Discussion

Consider how conflict, crisis, and resolution work in the following example from Williams’ The Use of Force. Make sure you read the full story so you can see where the conflict, crisis, and resolution occur, as identified here:

Introduction of conflict:

Well, I said, suppose we take a look at the throat first. I smiled in my best professional manner and asking for the child’s first name I said, come on, Mathilda, open your mouth and let’s take a look at your throat. Nothing doing.

From this moment on, the story builds to the ultimate crisis:

In a final unreasoning assault I overpowered the child’s neck and jaws. I forced the heavy silver spoon back of her teeth and down her throat till she gagged. And there it was–both tonsils covered with membrane.

Immediately following this crisis moment is the story’s resolution, or falling action:

Now truly she was furious. She had been on the defensive before but now she attacked. Tried to get off her father’s lap and fly at me while tears of defeat blinded her eyes.

In your initial discussion post, identify the conflict, crisis, and resolution in Erasing Amyloo and This Moment from the required reading. What techniques do the writers use to build tension and momentum? Make sure to use specific examples from the texts to support your ideas.