“Examination Day” by Henry Slesar is a chilling short science fiction story published in 1958. It revolves around a young boy, Dickie Jordan, who undergoes a government-mandated IQ test on his 12th birthday, exploring themes of dystopia, family tension, and tragic consequences.
1.1 Overview of the Story
“Examination Day” by Henry Slesar is a dystopian short story that centers on the Jordan family and their son Dickie, who is required to take a government-mandated intelligence test on his 12th birthday. The story builds tension through the family’s anxiety and silence about the exam, highlighting the oppressive nature of the test and its implications. The narrative unfolds in a small kitchen, where Dickie’s parents struggle with their fears, leading to a tragic and unexpected conclusion that underscores the story’s dark themes.
1.2 Author Background: Henry Slesar
Henry Slesar (1927–2002) was an American author and playwright known for his engaging storytelling and ironic twists. He gained recognition for his work in science fiction and mystery genres, often exploring themes of societal control and human psychology. Slesar’s writing career spanned multiple formats, including novels, short stories, and plays, with Examination Day being one of his most celebrated works, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives with unexpected endings.
1.3 Historical Context of the Story
Examination Day by Henry Slesar, written in 1958, reflects the Cold War era’s anxieties about government control and societal conformity. The story’s dystopian themes resonated with fears of totalitarian regimes and the loss of individual freedom. Set against a backdrop of heightened political tension, Slesar’s narrative critiques the dangers of a society that values conformity over individuality, echoing concerns of the time about government overreach and the suppression of dissent.
Plot Summary of “Examination Day”
Examination Day follows Dickie Jordan’s 12th birthday, where he must take a government-mandated IQ test. The story builds tension as Dickie’s parents anxiously anticipate the results, fearing the consequences of a low score, which ultimately leads to a tragic conclusion.
2.1 The Jordan Family and Their Son Dickie
The Jordan family is central to the story, with Dickie, their 12-year-old son, at the heart of the narrative. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, are portrayed as anxious and evasive regarding the impending government-mandated IQ test. The family avoids discussing the exam openly, creating a tense atmosphere. Dickie’s birthday marks the day of the test, heightening the sense of dread. The Jordans’ dynamics reflect the societal pressure and fear of governmental control, with Dickie’s innocence contrasting the ominous reality.
2.2 The Government-Mandated Intelligence Test
The government-mandated intelligence test in “Examination Day” is a pivotal and anxiety-inducing event for all children upon turning 12. This test is enforced universally, creating a climate of apprehension among families. The story underscores the gravity of the test’s consequences, which are profound and potentially life-altering. The narrative illustrates the tension and fear that permeate society as a result of this governmental requirement, reflecting the oppressive nature of the regime. The test serves as a tool of control, emphasizing the dystopian themes of the story.
2.3 The Climax and Tragic Ending
The climax of “Examination Day” unfolds as Dickie undergoes the intelligence test, with his anxious parents awaiting the results. The story reaches its tragic conclusion when Dickie’s test reveals his intelligence is too high, deemed a threat to the oppressive regime. The government swiftly eliminates him, leaving his parents devastated. The ending shocks readers, emphasizing the ruthless control of the dystopian government and the devastating consequences for the Jordan family.
Themes Explored in “Examination Day”
The story delves into themes of government control, the pressures of intelligence testing, and the emotional toll on family dynamics in a dystopian society.
3.1 The Dystopian Society and Government Control
The story portrays a dystopian society where the government enforces strict control through a mandatory intelligence test for all children at the age of 12. This system aims to identify and potentially eliminate those deemed unintelligent, ensuring conformity and maintaining societal order. The Jordans’ fear and secrecy highlight the oppressive nature of this regime, emphasizing the loss of individual freedom and the pervasive sense of dread it instills in families. The government’s rigid control over citizens’ lives underscores the darker aspects of authoritarian rule.
3.2 The Pressure of Intelligence Testing
The story highlights the immense pressure placed on children and families through a government-mandated intelligence test. The Jordans’ anxiety underscores the societal expectation of conformity and the fear of failing the exam. Dickie’s obliviousness to the test’s significance contrasts with his parents’ dread, emphasizing the weight of this pivotal moment. The test becomes a source of tension, reflecting the oppressive nature of a system that judges individuals based on a single, high-stakes evaluation.
3.3 The Impact on Family Dynamics
The story portrays the strain on the Jordan family as they approach Dickie’s exam. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan’s anxiety and avoidance of discussing the test reveal deep-seated fears about their son’s future. Their tense interactions and suppressed emotions create a palpable sense of dread. The exam serves as a catalyst, exposing underlying familial tensions and highlighting the emotional toll of governmental intrusion into personal lives. The family’s unity is tested by the looming threat of the test’s consequences.
Character Analysis
The Jordans and their son Dickie are central to the story, with the parents’ anxiety and the boy’s innocence highlighting the emotional depth of their strained relationships.
4.1 Dickie Jordan: The Protagonist
Dickie Jordan is the innocent and naive 12-year-old protagonist. His birthday marks the day of the government-mandated intelligence test, a turning point in his life. Despite his youth, Dickie exhibits curiosity and resilience. His parents’ anxiety contrasts with his obliviousness, creating tension. The story’s tragic ending underscores his vulnerability, making him a poignant figure in the narrative.
4.2 Mr. and Mrs. Jordan: The Anxious Parents
Mr. and Mrs. Jordan are Dickie’s parents, portrayed as deeply anxious and avoidant. They evade discussing the impending exam, fearing its consequences. Mrs. Jordan’s emotional vulnerability contrasts with Mr. Jordan’s sharp responses, reflecting their shared dread. Their silence and tension reveal the oppressive weight of the government’s mandate, highlighting the emotional strain on the family. Their actions and reactions drive the story’s suspense and underscore the dystopian society’s impact on familial dynamics.
Symbolism and Motifs
The story employs the wall-kitchen as a symbol of domestic tension and the oppressive atmosphere. The intelligence exam represents government control and societal expectations, highlighting the clash between individuality and conformity.
5.1 The Significance of the Intelligence Exam
The intelligence exam in Examination Day symbolizes oppressive government control and societal pressure. It enforces conformity, determining a child’s fate based on their score, reflecting a dystopian society’s emphasis on standardized intelligence over individuality. The exam’s mandatory nature and its severe consequences highlight the themes of authoritarianism and the dehumanizing effects of rigid societal expectations. Through this motif, Slesar critiques the dangers of a system that values intellectual uniformity above all else, showcasing its devastating impact on families and personal freedom.
5.2 The Wall-Kitchen as a Symbol of Domestic Tension
The wall-kitchen in Examination Day serves as a symbol of domestic tension and suppressed emotions. Its confined space reflects the family’s emotional confinement, as they avoid discussing the looming exam. The warm, sweet aroma from the automatic stove contrasts with the cold, anxious atmosphere, highlighting the family’s strained dynamics. Mrs. Jordan’s avoidance of eye contact and Mr. Jordan’s sharp responses underscore the underlying fear and tension, transforming the kitchen into a space of unspoken dread and impending tragedy.
The Ending and Its Implications
The story concludes with Dickie’s tragic death after failing the exam, leaving his parents devastated. The government’s cold, bureaucratic handling of his burial underscores the dystopian theme of oppressive control and the cost of non-conformity.
6.1 The Unexpected Twist
The story takes a shocking turn when Dickie, despite his parents’ hopes, fails the exam. His death, orchestrated by the government for low intelligence, leaves his family shattered. The twist underscores the brutal efficiency of the dystopian regime, where individual worth is determined by a test, and failure equals annihilation. This unexpected outcome deepens the story’s themes of oppression and the devastating consequences of a society valuing conformity above life.
6.2 The Message About Conformity and Control
The story delivers a chilling warning about the dangers of authoritarian control and societal conformity. The government’s rigid system of intelligence testing enforces a culture of fear and submission, where individuality is suppressed. By eliminating those deemed “unfit,” the regime maintains power and uniformity. The narrative critiques the ethical costs of a society that values compliance over human life, highlighting the loss of freedom and morality in a dystopian world governed by oppressive rules.
Literary Devices Used by Henry Slesar
Slesar employs irony and foreshadowing to create suspense, while his tone reflects the oppressive atmosphere of a dystopian society, emphasizing the tension between individuality and governmental control.
7.1 Irony and Foreshadowing
Henry Slesar masterfully uses irony and foreshadowing in “Examination Day.” The government’s test, intended to measure intelligence, ironically leads to tragic consequences. Foreshadowing is evident in the parents’ anxiety and the eerie atmosphere, hinting at the devastating outcome. Slesar’s subtle clues, like the father’s sharp response and the mother’s moist eyes, build tension, underscoring the story’s ominous tone and preparing readers for the unexpected twist.
7.2 The Use of Tone to Create Suspense
Henry Slesar crafts a tense and foreboding atmosphere in “Examination Day,” using tone to heighten suspense. The story begins with an oppressive sense of unease, as the Jordans’ avoidance of the exam creates palpable tension. The warm, domestic scene in the kitchen contrasts sharply with the looming threat of the test, amplifying anxiety. As the narrative progresses, the tone darkens, foreshadowing the tragic outcome. Slesar’s careful manipulation of tone keeps readers on edge, underscoring the story’s dystopian themes and critique of governmental control.
Teaching “Examination Day” in the Classroom
“Examination Day” is a valuable teaching tool for discussing dystopian themes, government control, and family dynamics; It encourages critical thinking and reflective writing through guided discussions and analysis.
8.1 Discussion Questions for Students
- How does the government’s role in Examination Day reflect themes of control and conformity?
- What emotions does Dickie’s situation evoke, and how does this impact the story’s tone?
- How does the story portray the pressure of intelligence testing on individuals and families?
- What message do you think Slesar conveys through Dickie’s tragic fate?
- Discuss the significance of the wall-kitchen as a symbol of domestic tension.
8.2 Activities to Enhance Understanding
To deepen comprehension of Examination Day, consider these activities:
- Group discussion analyzing the story’s themes, such as government control and family dynamics.
- Write a creative alternate ending to explore different outcomes for Dickie.
- Role-play scenes to understand character motivations and emotions.
- Debate the ethics of mandatory intelligence testing and its implications.
- Create a visual project, like a poster, highlighting key symbols and motifs.
- Reflect in a journal about how the story relates to real-world societal pressures.
Reception and Legacy of the Story
Examination Day has gained popularity for its thought-provoking themes and ironic conclusion. It remains a critically acclaimed work, often adapted and interpreted in various educational and literary contexts.
9.1 Popularity and Critical Acclaim
Examination Day has garnered significant popularity and critical acclaim since its publication in 1958. Its chilling narrative and unexpected ending have captivated readers, making it a standout in science fiction. The story’s exploration of government control and societal pressures resonates deeply, earning it recognition as a classic in dystopian literature. Its enduring relevance has led to widespread use in educational settings, further cementing its legacy as a thought-provoking and impactful tale.
9.2 Adaptations and Interpretations
While Examination Day hasn’t seen major film or TV adaptations, it has been widely interpreted in academic and literary circles. Scholars often analyze its dystopian themes and psychological elements, while educators use it to explore government control and societal pressures. Readers frequently reinterpret the story’s tragic ending, drawing parallels to real-world testing systems and societal expectations. Its influence is evident in discussions about conformity and individuality, making it a significant piece in science fiction discourse.
Examination Day leaves a lasting impression with its haunting portrayal of a dystopian society and the consequences of rigid government control. Henry Slesar’s use of irony and suspense masterfully highlights the pressures of conformity and the devastating impact on family life. The story’s exploration of intelligence testing and societal expectations remains relevant, sparking critical discussions about individuality and freedom. Its enduring legacy underscores the importance of questioning authority and the human cost of oppressive systems.