The Test

Exam Time!

The short story by Henry Sleaser, "Examination Day", the main character, Richard (Dickie) Jordan, lives in a country where the government takes a test of intelligence to all kids when they turn twelve, and it's Dickie's turn. Before the exam though, his parents explain to him about the test his is going to take, what will it be like; his father also answers the questions roaming through Dickie's mind, about grass, sun and colors. It's exam time, and Dickie is called in to take the test, where they gave him a substance he is supposed to drink before the exam, with a peppermint flavor; and the test goes on. Hours later, Dickie's mother receives a call, informing something, well, unexpected........ she receives a call asking them what do the Jordans (Dickie's parents) want to do about Dickie's body because he, well, Dickie got killed because he was too smart!?!

Characterization and Imagery

In this story, imagery is a big part of the tale and it helps all readers get an idea of what certain part looks, sounds or even tastes like. An example of strong imagery is:

They were at breakfast table, and the boy looked up from his plate curiously. He was an alert-eyed youngster with flat blond hair and a quick, nervous manner. He didn’t understand what the sudden tension was about, but he did know that today was his birthday, and he wanted harmony above all. Somewhere in the little apartment there were wrapped, beribboned packages waiting to be opened, and in the tiny wall-kitchen something warm and sweet was being prepared in the automatic stove. (1).

In this example, we can observe how the sense of sight is shown here with descriptive words that illustrate their kitchen and Dickie.

The protagonist of the story, Dickie (or Richard, however you want to call him), is also described a lot and, based on these descriptions, we know what Dickie's personality is. For example,

‘Why did it have to rain today?’ he said. ‘Why couldn’t it rain tomorrow?’
His father, now slumped into an armchair with the Government newspaper rattled the
sheets in vexation. ‘Because it just did, that’s all. Rain makes the grass grow.’
‘Why, Dad?’
‘Because it does, that’s all.’
Dickie puckered his brow. ‘What makes it green, though? The grass?’ (1).



The example above shows the readers that Dickie is a curious boy who likes to learn and enjoys expanding his knowledge. He likes to learn and he wants to understand things that trouble him. Another example:

‘Your classification number is 600-115. Drink this, Richard.’

He lifted a plastic cup from the desk and handed it to the boy. The liquid inside had the consistency of buttermilk, tasted only vaguely of the promised peppermint. Dickie downed it, and handed the man the empty cup.

This example demonstrates us that Dickie is quick kid, not afraid of much things and does not like to cause much problems., which makes him an obedient kid.

Final Thoughts

This short story was a really good one, the ending was shocking, though it really emphasizes the message. It talks about how government control could bring a lot of problems due to its high standards on ordinary citizens, since the government could be afraid of superior things. I mean, if the government would have not been afraid of smarter people..... why kill them? There is no other explanation than the fact that this strict government is killing many innocent, yet bright, people, and that this story was great in demonstrating that to its readers.