Defense of a Killer

Defense of a Killer William Carlos Williams (1883-1963) was a Pulitzer Prize winning author whose works included poetry, novels, essays, and plays. In addition, he was also a practicing physician and he sustained his medical practice in Rutherford, New Jersey throughout his life. The short story interpreted here is one based on his medical practice during America’s Great Depression. The story “Use of Force”, published in the 1938 collection Life along the Passaic River, is …

…Williams’ story is revealing the fact that the force is not unreasonable if the objective is understood. Clearly, a lack of sufficient force could result in the death of the child, her family, and many members of her community. By getting beyond reason in his attempt to restrain and diagnose the patient, he has identified the life threatening disease and the treatment can begin. That is what is best for the girl and the community.