The Test

The test is a short story which presents a character in crisis. Discuss this statement using examples from the text.

‘The test’ is a short story written by Angelica gibbs which explores the racial discrimination and cruel behaviour that is brought upon a diverse individual. A text that is straight forward but enforces a strong message which can test the reader’s values and attitudes, and can convey several emotions/morals within the reader’s thoughts. A black woman called Marian is failed on her driving test simply because the evaluator is racist and easily takes advantage of his power. Gibbs demonstrates how the ethics and power of one can result in complete misery and crisis for another.

Subtle forms of racism can be just as harmful as overt forms, in actual fact this can express the inner coward and pitiful morals behind an individual. The inspector is quick to judge and undermine Marion within the few minutes of her test bringing up her cultures past to insult “old enough to have quite a flock of pickaninnies eh?”. This refers to America’s horrific racist past and stereotypes created, simply translated to ‘old enough to have a few children’. The inspector chooses to insult Marion with an ‘undercover’ technique to maintain his professional role but quickly implying that he has the power and control.

Intimidation is a toxic behaviour that can drive an individual to complete gloom and failure, a blood boiling feeling that is bound to explode. Marion attempts to confine herself throughout the test, using patience, self control and the bliss of ignorance to ignore the instructors racial jargon ‘You-all sho can read fine’ and the being referred to as “Mandy Lou”. Marion held a weakness within her, the genuine attitude of giving in and having a stand “Damn You! She cried” therefore presenting the instructor his victory for the power he beholds.

The test is a moving short story, written to reveal the disturbing approach society has towards the...