William Carlos Williams' message about the use of force is that it displays and unleashes a dark and primitive side of human nature and although it may seem necessary is some situations, the use of force more than often brings about moral and ethical dilemmas concerning whether or not force was appropriate in that circumstance. Williams' message is put forward to the reader via a conflict between a doctor and a young girl who is his patient. The conflict that takes place is one that begins as a power struggle of the wills. Refusing to open her mouth so that the doctor can take a culture of her throat and effectively diagnose whether or not she has been infected with diphtheria, the young girl proves a worthy and very head fast opponent. The battle soon escalates, and the doctor finds himself using force against the child. "The damned...