Mrs Jordan

Mrs Jordan, Dickie’s mother, is a secondary character in “Examination Day”. Henry Slesar's story does not contain any direct references to Mrs Jordan’s outer characterisation.

References to Mrs Jordan’s physical reactions convey her emotions, contributing to her inner characterisation, which is also created through her language and actions. For example, her feelings about Dickie taking the test are suggested as the narrator points out the “anxious manner of her speech” (l.1) and her tears (ll. 13-14). Mrs Jordan’s behaviour suggests that she is nervous about the test and afraid of the potential outcome of Dickie’s test.

It also suggests that she loves her son, something that is further indicated by other details such as getting him presents for his birthday and making him cake, and trying to make Dickie not worry about the test: “ ‘It’s just a sor...