Thomas's short story "test".

"Test" Essay

"Test" written by Theodore Thomas, is a short story about humanities need for power. The power being that to control others ideas, opinions and self identity, through trepidation of divergence and government control.

The short story "Test" is derived from the fear of diversification and self identity. From the moment Robert Proctor wakes up from his hypnosis, the reader sees that the foundation of the world he is living in is based on control. The act of hypnosis itself, is someone going into your mind and telling you exactly what to do. Symbolism abounds in this short story, one in particular is that of the man in the blue uniform. The uniform symbolizes police and government dominance. After Robert signs the application to receive his license, men in white coats come to take him away for "treatment." The men, symbolizing the government machine that is eating up the public in Roberts world. "Killing people doesn't seem to bother you.", "you sick and need treatment." Thomas, here showing the reader that all people have to fit into the mould that is normalcy. The fact that Robert still wanted to drive after the pseudo accident made him "different' and that had to be eradicated immediately. The fear of adversity of thoughts, and feelings is no more greater shown then when Thomas writes "grooves worn into the floor." Suggesting many others have been in Roberts place, making the point that basically all of society goes when Robert did. All the others left over are too scared to drive again, basically making no-one on the road at all.

The hypnosis itself refers to another person controlling what you think and do as an individual. In the beginning of the story Thomas describes how Robert felt while driving,"he felt well rested." It is...