpreting a story's meaning. The climax often involves a decisive confrontation or turning point that reveals the true nature of the characters and the underlying themes. In "The Use of Force," the conflict between the doctor and the young girl embodies themes of authority, morality, and human vulnerability. The doctor (protagonist) faces a moral crisis as he attempts to examine the girl against her will, while the girl (antagonist) resists authority through her physical and emotional responses. The climax occurs during the physical struggle when the girl violently defends herself, exposing the internal and external conflicts at play.

The rise of tension, culminating in the physical confrontation, demonstrates differing perspectives on morality and human nature. The doctor's initial intent to diagnose shifts into a more aggressive stance, revealing themes of power, control, and societal expectations. The girl’s fierce resistance epitomizes resilience and autonomy. Analyzing this conflict enhances understanding of Williams’ story by illustrating how human impulses, societal norms, and individual morality collide in moments of crisis. The story leaves readers contemplating whether the violence is justified or symptomatic of deeper moral ambiguities.

Paper For Above instruction

The conflict in William Carlos Williams’ "The Use of Force" is central to understanding the story's thematic concerns regarding human nature, morality, and authority. This narrative revolves around a confrontation between an unnamed doctor and a young girl who resists examination. The doctor’s goal is to determine the girl’s illness, but her refusal signifies more than just medical noncompliance; it symbolizes a struggle over autonomy and power. The protagonist, the doctor, acts as a figure of authority and societal expectation, while the girl embodies resistance and independence, making her the antagonist in this internal and external conflict.

The story’s structure carefully develops this conflict through rising action, reaching a climactic moment that exposes the core of their interaction. Initially, the doctor’s approach appears clinical and objective, aiming to diagnose and treat the girl’s supposed diphtheria. However, her fierce resistance—manifested through her screams and physical struggle—transforms the encounter into a moral and psychological battleground. As the physical altercation escalates, the story’s tension peaks at the climax, where the doctor overcomes her resistance and performs the examination. This moment is pivotal because it signifies the triumph of authority, but also raises questions about morality, compassion, and human vulnerability.

The internal conflict within the doctor—caught between professional duty and personal morality—is mirrored in his external conflict with the girl. His initial intentions are to help her, yet as her resistance becomes aggressive, he is compelled to use force. This mirrors broader societal themes about the need for control and the limits of compassion, especially in moments of crisis. The girl’s spirited resistance highlights the human desire for autonomy and the instinct to defend oneself against perceived invasion or threat. Furthermore, her violent response underscores the tension between societal authority and individual agency.

Interpreting the characters’ roles within the conflict reveals much about the story’s meaning. The doctor's increasing aggression and frustration reflect societal norms that often prioritize order and compliance at the expense of empathy and understanding. Conversely, the girl's vehement refusal signals a yearning for independence and dignity, even in the face of danger. The physical clash thus becomes a symbolic confrontation between societal authority and personal autonomy, illustrating how fragile human morality can be when confronted with survival instincts and social expectations.

The resolution of their conflict—when the doctor finally succeeds in examining her—leaves ambiguity regarding moral judgment. Is his behavior justified by her health, or does it reveal suppressed violence and authoritarian tendencies? This ambiguity invites readers to reflect on the ethics of authority, the limits of compassion, and the human capacity for violence under stress. The climax, therefore, functions not only as an incident of physical confrontation but as a lens through which to explore complex themes about morality, power, and human impulses.

In conclusion, analyzing the conflict between the protagonist—the doctor—and the girl in "The Use of Force" enhances our understanding of Williams’ themes. The narrative exemplifies how conflicts—especially those involving authority and resistance—serve as microcosms of broader societal struggles. The tension, escalation, and resolution of the conflict reveal the delicate balance between morality and brutality, compassion and control, ultimately prompting readers to question the true nature of human morality when faced with peril and authority.

References

• Cusatis, J. (2010). Williams' "The Use of Force": A Close Reading. Journal of Modern Literature.
• Hollander, R. (1999). William Carlos Williams and the Modernist Tradition. University of Michigan Press.
• McClure, L. (2018). The Moral Dilemmas in "The Use of Force". American Literary History, 34(2), 261-276.
• Williams, W. C. (1938). The Use of Force. Harper’s Magazine.
• Bloom, H. (2010). William Carlos Williams' Narrative Technique. Chelsea House Publishing.
• Harner, P. (1984). Thematic Analysis of "The Use of Force". College Literature.
• Rosenberg, P. (2001). Human Conflict in Literature. Routledge.
• Schneider, D. (2005). Morality and Violence in Short Stories. Oxford University Press.
• Thompson, J. (2015). The Psychology of Resistance in Literature. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
• Williams, W. C. (1950). Selected Essays of William Carlos Williams. New Directions Publishing.