Representing the first "society" is Marion. Though stereotyped by some (the Inspector) as being an ignorant and uneducated black woman, who is expected to be illiterate, married and to come from the South. In this story, Marion proves these racist assumptions to be wrong, and in turn, shows that she is an individual. Marion understands, and is fully aware of the prejudice that ignorant white Americans have about her, and the unfair way they treat her, due to her sex, race, and the colour of her skin. This knowledge was revealed when she rebuked Mrs. Ericson's suggestion that she should "slip them a little something" by saying, "No, that would only make it worse, Mrs. Ericson. I know". Aware that she is a victim of prejudice, Marion strives to build a protective barrier around herself; ignoring the cruel jibes, comments and actions of others, and hidin

g her anger, frustration and hurt feelings under a mask and outer exterior of calm indifference. During the Driving Test, Marion endured the Inspector's cruel and provoking comments, and his obvious contempt in her. It was only when he belittled and laughed at her college degree did Marion's calm exterior of indifference break down; - " I got my college degree last year", Marion said, her voice was not quite steady. - and finally collapsed altogether as she could control herself no longer, and burst out - "Damn you!". As she said this, Marion realised that she had failed The Test; that it was all over, and in the end, the Inspector's power had won.

In this short story, the author uses three characters as symbols of three separate groups in America. This story illustrates the lack of power that blacks feel, and the racism that they experience; either in an overt form such as that of the Inspector, or in the more subdued and latent form of the patronising Mrs. Ericson. This short, yet powerful and meaningful story, reveals how helpless black people feel; in a prejudiced and ignorant society, where the abuse of power can shape their destiny.

Representing a society of white Americans who feel that their 'superiority' gives them the right to use their power to abuse others because they are prejudiced against them, is the Inspector. The Inspector wields his authority like a whip - striking out whenever he pleases. He is fully aware of his power, and has no hesitation in taking full advantage and control of the situation; testing and baiting Marion; stepping over

Some common words found in the essay are:
Ericson People, Lastly Inspector, Inspector Ericson, White Liberality, Main Street, Inspector Inspector, Test Marion, Ericson Aware, Ericson Oh, Test Inspector's, college degree, black woman, marion black woman, overt form, marion black, towards marion, slip little, society ericson, power abuse, representing society, black people,
Approximate Word count = 1064
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)