'Examination day' af Henry Slesar, summary

The short story “Examination day” written by Henry Slesar in 1985, portrays a society in which people are living under exaggerated government rules, this would make the theme of the story control and fear. In the story we meet the Jordans, a family of three in which Mr. and Mrs. Jordan's only child, Richard Jordan is turning twelve years old at today's date, meaning that he has to be tested by the government examination. Richard is a clever boy, with good marks in school and a curious mind. The Jordan`s have never explained what this examination is about to Richard, yet they proceed to calm him down as they act like it is simply nothing to be concerned about. Not only was Richard on the morning of his birthday, greeted with gifts, he was also greeted by an examination in which he knew nothing about. As the family entered the government Educational Building, there did not go long before Richards name was called. Leaving Mr. and Mrs. Jordan waiting nervously while their son is in the hands of the government. Four o´clock and the telephone rang, as Mr. Jordan picks up the call, he is left with the options of how his son's funeral can be held. Richard M. Jordan failed the government examination.