Characterization is one of the most important tools in a writer’s repertoire of literary devices. It’s used as a means of relating theme, mood, tone, and bringing the reader closer to the characters by showing humanity, or the lack there of. In reading “Use of Force,” by William Carlos Williams, the underlying emotions, basic motivations, and the regression from civil to uncivil behavior of men are exemplified in the main characters as they …showed first 75 words of 481 total…

…showed last 75 words of 481 total…or other. All that exists by the end of the story is, “a longing for muscular release.” William Carlos Williams uses his methods of characterization to relate the experiences of the physician and the girl to the reader. He knows almost all people will identify with buried emotions, devouring motivations, and need for power as almost all people have such feelings buried deep within, no matter how calm, cool, professional, or flushed the outward appearance.