The Testing Study Guide

The Testing is the first book in a series of the same name written by Joelle Charbonneau.
The story follows 16-year-old Malencia "Cia" Vale as she battles her fellow peers from all across
the United Commonwealth for a handful of seats in the University. It is a young adult novel that
falls into the dystopian genre, as the setting is a post-nuclear war United States.
Though the novel was released during a dystopian novel boom, Charbonneau’s story and writing
stand out amongst the other series. She approached the genre from a new point of view by
drawing on her experience as a vocal coach. As her students prepared their repertoire for college,
she observed that the stakes for admission steadily inclined each year. The idea for students
violently competing for twenty spaces in the University was a brutal exaggeration of what she
noticed in her everyday life.

After its publication in 2013, The Testing was listed on the VOYA Top Shelf for Middle
School Readers.

The Testing Summary

Upon graduating from school, Malencia "Cia" Vale of the Five Lakes Colony is chosen to take
part in the Testing, a rigorous yet mysterious process by which young adults are selected to
attend University. At first, she is overjoyed at the news, but her father privately tells her of his
own vague memories of the Testing. He recalls explosions, screams, and death. He warns Cia not
to trust any of the other candidates. Allowed to take three items from home, she chooses her
brother Zeen's transit communicator, as she believes it will help her along the way.

Cia, along with classmates Tomas, Zandri, and Malachi, and testing official Michal Gallen,
leave Five Lakes Colony for Tosu City, the capital of the United Commonwealth - what's left of
the United States after an apocalyptic war and assault of natural disasters. Cia notices their
skimmer has hidden cameras that catch their every action and word. She makes a point to be on
her best behavior at all times. Cia shares this information with Tomas, and they agree to look out
for each other over the course of the Testing. Once the group reaches Tosu City, Cia meets the
other 108 Testing candidates vying for 20 open seats at University.
The first round of Testing is a number of written exams that test the candidates’ history, math,
and reading skills. Cia thinks she performed adequately, but her roommate Ryme tries to make
Cia feel inferior. Later, Cia finds Ryme has committed suicide in their dorm room. Dr. Barnes,
the highest Testing official, is apathetic towards Ryme's death, asserting the Testing served its
purpose at weeding out the weak. Cia keeps her composure for the cameras.
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During the second round of testing, the candidates perform deadly hands-on experiments. After
ingesting a poisonous plant, Malachi accidentally gets shot in the eye with a nail and dies.

The third round of testing consists of a group problem solving exercise. While she waits for her
turn, Cia realizes that team member Roman has planned to trick the others into disqualifying
themselves. Though it is too late to save the other female candidate, she is able to warn Brick.
After completion, Cia's finds her caution was correct, as the female candidate does not return to
the Testing.

The fourth round of testing is a survival challenge. Candidates will have to find their way back to
Tosu City, by any means necessary. Tomas concocts a plan to meet up with Cia at the tallest
building left in the ruins of Chicago, the starting point of the exam. When Michal chaperones Cia
to the site, they discuss the harsh measures taken during Testing, and he mentions those critical
of the government believe that Cia will be able to help them from the inside.

Once the fourth round of testing begins, Cia immediately looks for Tomas. However, another
candidate tries to kill her with a crossbow. While running away, she jumps across a ravine and
almost falls into a river. Tomas saves her, and they look for a water source together. An oasis
appears too good to be true - and it is; it explodes and nearly kills Tomas. Cia patches him up
and they get back on their way.

The next day, Cia and Tomas find the body of a dead female candidate. Cia takes her Testing
identification bracelet in order to honor the girl. That night, Cia and Tomas offer their camp to
three other candidates. Cia begins tinkering with the dead girl's bracelet, and she finds a
microphone embedded inside. Once they are alone again, Cia tells Tomas they need to be more
careful about what they say. They also both admit they have feelings for one another. In the
night, they are ambushed by mutilated animals, but escape to a demolished city in the distance.

Cia and Tomas realize the buildings have been fashioned into a long, complicated maze. They
run into Will, a candidate Tomas does not trust. Once out of the city, Cia leaves the two boys to
find food. A man appears on the other side of the Testing fence and throws a bag of food over for
Cia. She returns to the boys but keeps the man and his food a secret.
The next day, Cia again leaves Tomas and Will in order to find a water source and let them fight
out their differences. She is attacked by a group of mutated humans, and has no choice but to kill
them. She makes it out alive, but is scarred by taking life. The next day, she returns to the boys
and notices they are both hiding a secret. She does not press the issue, but it makes her unable to
trust Tomas. Will leaves the two to travel on his own, and Cia then returns to the fence to talk
with the man she saw earlier.

The man at the fence tells Cia he is fighting the Testing and its brutality. He gives Cia a vial
of liquid to help counteract the truth serum she will be given during the interview portion of the
Testing. Cia returns to Tomas, still keeping the man at the fence a secret. They come up to
another city, which is filled with a number of mutated humans that attacked Cia earlier. Cia and
Tomas slowly make their way through the city.
When Cia and Tomas are almost through the city, Brick opens fire on the mutated humans,
believing he is saving Cia like she saved him in the third round of testing. Later, she and Tomas
are ambushed by Roman, who tries to kill them both. Will intervenes and shoots Roman. When
the three are ambushed by another candidate, Will turns on Cia and Tomas. Cia realizes it was
Will who tried to kill her with the crossbow. Will manages to shoot Tomas, but Cia wounds Will
before he can take her out. Will escapes in a skimmer, and Cia tends to Tomas' wounds. The next
day, she drags Tomas across the finish line in Tosu City.

Once back at the Testing facility, Will confronts Cia and apologizes for trying to kill her, though
he feels like he was doing the right thing at the time. He believes that the Testing was designed
to force people to make bad choices to see if they could live with the decisions they made. In a
final effort to conceal her feelings and keep her family safe, Cia drinks the liquid that the man at
the fence gave her before she goes into her final interview.

Cia is able to hide many incriminating facts about her family and her knowledge of the Testing.
Dr. Barnes accuses Cia of having distractingly strong feelings for Tomas, and is pleased to tell
her that Tomas was involved with Zandri's death during the fourth round of Testing. After the
interview, Cia, distraught, confines herself to the bathroom, where there are no cameras. She
finds a recorder on the transit communicator, and records everything that happened during the
Testing.

Cia is accepted into University along with Tomas and Will. However, the officials erase the
candidates' memories, and no one can remember anything about the Testing. On her birthday,
Michal gives Cia a care package from her family and congratulates her on her success. Later in
her room, Cia finds the recording and listens to her own account of what happened during the
previous weeks.
The Testing Character List
Cia Vale
Cia is the teenage protagonist of The Testing. She grew up in the Five Lakes Colony as the
only daughter of the colony’s most prominent scientists. Cia shows similar aptitude for
mechanics and chemistry like her father, and she always dreamed of following his footsteps and
entering the University. Once she joins, though, she takes her father’s warnings to heart to not
trust anyone during the Testing. Yet this proves to be difficult for Cia as the Testing pushes the
limits of her emotions and endurance. Cia is smart, capable and loyal, and has a clear sense of
morality.
Tomas Endress
Tomas is Cia’s romantic interest and only reliable friend throughout the Testing. He grew up
with Cia in Five Lakes Colony, and the two become close when Cia told Tomas of her father’s
warnings. Tomas sometimes becomes jealous of Cia as other boys in the Testing try to vie for
her affections. He is more impatient than Cia and tends to rush into situations without thinking of
the outcomes. Tomas has a dark side, though, and shows that he might be willing to get his hands
dirty if it means surviving the Testing.
Michal Gallen
Michal acts as Cia’s mentor during the Testing. He immediately notices that she stands out
amongst her peers, so he puts his faith into her that she might be able to help end the brutal
nature of the Testing.
Ryme Reynolds
A Testing candidate from the Dixon colony Ryme, is Cia’s roommate. Ryme appears nice and
friendly, but she is quick to flaunt her intelligence and aptitude in an effort to intimidate Cia.
Ryme cracks under the pressure of the Testing, and takes her own life.
Will
Will is a Testing candidate from the Madison colony. He arrived at the Testing with his twin
brother but soon realized that he would have to fend for himself if he wanted to make it to the
University. Though he does not present himself as a romantic interest, his friendship with Cia
seems to be fueled by a rivalry with Tomas.
The man at the fence
Though he does not have a name, the man at the fence appears during the fourth stage of the
Testing. He helps Cia a number of times, giving her food and supplies. When she approaches
him, he discloses that he is part of a group that wants to change the way the Testing and the
government functions.
Cia’s father
Cia’s father is a scientist in the Five Lakes Colony. After Cia is admitted into the Testing, he
privately tells her about his memories of his experience. He wants to prepare his daughter to
succeed, even though he knows that if the officials learn of her advantage, Cia could be in
danger.
Cia’s mother
Cia’s mother initially seems like a parent who wants to keep Cia from exploring her dreams, but
she shows that she only wants her daughter to keep her future options open.
Malachi Rourke
Malachi is a Testing candidate from the Five Lakes Colony. He accompanies Cia from their
home to Tosu City but dies during the second testing stage.
Zandri Hicks
Zandri is a Testing candidate from the Five Lakes Colony. She did not want to go to University
but was forced to attend by law. She is a free artistic spirit, but she makes it all the way to the
fourth round before she dies.
Zeen Vale
Zeen is Cia’s oldest and closest brother. When he was younger, he wanted the chance to attend
University but was never selected as a candidate. After hearing about Cia’s opportunity, he
becomes bitter. Zeen is a gifted mechanic and scientist, and Cia takes one of his inventions with
her to Tosu City.
Dr. Jedidiah Barnes
Dr. Barnes is the highest Testing administrator. His family was among the first to establish the
Testing criteria, and he is constantly judging the candidates during each interaction with them.
Brick Barron
Brick is a Testing candidate who is paired with Cia during the third round of testing. He seems
antisocial and uninterested in the other candidates. However, when Cia provides Brick with
information that ultimately saves him, he tries to return the favor later in the Testing.
Roman Fry
Roman is a Testing candidate who is paired with Cia during the third round of testing. He puts
on an act to trick his fellow peers, and Cia knows that he feels no remorse for his actions.
Annalise Walker
Annalise is a Testing candidate who is paired with Cia during the third round of testing. She and
Cia are similar in that they believe in teamwork and cooperation. However, she puts her faith in
the wrong people and ultimately pays the price for it.

The Testing Glossary

affix
to stick, attach, or fasten something to another thing
belies
giving a false impression; disguise or contradict; betray
blighted
infected plants in an area
blissfully
with enjoyment and happiness
condemn
to express disapproval in public
confrontational
hostile or argumentative
deem
regard or consider in a specific way
euphoria
a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness
exuberant
filled by a lively energy
gauzy
thin and translucent
gossamer
a light, thin, insubstantial, or delicate substance
inflame
to cause intense pain and swelling in a part of the body
inexplicably
incapable of being explained
irrigation
the artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops.
momentum
the quantity of motion produced by force
nonrevitalized
an area that has lost its ability to live or grow
provocation
action or speech that makes someone deliberately annoyed or angry
skimmer
a vehicle that hovers over the ground
tantalizingly
using a quality that arouses or stimulates desire or interest
vial
a small container used for holding liquid medicines

The Testing Themes

“Big Brother”
The concept of Big Brother comes from George Orwell’s dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-
Four, which depicts an omnipresent government that constantly monitors its citizens. From the
first time that Cia enters the bus to Tosu City, she notices a hidden camera. She keeps a close eye
out for other cameras and observes how the Testing officials watch and judge the candidates at
all times. She deduces the officials must have been watching when Ryme kills herself, but did
nothing to intervene. Cia grows careful of the cameras, making sure to have conversations with
Michal out of sight, or to perform when she has no choice but to be observed. Cia tries to control
the forces that are controlling her. While Cia is currently a pawn as a candidate, her father and
other adults she meets are hoping that Cia can help change the way the rigid government works.
Psychological Manipulation
As soon as Cia finds out that the Testing is not a typical test scenario, she mentally prepares
herself for any obstacles that might come her way. What she cannot fathom, though, is how the
Testing officials put teenagers through violence and brutality in order to see how they
psychologically handle the situation. In addition, Cia quickly realizes that even the other
candidates bow to this pressure in order to better their odds of making it into the University. This
type of situation creates a feeling of uncertainty, and the candidates are constantly questioning
their decisions and where they stand amongst their peers. As candidates begin to die as they
"fail" the test, the stakes mount. Under that pressure, the teenagers behave in ways they may not
have before they arrived. They lie to, manipulate, or even kill their competitors.
Social Darwinism
While each student is initially selected for their unique capabilities and skill sets, Michal
mentions to Cia that the brutal and rigorous Testing often creates an unreliable scenario that only
produces one type of leader - a ruthless one. In Social Darwinism, the biological theory of
"survival of the fittest" extends to social relationships. Natural selection, the process where a
stronger species adapts to survive, occurs between people when tested. Cia watches this happen
in the Testing, particularly in the final stage where competitors are stranded in the wilderness and
allowed to murder one another to get ahead. Only the most cunning survive - literally. Rather
than allowing each candidate to hone their inherent skills, the candidates who win the twenty
University spots are often those able to be coldly calculating, eliminate any kinder, more
compassionate competition.
Stoicism
One of Cia’s first decisions when she arrives at the Testing is to conceal all of her emotional
reactions. She knows that she is being watched and evaluated at all moments, so she tempers all
surprises with a cool, detached demeanor. From finding Ryme dead to handling her own near-
death experiences, Cia learns to suppress her emotions in order to show the Testing officials that
she is not hysterical and can maintain calm. She does not want to show signs of weakness, but
also denies the officials the satisfaction of knowing her true feelings. In this way, she manages to
preserve her sense of identity through the Testing.
Sabotage from Within
At the novel’s start, Cia has ultimate faith in the government. She is proud that her father made it
through the Testing, graduated from the University, and is a leader of the Five Lakes Colony.
However, her father’s secret and Michal’s subsequent confession about the Testing shows Cia
that she is playing an important role in bringing down the current oppressive system. However,
it’s necessary for her to remain under cover. Keeping her emotions in check, proving her worth,
and gathering information from within is the way that Cia can contribute to the revolution.
Class Inequality
Cia’s home colony was fortunate enough to have a stable economy and food supply. Many
colonies and areas within the United Commonwealth, though, do not have the same resources.
When Cia enters Tosu City, she is surprised to realize that the capital is not as prosperous as it
seems. Later in the dining hall, she notices how many of the candidates are scarfing their food
down, as if they have not had a full meal their entire lives. Cia also notices a stark contrast
between some of the candidates in their expensive clothes as opposed to those less well-off, and
in the flagrant waste of water and resources in Tosu City.
Effects of War
The United Commonwealth was once the United States of America. After the Seven Stages of
War, though, the country transformed into an apocalyptic nuclear wasteland. The country tried to
rebuild itself, but the new leaders believed that ruling the citizens with an iron fist ensures that
nothing like the war will ever happen again. However, with the strict Testing requirements and
dire consequences for failure, many see this effect of the war as extremely negative.

The Testing Quotes and Analysis

I am an adult. Ever since I was little I watched my parents and the other adults
and wished for the day I would be one of them – confident and strong. Never
have I felt so unsure of myself.
Cia, page 19
This sentiment is typical of many teenagers, which is why this quote is fitting for a young adult
novel. When children become close to adulthood, they feel as though they should be treated like
adults. Yet when many get this treatment and shoulder the responsibilities of adulthood, they feel
apprehensive about making choices. There is no longer a safety net.
 The wind teases Zandri’s gauzy multicolored skirt and peasant blouse as she
strolls unhurried through the square. Her long blond hair glistens in the sunlight.
A small smile tugs at her lips as she reaches us. She offers no apologies. And I
know. She’s planned this entrance. She’s showing that while she can be required
to perform, she cannot be controlled.
Cia, page 45
Zandri never wanted to be a candidate for the Testing. She was an artistic, happy spirit in the
Five Lakes Colony. Yet Michal made it clear that ignoring the call was impossible. Zandri knew
that she could never change the policy, but she found a way to fight the policy in her own way.
In some respect, her actions are a precursor for Cia’s own actions against the government. They
both want to dismantle the policies they feel are unjust, but they have to work within the system
to break it down.
Dr. Barnes assures me Ryme’s death is not my fault. As we discussed earlier,
stress is difficult. Some students handle stress better than others. Some can’t eat.
Some never sleep. Ryme took her own life. While this is a tragedy, it is better
for the entire Commonwealth population to learn now that she is not capable of
dealing with the kinds of pressure she would be forced to deal with in the future.
This event is unfortunate, but The Testing served its purpose.
Cia, page 94
This is the first instant that Cia sees her father’s warning come true. The Testing isn’t just
another test or induction, but there are severe consequences for not being able to handle the
pressure. What makes it worse, though, is that Dr. Barnes is unsympathetic to Ryme’s death. In
fact, he finds her death practical, as now she is unable to show the world that she was a
disappointment as a leader.
No, I do not want to be alone. Awake, I am having trouble keeping Ryme’s
lifeless eyes out of my head. Asleep, I will be defenseless to stop her from
haunting me. Knowing I will be alone through the ordeal makes me want to curl
up in a ball.
But Dr. Barnes’ words ring loud in my head. The Testing is about more than
what happens in the classrooms. Asking for help through the night will be seen
as a weakness. Leaders are not weak. The Testing is looking for leaders.
Cia, page 95
Even though Cia was shocked by Ryme’s death, she knows she has to pull herself together.
Showing her weakness to Dr. Barnes and the testing officials would put her at risk. She knows
that they will be keeping a close eye on her, so she has to show them that she is strong and can
handle any difficulties thrown her way. She’s hurting inside and is afraid of seeing Ryme in her
dreams. But that does not compare to what will happen if the officials think she cannot handle
the Testing.
If they are watching one room, I am certain they are watching them all. The
implication of that sucks the air out of my lungs. If there are cameras in every
room, someone watched Ryme as she stripped her bed of the sheet. Tied it to
her dress. Reasoned out the best place to affix it to the light fixture on the
ceiling. They watched as she stepped off the chair. Saw her struggle against the
rope, claw her throat in an attempt to free herself, and go limp as her body shut
down.
Cia, page 96
Cia realized early on that the Testing officials were watching the candidates at all times. The
thought of someone watching Ryme kill herself without intervening, though, is hard for Cia to
comprehend. She cannot understand why someone would watch a young girl full of potential let
her carry out her suicide. Yet this tells Cia exactly what type of people the Testing officials are.
She makes herself comply with their idea of strong leadership so she can survive.
I use only the solutions I can identify by smell and color. Out of the ten soil
samples, there are four I am certain contain radiation, three that do not, and
three on which I will not risk wagering a guess. Had this been the first test,
before the plants, before Malachi's twitching, bloody body, I might have been
arrogant enough to feign confidence. No more. Malachi made a mistake, and he
paid for it. The price he paid would be worthless if I did not learn from his
actions.
Cia, page 114
Cia learns quickly the consequences for wrong answers. Fortunately for her, she did not learn
them first-hand, but her friend suffered and lost his life because he made an incorrect choice. By
using Malachi's mistake to guide her own actions, Cia is ensuring that Malachi's death was not in
vain.
Will recovers first and says he's impressed I trusted my instincts. That he was
glad he never had to make a choice about trusting his teammates since Zandri
was the only one who went before him. And, of course, he trusted her. Tomas
looks at Will for several long minutes before saying he's proud that I alerted
Brick to my suspicions. Will tells a joke to make me feel better, but I don't.
Zandri's wide eyes and trembling lips and the way Tomas frowns when he
doesn't think I'm looking reminds me that the verdict to the test is still in doubt.
Cia, pages 131-132
This section is the first time that the characters from the Five Lakes Colony are put off by Will,
though Cia is too distraught from the day's events to notice. Will admits later on in the novel that
he did the same thing to his teammates that Roman did to Cia's. Zandri and Tomas are both
alerted to Will's true nature after Cia tells them her suspicions about the test.
Flowers grow near the edge of the pond, filling the air with their sweet
fragrance. The trees are tall and straight and provide shelter from the sunshine.
It's a perfect spot to rest and be restored from travel. In this place where nothing
is perfect, is it a wonder that I refuse to trust it?
Cia, page 168
When Cia and Tomas approach the oasis, they are surprised at how beautiful and
relaxing it looks. After their difficult time during the beginning of the fourth round of testing, it
would be easy for them to set up camp in this oasis and restore their strength. However, Cia is
wary of this outlet. She knows that the Testing officials are watching and judging their every
move, and taking the easy way out might be punished.
During the past week, I've thought a lot about that question. Perhaps because the
closer we are to the end of the test, the closer we are to becoming the next
leaders of our generation. Many of my fellow candidates had demonstrated their
belief that the end justifies the means. I have a hard time understanding that, but
one thing is certain. The past cannot be changed.
Cia, page 255
This sentiment is echoed many times through The Testing. Cia's father first alerts Cia to his
reoccurring nightmares of his own testing period, and Will agrees with this sentiment when he
tells Cia that he will have to find a way to live with murdering other candidates. As much as Cia
believes that the Testing is about finding the most adept and considerate leaders, she is quickly
learning that leaders must learn to deal with their pasts in order to survive for the future.
All leaders have to live with disappointment at some point or another. If I have
to learn that lesson early, I won't enjoy it, but I will do my best not to let you
down.
Cia, page 303
During her interview, Cia knows she must answer questions as closely to the truth as possible in
order to not alert the Testing officials that her truth serum is not working. As much as she wants
to stand up for herself, for Tomas, and for their relationship, she must learn to tell delicate lies
under pressure.

The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapter 1-3

Summary
It is graduation day in the Five Lakes Colony of the United Commonwealth - what is left of the
United States following an apocalyptic world war and assault of natural disasters. Malencia
"Cia" Vale's mother helps her put on her red graduation outfit, as Cia wonders what her life will
be like after today.

Along with Cia’s father, Cia’s mother, her oldest brother Zeen Vale and her three other
siblings, Cia heads to the town square where the ceremony is being held. Cia’s father tells her
how proud he is of her, mentioning that it doesn’t matter to him if she is not chosen for the
Testing - the mysterious process by which young adults are selected to attend University.

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During the ceremony, Cia’s father delivers a speech about the work his team of biologists is
currently doing to undo the effects of the nuclear war on the plants. He unveils a new type of
food that Zeen has developed, however he takes full credit for the invention himself. Cia notices
Zeen is visibly upset, and wonders why her father would choose to hurt his son's pride.

Cia’s becomes nervous about whether or not she will be chosen as a candidate for the Testing, as
it has been several years since anyone from Five Lakes has been selected. She looks around for
an official from the capital, Tosu City, but she does not see anyone. The colony’s magistrate
makes no announcement regarding the Testing, and the ceremony ends. Cia is disappointed and
confused about what she will do now that her dream of attending University has been shattered.

Cia seeks out Zeen after the ceremony, and they commiserate. At home, Cia's mother tells her
she must find a job immediately, and mentions that the local repairman is looking for help. Since
Cia is mechanically inclined, Cia’s mother thinks this opportunity is too good to pass up. The
man isn’t home when Cia goes to apply, so she spends some time alone in the town. Right before
she heads home, a messenger tells Cia that the magistrate needs to see her immediately.
At the magistrate’s house, Cia sees three of her classmates: Tomas Endress, Malachi
Rourke, and Zandri Hicks. There is also a man that Cia does not recognize. The magistrate
introduces him as Michel Gallen, an official from Tosu City. He has come to take them to the
capital for the Testing. Cia is excited that her dream has come true, but Zandri protests her
candidacy. Michal informs Zandri that she does not have a choice; if she does not accept, she
will be charged with treason and put to death.
Cia returns home to find that her father already knows that she’s been chosen for the Testing.
Even though she is supposed to be having a graduation party, it is difficult to celebrate because
leaving for the Testing means that she will probably never return home again. She notices Zeen
leaving the party, and she knows why; Zeen wanted to be chosen for the Testing but was passed
over.

The somber party ends quickly. Cia’s father takes Cia outside for a talk before she has to leave in
the morning. When they are alone, he begins telling her about the Testing and how it’s not going
to be anything like what she imagines. Though he can’t remember anything specifically because
the officials erase the candidate’s memories, he and the other University graduates in Five Lakes
Colony have reoccurring nightmares about screams, explosions, and deaths. After learning about
the shared nightmares, the old headmaster of the school never nominated a student for the
Testing again.

Cia’s father also mentions that he did not give Zeen credit for the biological discovery because
he did not want Tosu City officials to find out that his son is a genius. As a last word of warning,
he tells Cia not to trust anyone, not even people she thinks are her friends.

Cia goes back inside her home and begins packing her bag, choosing the three personal items she
is allowed to take with her. After the talk with her father, her choices are not sentimental. She
packs two sturdy outfits, a pair of boots, a pocketknife, and Zeen’s handy transit communicator
that contains a compass, a calculator, and a communication system.

Analysis
The opening chapters of the novel introduce readers to Cia and her post-apocalyptic world. Cia
herself is a bright and capable young woman who has lofty plans for her future. She loves her
family and her community, and she was raised to be familiar with the environment. Cia is also a
prodigy when it comes to all things mechanical, so she loves to tinker with engines and
technology. She has worked hard to become a candidate for the Testing, and all of her future
plans rest on going to University.

The first chapter is filled with coming-of-age symbols and metaphors. From Cia’s clothes
changing from pink to red to the hill that Cia must climb over to get to her graduation ceremony,
Charbonneau makes it clear that in addition to whatever fantastical trials she will encounter,
Cia’s journey will one of self-discovery and learning exactly what her morals and limits are.
Though she is now an adult in the colony’s eyes, she still has a long way to go until she feels
like one.

Though the reader doesn’t know much about what happened to the United Commonwealth, Cia
mentions that her father and his team's work on fixing plants that were ruined from the biological
warfare. The size of Cia’s class is also an indicator of how much damage the war caused. When a
graduation class of fourteen students causes Cia to say that the colony is “thriving,” there must
have been devastating losses during the war (2).

In the aftermath of the war, the United Commonwealth enforced strict rules dictated by what
those in power believe necessary to rebuild society. The Testing is a microcosm of these
authoritarian measures. First, the punishment for refusing candidacy for the Testing is a charge
of treason and a death sentence. Although this punishment is not rigorously enforced, the fact
that such a ruling exists signals the life and death stakes surrounding the Testing, and the
extreme measures that are in place to quash any rebellion. Also, Cia's father's violent memories
do not seem to add up, as she wonders what place explosions and death have in assessing future
academic success. It is clear even before the Testing begins that the government that controls the
process have ulterior motives.
Cia’s parents are important to her, though it is clear that Cia’s father has more of a relationship
with Cia than her mother. Cia sees her mother as a woman who constantly fusses over her
children and pushes them to be out on their own. Cia notices this practice with Zeen, and she
feels rushed when her mother tells her to find a job working as a mechanic’s assistant just hours
after graduation. While it is easy to view Cia’s mother through Cia’s eyes, taking an objective
look at Cia’s mother shows that she is merely trying keep her children safe in her own way. She
doesn’t know exactly what happened during her husband’s Testing, but she has seen firsthand
the effect it has had on him. She wants her children to be productive and keep their nose to the
ground, but not at the risk of getting noticed by government officials.

Cia’s father, on the other hand, knows exactly how to tread the line of being useful while also not
being noticed by the powers that be. Though Zeen does not know why his father did not give him
the credit he deserved at graduation, his father was trying to protect him from being a target of
the government. This same love makes him tell Cia exactly what to expect over the next few
weeks. He wants his children to survive in this post-apocalyptic society, and he does what he
believes is necessary to give them the best chance possible.

These relationship dynamics mirror the typical teenage feeling of being misunderstood, and the
limits of their perception. In this way, The Testing aligns with other dystopian young adult
fiction in using fantastical elements as a metaphor for growing up.

The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapters 4-6

Summary
After a fitful night’s sleep, Cia leaves for the town square, accompanied by her father. She is
nervous about what he told her, including stories of candidates using poison to eliminate their
competition. Cia joins Michal, the magistrate, Tomas and Malachi, waiting by Michal’s
skimmer. Michal gives Cia a silver bracelet with an engraved charm. The design is an eight-
pointed star with a lightning bolt in the middle. This is the symbol for her testing group, which
have been predetermined based on the candidates' skill sets in numerous areas.

Zandri shows up late, making a defiant show that she cannot be controlled. After the group
leaves for Tosu City, she makes it clear to the others that she does not care about going to
University. Tomas laughs off her assertion and changes the subject in order to put everyone at
ease. When Zandri and Malachi take a nap in their seats, Tomas and Cia get a chance to talk.
They notice they are in the same group. When Tomas mentions he is hungry, Michal’s voice
comes over the intercom to say they are stopping for lunch soon. Cia thinks it is odd that Michal
popped into their conversation at just the right time, and she then notices a hidden camera.

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During their lunch break, Cia notices another camera. Michal sees her looking at it, and he gives
her a knowing smile that she finds odd. Afterward, she asks if she can walk around outside for a
few minutes. Later, Tomas finds her in the woods. He knows that something is wrong, and Cia
decides to let him in on the secret her father told her.

Tomas suggests that the two stick together and keep an eye out for each other’s safety during the
Testing. They remain hyper-aware that they are being observed during the rest of the skimmer
ride to Tosu City. When they reach the capital, Cia is impressed with its glittering opulence and
wealth, yet she also notices all the homeless and poor people on the sidewalks.

Cia, Tomas, Zandri and Malachi arrive at the Testing facility, which is stark and efficient. The
group enters the dining hall and is met with stares from the other 104 candidates. They are the
first candidates from the Five Lakes Colony in a decade, and many see their presence as a joke.

After dinner, the candidates are shown to their rooms. Cia meets roommate Ryme Reynolds, a
prim girl from Dixon Colony. Cia is impressed by how welcoming Ryme is and how put together
she looks. Before bed, Ryme offers Cia some corncakes that she brought with her from home.
Paranoid, Cia declines and notices the next morning that Ryme has not eaten any corncakes
herself, even though Cia can hear her stomach growling. She makes a mental note to keep count
of the corncakes. After breakfast, the candidates are separated into their symbol groups. The
Testing is designed to whittle the 108 students down to 20, so Cia feels the pressure to perform
perfectly.
The first round is a series of written exams designed to assess aptitude in a variety of subjects.
During the first section, Cia answers questions about the history of the United Commonwealth
and the Seven Stages of War that ravaged the country. The next test is math, and Cia worries
when she does not complete the section. During a break, Cia and Ryme discuss the tests back in
their room. Ryme says that she’s fine with the tests being difficult because it helps weed out the
people who do not belong in the Testing. Conscious of being observed even in the facility, Cia
remains neither combative nor argumentative.

During dinner, the Five Lakes candidates discuss how they did not finish the math
portion. Will and Gill, brothers from the Madison Colony, overhear their confession and join the
conversation, relieved to admit they did not finish the math section, either. The six candidates sit
around joking around late into the night.
The written test concludes the following day, with science and language skills sections. Cia
finishes with ten minutes left to spare. Back in their room, Ryme tries to taunt Cia. When Cia
mentions that she did not complete the science section, Ryme takes the opportunity to tell Cia
that the Five Lakes schools are worse than Dixon schools. This upsets Cia, so she lashes back by
interrogating Ryme on whether or not she finished the language skills test. After she can tell that
Ryme did not complete the test, Cia warns Ryme to pack her bags and be sure to take her
untouched corncakes with her. Ryme retorts, and the two girls stay quiet until dinner.

Soon into dinner, the Testing leader Dr. Jedidiah Barnes calls Cia to meet with him and a
group of officials. Cia is worried that she has failed and will be sent home, but Dr. Barnes asks
her when she last saw Ryme. The group heads to Cia’s room and opens the door, and Cia sees
Ryme’s body hanging from the light fixture on the ceiling.
Analysis
Each of the four candidates has a very different personality. Cia and Tomas are the most similar
in disposition, as both want everyone to get along and will work hard to make people feel better.
Malachi feels lucky to be among the candidates because he comes from a poor family. Riding in
a skimmer and seeing Tosu City are opportunities he would have never had if he stayed in Five
Lakes Colony.

Zandri, though, is the most high-spirited of the group. She makes it known that she does not want
to go to University and only comes along under the penalty of death. When she shows up late,
she makes it clear to the officials that they have no power over her or her actions. She will
comply with their laws, but she will fight them in her own way.

Out of all four, Cia is the most observant. She notices the hidden cameras almost immediately.
Thanks to her father’s warning, she deduces that the Testing started as soon as they entered the
skimmer with Michal. After she tells Tomas, they both put on their best act for the rest of the trip
to Tosu City. They know it’s the best way to keep the officials from suspecting they know about
the constant surveillance.
The level of spying that the Testing officials use on the candidates is reminiscent of George
Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. In the novel, the government uses cameras and spies to
keep a close eye on its citizens. The phrase “Big Brother is watching” comes from this story, as
the leader of the government was known as Big Brother. This same theme runs deep within The
Testing as the candidates are being watched and listened to at all times. Cia is forced to censor
herself in order to keep herself, Tomas, and her family out of risk. This intense scrutiny can be
considered a metaphor for both the pressure of being assessed during the college application
period, or the general feeling of being watched by authority figures and/or peers, exacerbated in
part by social media. In its heightened way, The Testing communicates normal fears and
pressures young adults face in daily life.
Another theme that occurs in the novel is class inequality. When reaching Tosu City, the
disparity between the gleaming city and the abject poverty of its citizens is shocking for Cia and
Tomas. The same idea occurs when Cia sees how many of the candidates from poorer colonies
are heaping piles of food on their plates. For many, this is the first time they have seen food in
abundance. While the Five Lakes Colony has been fortunate, Cia knows that not all other
colonies were lucky. Her class and privilege is something she does not take for granted.

While Ryme’s offering of corncakes seemed to be a generous offer at first, Cia notices how she
does not touch the corncakes herself, regardless of how hungry she is. With her father’s warning
in her head, Cia knows that something is wrong with the corncakes and makes a mental note to
keep count of the corncakes on the plate. This corncake trick was Ryme’s attempt at getting rid
of her competition. Though she tried to save face with Cia by making Cia feel academically
inferior, Ryme could not outsmart her roommate. She eventually folded under the pressure and
killed herself, making her the first victim of the Testing. The extreme reactions of the candidates
- Ryme's suicide, Zandri's protest, Will and Gill's relief - highlight the pressures each candidate
will face over the course of the Testing. Again, these emotions are shades of what normal
teenagers may feel during the competitive years of high school dedicated to mapping out their
future.

The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapters 7-9

Summary
Cia nearly faints after seeing Ryme’s dead body in a frilly yellow dress. Dr. Barnes steadies her
and asks if she is all right. Cia wants to say no, but her father’s warning stays with her. She
gathers herself and tells Dr. Barnes that she is fine. She tells him everything that happened with
Ryme, including her suspicion of the corncakes. But Dr. Barnes insists that Cia is not to blame
for Ryme’s death. He says that the Testing has served its purpose in weeding out the weak. Cia is
still disturbed later that night, but she holds herself together for the cameras.

Later that day, the candidates are given some free time. The Five Lakes group goes outside to
enjoy the day, and Cia notices a nearby fountain that isn’t working. She enlists Tomas to help her
fix it. Afterward, the names of those who passed the first round are called. All of the Five Lakes
candidates passed. Will, one of the twins they met earlier, passes as well. His brother Gill,
however, does not.
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The next day, the second round of testing begins. In a group with Will, Malachi, and a few
others, Cia is taken to a room, and each is given a box with instructions. The first test is to
separate poisonous plants from edible plants. After double-checking that each candidate is
confident in their answers, the proctor instructs each candidate to consume the plants they
deemed edible.

As each candidate nervously waits to feel the effects of a poisonous plant, they are given another
box and asked to restore a pulse radio. In that box is another smaller box with a number of wires
sticking out. Cia wants to explore the box further, but she knows that there could be
consequences. As she is finishing her pulse radio, she sees Malachi swaying and sweating. He
reaches and begins fiddling with the smaller metal box, and a nail shoots out and punctures his
eye.

Cia tries to comfort Malachi, but his body slackens. He dies while the test continues. Cia must
move on to stage three, and determine which samples of soil contain nuclear radiation. Next, the
students must input the answer to a math question into an electrical device; a wrong answer
causes electrocution. Then the group rebuilds a solar power converter, which causes a girl to lose
the tip of her finger. Finally, the group must each purify contaminated water and drink the water
if they feel they performed correctly.

Cia helps Will back to the cafeteria table, as he is stiff and sweating. The officials ask if anyone
would like treatment for their injuries, and Will gets up to leave. Cia, though, forces him to stay
in his seat. After fevered dreams of the candidates who have died, Cia sees Will the next
morning. He thanks her and mentions that the candidates who sought treatment did not return to
their rooms.
During the next test, Cia is separated into a group of four with Annalise Walker, Brick
Barron and Roman Fry. They are told that there are five questions in five different adjoining
rooms. Each question can only be attempted once; anyone who tries to enter the room of a
question that has already been answered will be punished. It is up to each team to decide who
answers which questions. Annalise takes the lead, and the group attempts to figure out who
should take which room by answering test questions.
While the other three show aptitude in all of the example questions, Roman gets all of the
questions wrong except for the first one. He says that he will go first since that is the only type of
question he can answer. Cia, unsure of Roman's enthusiasm to go first, tries to protest. She is
outvoted.

Roman leaves the room to answer his question, and it takes nearly two hours before the group is
signaled that the next person can go answer their question. Annalise leaves, annoyed that Roman
took so long. Cia then begins to flip through Roman’s practice examples and notices that he did
not attempt to answer any of the questions except for the first one. Cia realizes that Roman has
manipulated his team, and he has actually answered all five questions, which is why it took him
so long to complete "one" room. This way, when his teammates go into their agreed-upon
question room, they will be punished for re-trying a question he already solved. Cia tells
Brick her suspicions, and he casts her opinion aside. Cia is adamant, though, and does not go
through the door to answer her question.

Walking past the door to her question, Cia heads straight for the cafeteria and sees Roman, who
is not pleased to see her. Cia does not see Annalise, however. Minutes later, Brick walks through
the door - without answering his question either. The next morning after receiving word that he
made it through to the next round, Brick gestures at Cia in thanks.

Dr. Barnes meets with the candidates and announces their fourth test, which is a survival
challenge. The candidates will be dropped in a war-ravaged Chicago, hundreds of miles away
from Tosu City. Their task is to make it back to the city alive. Cia and Tomas make a pact to
meet at the highest location they can see. Then they will finish the challenge together.

Michal appears and takes Cia to a storeroom. Though he looks pleased to see her, he sticks to his
script, telling her that she can choose three items in addition to the bag she brought with her to
the Testing. Cia chooses a water kit with fresh water and a testing kit, a handgun with two boxes
of ammunition, and a medical kit. She knows that she has Zeen’s transit communicator as well as
sturdy clothes, so Cia feels like she is as prepared as she can be.

Michal then leads her to an underground tunnel system, and they travel miles to a transportation
facility. Once there, she and Michal eat their lunch outside away from the other Testing officials.
Michal confesses to her that he and a few others are trying to change the way the Testing is done.
He hates how the process is brutal and deadly, and he admits that the Testing only produces one
kind of candidate rather than taking into account the different strengths of each individual. He
also offers her words of advice for the fourth round: only trust her friends from Five Lakes, and
don’t try to be the first one back. Cia then feels herself slipping under - Michal has drugged her.

Cia wakes up hours later in a box cell with a bed, a bathroom, and some extra food. The
countdown timer for the final testing round reaches zero, and the door to the cell opens.
Analysis
In these chapters more than most, Charbonneau’s theme of social Darwinism is apparent. Taken
from the biological idea of evolution and survival of the fittest through adaptation to changing
environments, social Darwinism is a theory that those who possess, or learn to possess, the best
qualities to survive in a certain social environment will thrive. In The Testing, Dr. Barnes
shares these sentiments with Cia when he consoles her about Ryme’s death. He says that the
Testing has done its job by weeding out someone unfit to be a leader.
The same can be applied to Malachi’s death as well as Annalise’s disappearance. Malachi did not
have the scientific aptitude to be a great scientist in a post-apocalyptic society, and Annalise put
her blind faith in someone she had never met before. To people like Dr. Barnes, the Testing is a
way to find the strongest, smartest, and most adept people and turn them into leaders for the new,
post-war world.

However, many people do not agree with this sentiment. Cia’s father and the other leaders from
Five Lakes Colony do not trust the Testing for their own reasons, but people like Michal and the
others he mentions are trying to fight this idea from the inside. Michal mentions that the Testing
only produces a certain kind of leader, and he is right.

Oftentimes, people like Roman will survive to the end of the Testing because they are willing to
trick, hurt, and even murder those more trusting. Michal does not believe these types of people
should be in charge of the United Commonwealth, and he thinks that Cia could be the key to
bringing down the status quo.

As Ryme was the first candidate who died during the Testing, her death is extremely significant.
She haunts Cia’s dreams every night, and Cia always sees her in the yellow dress she died in.
The color symbolism of the dress is two-fold; at first, it symbolizes how friendly and cheerful
Ryme seemed when Cia first met her. However, that cheerfulness warped into a disturbed
sickness, another meaning that yellow connotes, that caused Ryme to take her own life after
performing poorly on the tests. The color yellow can also be attributed to Ryme through the
corncakes, symbolizing trickery and deceit.

Malachi's death is another shock for Cia, and affirms her suspicions that Testing officials do not
truly care about the candidates. The testing round carried on as he bled out on the ground, with
little or no reaction from the authorities. Here, too, Cia relies on her stoicism, and after honoring
her friend, she goes back to her station and successfully completes the exam. This is a turning
point for Cia. Although she does stick to her Five Lakes sense of community, and disagrees with
how little the officials care about Malachi's death, she does not let this stop her from trying to
succeed. Cia is more pragmatic than idealistic, which is perhaps why Michal and the others feel
they can put her faith in her to join the nascent rebellion. Cia is able to adapt to survive.

The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapters 7-9

Summary
Cia nearly faints after seeing Ryme’s dead body in a frilly yellow dress. Dr. Barnes steadies her
and asks if she is all right. Cia wants to say no, but her father’s warning stays with her. She
gathers herself and tells Dr. Barnes that she is fine. She tells him everything that happened with
Ryme, including her suspicion of the corncakes. But Dr. Barnes insists that Cia is not to blame
for Ryme’s death. He says that the Testing has served its purpose in weeding out the weak. Cia is
still disturbed later that night, but she holds herself together for the cameras.

Later that day, the candidates are given some free time. The Five Lakes group goes outside to
enjoy the day, and Cia notices a nearby fountain that isn’t working. She enlists Tomas to help her
fix it. Afterward, the names of those who passed the first round are called. All of the Five Lakes
candidates passed. Will, one of the twins they met earlier, passes as well. His brother Gill,
however, does not.

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The next day, the second round of testing begins. In a group with Will, Malachi, and a few
others, Cia is taken to a room, and each is given a box with instructions. The first test is to
separate poisonous plants from edible plants. After double-checking that each candidate is
confident in their answers, the proctor instructs each candidate to consume the plants they
deemed edible.

As each candidate nervously waits to feel the effects of a poisonous plant, they are given another
box and asked to restore a pulse radio. In that box is another smaller box with a number of wires
sticking out. Cia wants to explore the box further, but she knows that there could be
consequences. As she is finishing her pulse radio, she sees Malachi swaying and sweating. He
reaches and begins fiddling with the smaller metal box, and a nail shoots out and punctures his
eye.

Cia tries to comfort Malachi, but his body slackens. He dies while the test continues. Cia must
move on to stage three, and determine which samples of soil contain nuclear radiation. Next, the
students must input the answer to a math question into an electrical device; a wrong answer
causes electrocution. Then the group rebuilds a solar power converter, which causes a girl to lose
the tip of her finger. Finally, the group must each purify contaminated water and drink the water
if they feel they performed correctly.

Cia helps Will back to the cafeteria table, as he is stiff and sweating. The officials ask if anyone
would like treatment for their injuries, and Will gets up to leave. Cia, though, forces him to stay
in his seat. After fevered dreams of the candidates who have died, Cia sees Will the next
morning. He thanks her and mentions that the candidates who sought treatment did not return to
their rooms.

During the next test, Cia is separated into a group of four with Annalise Walker, Brick
Barron and Roman Fry. They are told that there are five questions in five different adjoining
rooms. Each question can only be attempted once; anyone who tries to enter the room of a
question that has already been answered will be punished. It is up to each team to decide who
answers which questions. Annalise takes the lead, and the group attempts to figure out who
should take which room by answering test questions.
While the other three show aptitude in all of the example questions, Roman gets all of the
questions wrong except for the first one. He says that he will go first since that is the only type of
question he can answer. Cia, unsure of Roman's enthusiasm to go first, tries to protest. She is
outvoted.

Roman leaves the room to answer his question, and it takes nearly two hours before the group is
signaled that the next person can go answer their question. Annalise leaves, annoyed that Roman
took so long. Cia then begins to flip through Roman’s practice examples and notices that he did
not attempt to answer any of the questions except for the first one. Cia realizes that Roman has
manipulated his team, and he has actually answered all five questions, which is why it took him
so long to complete "one" room. This way, when his teammates go into their agreed-upon
question room, they will be punished for re-trying a question he already solved. Cia tells
Brick her suspicions, and he casts her opinion aside. Cia is adamant, though, and does not go
through the door to answer her question.

Walking past the door to her question, Cia heads straight for the cafeteria and sees Roman, who
is not pleased to see her. Cia does not see Annalise, however. Minutes later, Brick walks through
the door - without answering his question either. The next morning after receiving word that he
made it through to the next round, Brick gestures at Cia in thanks.

Dr. Barnes meets with the candidates and announces their fourth test, which is a survival
challenge. The candidates will be dropped in a war-ravaged Chicago, hundreds of miles away
from Tosu City. Their task is to make it back to the city alive. Cia and Tomas make a pact to
meet at the highest location they can see. Then they will finish the challenge together.

Michal appears and takes Cia to a storeroom. Though he looks pleased to see her, he sticks to his
script, telling her that she can choose three items in addition to the bag she brought with her to
the Testing. Cia chooses a water kit with fresh water and a testing kit, a handgun with two boxes
of ammunition, and a medical kit. She knows that she has Zeen’s transit communicator as well as
sturdy clothes, so Cia feels like she is as prepared as she can be.
Michal then leads her to an underground tunnel system, and they travel miles to a transportation
facility. Once there, she and Michal eat their lunch outside away from the other Testing officials.
Michal confesses to her that he and a few others are trying to change the way the Testing is done.
He hates how the process is brutal and deadly, and he admits that the Testing only produces one
kind of candidate rather than taking into account the different strengths of each individual. He
also offers her words of advice for the fourth round: only trust her friends from Five Lakes, and
don’t try to be the first one back. Cia then feels herself slipping under - Michal has drugged her.

Cia wakes up hours later in a box cell with a bed, a bathroom, and some extra food. The
countdown timer for the final testing round reaches zero, and the door to the cell opens.

Analysis
In these chapters more than most, Charbonneau’s theme of social Darwinism is apparent. Taken
from the biological idea of evolution and survival of the fittest through adaptation to changing
environments, social Darwinism is a theory that those who possess, or learn to possess, the best
qualities to survive in a certain social environment will thrive. In The Testing, Dr. Barnes
shares these sentiments with Cia when he consoles her about Ryme’s death. He says that the
Testing has done its job by weeding out someone unfit to be a leader.
The same can be applied to Malachi’s death as well as Annalise’s disappearance. Malachi did not
have the scientific aptitude to be a great scientist in a post-apocalyptic society, and Annalise put
her blind faith in someone she had never met before. To people like Dr. Barnes, the Testing is a
way to find the strongest, smartest, and most adept people and turn them into leaders for the new,
post-war world.

However, many people do not agree with this sentiment. Cia’s father and the other leaders from
Five Lakes Colony do not trust the Testing for their own reasons, but people like Michal and the
others he mentions are trying to fight this idea from the inside. Michal mentions that the Testing
only produces a certain kind of leader, and he is right.

Oftentimes, people like Roman will survive to the end of the Testing because they are willing to
trick, hurt, and even murder those more trusting. Michal does not believe these types of people
should be in charge of the United Commonwealth, and he thinks that Cia could be the key to
bringing down the status quo.

As Ryme was the first candidate who died during the Testing, her death is extremely significant.
She haunts Cia’s dreams every night, and Cia always sees her in the yellow dress she died in.
The color symbolism of the dress is two-fold; at first, it symbolizes how friendly and cheerful
Ryme seemed when Cia first met her. However, that cheerfulness warped into a disturbed
sickness, another meaning that yellow connotes, that caused Ryme to take her own life after
performing poorly on the tests. The color yellow can also be attributed to Ryme through the
corncakes, symbolizing trickery and deceit.

Malachi's death is another shock for Cia, and affirms her suspicions that Testing officials do not
truly care about the candidates. The testing round carried on as he bled out on the ground, with
little or no reaction from the authorities. Here, too, Cia relies on her stoicism, and after honoring
her friend, she goes back to her station and successfully completes the exam. This is a turning
point for Cia. Although she does stick to her Five Lakes sense of community, and disagrees with
how little the officials care about Malachi's death, she does not let this stop her from trying to
succeed. Cia is more pragmatic than idealistic, which is perhaps why Michal and the others feel
they can put her faith in her to join the nascent rebellion. Cia is able to adapt to survive.

The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapters 13-15

Summary
The next morning, Cia gets the bicycles in some semblance of a working order, and she and
Tomas begin making their way to Tosu City. Along the path, they find a girl dead on the road.
She was killed with a crossbow quiver, and the contents of her bag are missing. Cia and Tomas
bury her as best they can, and then she fumbles with the silver metal bracelet until it comes off.
Next, they come across a paved road. After what happened with the oasis, they test the road by
throwing rocks on it. The road appears safe, and the two manage to ride 45 miles in one day.

Cia and Tomas settle down for the night when three other candidates, one boy and two girls, find
their camp. Cia and Tomas offer them food and shelter for the night, and the five of them take
turns keeping watch while the others sleep.

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In the morning, the five separate, and Cia and Tomas make their way to an abandoned farm to
settle down for another night. While Tomas is preparing dinner, Cia examines the dead girl’s
identification bracelet. She notices three small pinpricks - openings to a hidden microphone.

Cia takes off her and Tomas’ bracelets before telling him what she found. Tomas assures her
they will figure out a way to use this knowledge against the Testing officials, and he takes the
opportunity in private to tell Cia that he loves her. They then put the bracelets back on quickly so
as not to alert the people listening that something is wrong, and then settle down for the night.
Cia wakes up the next morning fully alert. She hears panting nearby. Sneaking a glance outside,
she sees a few mutated bear/wolf hybrids outside the building. Cia quietly wakes Tomas, and the
two quickly escape. They run to their bicycles and barely flee the charging pack of hybrids. Once
they are safe, Cia inspects Tomas’ wound, which has opened during the chase. It has become
infected, so Cia treats it as best she can. The next morning, they start traveling on the road and
see a demolished city in the distance.

Cia and Tomas enter the city the next day and notice that the road turns into a fabricated maze.
To test any dead ends, Cia tells Tomas to throw rocks at the piles of rubble. Once the first pile
blows up, they know that leaving the maze will be punished. It takes them hours, and the maze
gets more complicated. Near the end of the maze, Cia and Tomas hear footsteps approaching.
Cia readies her gun and takes aim at the path behind them, but Will calls out to warn her.
Tomas is upset by Will’s presence. He is not talkative, and Will suggests that it’s because Tomas
does not want any competition over Cia. Cia notices a wound in Will’s shoulder, but he shrugs it
off as a wound he got from a tree. The three spend the night together, and Cia sets a number of
snares beside the Testing area’s fence to catch food for breakfast. When she goes to inspect her
snares the next morning, a gray-haired man is on the other side, smiling at Cia.

Analysis
Though Cia knew that the Testing officials were watching the candidates, she finally learns how
they are keeping an eye on them during the fourth round: the bracelets. The bracelets are a
symbol of a few themes of The Testing. Cia’s aptitude for mechanics allows her to find the
clasp and microphone easily, signaling her ingenuity and intelligence. The bracelets also
connote the theme of Big Brother, and Cia and Tomas learn that they have to censor themselves
even more than they did before. They are always being watched, and the officials are always
listening to them. Finally, the bracelets also represent personhood. When Cia takes the bracelet
off the dead girl, it is her way of making sure the girl is remembered. Though Cia doesn’t know
her name, where she’s from, or anything about her, taking the bracelet is the only way Cia knows
how to honor the girl’s memory. Taking the bracelet is a small rebellion against the officials'
senseless brutality.
Charbonneau created a world that was ravaged by nuclear war. Up until now, the candidates
have not seen or felt how bad this destruction was. Being in the unrevitalized environment,
though, has shown Cia exactly how bad things are outside of the colonies. Not only are the plants
and water contaminated, but the nuclear radiation has warped the animals into horrifying hybrid
beasts. The animals that chase Cia and Tomas were mutated beyond recognition. Cia cannot
identify them, but they look like a mix between wolves and bears. These realistic details help the
readers understand the effects of a world war, and allow them to put themselves in the shoes of
the characters.

Now that Cia has saved his life and patched him up, Tomas is beginning to believe Cia about the
lengths the Testing officials will go to in order to push the candidates to their limits. Testing the
road and rubble by throwing rocks is one way the two are learning how to check for traps. After
seeing the rubble blow up, they know that the officials are herding the candidates together on the
road to see how they perform under duress.
When Will joins the group, he and Tomas seem to be at odds. Tomas acts like he doesn’t trust
Will, and Will makes fun of Tomas’ apparent jealousy. Will mentions this to Cia, and the reader
is led to believe that the competition between the two is solely over Cia’s affections. However,
Tomas allows Will to stay the night with them, so he might have an ulterior motive for wanting
to keep an eye on Will for a bit longer. This plot echoes love triangles of other dystopian YA
novels, and provides another layer of testing for Cia - personal relationships.

The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapters 16-18

Summary
The man at the fence doesn’t say a word, but he throws Cia a bag across the fence before
leaving. Inside is some water, bread, and other food. Cia goes back to Will and Tomas without
telling them about the man or food, and she keeps the stash hidden until she can tell Tomas
alone. The three continue to travel together, but they are running out of water. Will and Tomas
begin fighting over who will take the bicycle and scout for a water source. Tomas does not want
Will to go because he might steal one of their bicycles, but he also does not trust Will alone with
Cia. During their argument, Cia races off and tells them to get over their issues while she is
searching for water.
Alone, Cia sets some snares and finds a water source miles from where she started. She is about
to leave when a large creature barrels toward her. She shoots it without hesitation, but Cia
recognizes humanity in the creature's eyes. Even though it acted like an animal, the creature was
a person, mutated by radiation. She races off, but not before a number of other creatures come
chasing after her. She tries to get away, but three follow her. She shoots to injure the first two,
but she kills the last one. She scrambles up into a sturdy tree and spends the night thinking about
the consequences for shooting another human being.

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The next morning, she makes it back to Tomas and Will. Neither boy is fighting with the other,
but there is an odd silence between them. Will admits that the two got into a fight, but they
eventually settled down when they came across another candidate, a boy from Colorado Springs.
He said nothing happened, but Cia sees the look on Tomas’ face and knows both are leaving
parts of the story out. She does not press the issue, though. Later that afternoon, Will leaves the
group when they approach a small desolated town. Right before leaving, he mentions to Cia that
Tomas is not the person she thinks he is.

As Cia and Tomas settle down for camp, she sees dried blood on Tomas’ knife. The next day,
Cia leaves to go find supplies before heading into the rubble. She sees the man at the fence again,
takes off her bracelet, and approaches him.

The man at the fence does not give Cia his name, but he tells her that he is working with a group
of people who want to change the way the government runs the Testing. He and his associates
know that Cia’s family has a number of secrets they want to keep hidden from the United
Commonwealth, so he gives Cia a vial of liquid. If Cia drinks this before their post-Testing
interview, it will counteract the truth serum that the officials will administer. Before leaving, he
gives her another bag of food.

Cia meets up with Tomas, and the two prepare to enter the town. While doing so, she asks him
about that other candidate he and Will met. Tomas skirts around Cia’s questions, but then he
accuses Will of not being as nice as he acts. Cia sticks up for Will, but Tomas mentions that Will
had twice the supplies that he was given at the start of the fourth round. He believes Will is a
killer, but Cia wants to see the good in Will.

Cia and Tomas enter the city and make their way on the road that leads through the center. As
they are coming to the end, they see a crowd of the same hulking humanoid creatures that
attacked Cia days before. Tomas wants to ride through them as quickly as possible, but Cia
remembers how she was riding going quickly when they started chasing her. She and Tomas
instead begin walking slowly. The creatures notice them, but they do not charge like before. The
two are almost through the crowd when gunshots begin ripping through the creatures.

As the creatures die all around her, Cia searches frantically for the gunman, and sees Brick on
top of a building, shooting every creature in sight. He yells for Cia to run, but she keeps trying to
tell him to stop shooting. She can see the creatures are trying to tend to the wounded, but they are
being killed at will. Tomas grabs Cia and pulls her away from the carnage. Cia finds it hard to
eat and sleep later that night, but she knows she has to keep going.

Cia and Tomas have a conversation about the memory-wiping, which they hypothesize will be
done with drugs. Cia does not tell him about the man at the wall or the vial, but instead keeps
those secrets to herself. Later, as they settle down for sleep, Tomas and Cia hear another
candidate rustling around their camp. Tomas and the candidate get into a knife fight, and Cia
sees that Tomas’ opposition is Roman. She aims and tries to steady her gun, but a blast goes off
and Roman is shot in the head.

Analysis
Though Cia is unsure about the man at the fence, he knows specific details about her and her
family. He says he is part of the resistance and that he is here to help Cia make it through the
Testing without revealing her family’s secrets. At this point, Cia does not know whether or not
she should trust him, or whether the serum in the vial is what he says it is. She wonders if he is a
friend of Michal's. In these chapters especially, Cia has to figure out whom to trust.

Will and Tomas’ arguments are curious to Cia, and she does not know what to make of them.
Will wants Cia to believe that Tomas is jealous of their friendship, but this could be a ploy to
take any suspicion off himself. Tomas wants Cia to see what he sees in Will. He believes that
Will is a liar and will go to any lengths in order to make it to University. However, his own
credibility is at stake when Cia realizes that Tomas has lied to her about the other candidate he
and Will encountered while Cia was away. She knows he is not telling the truth about that
scenario, so it is difficult for her to trust him about Will. At this point, the only person Cia can
trust is herself, so she chooses to keep the man a secret for the time being.

Cia also keeps her run-in with the humanoid creatures a secret, largely because she feels
ashamed by her actions.

These creatures are another effect of war, though Cia does not know exactly what happened to
them. They cannot communicate, but Cia notices that they have an intuition to protect and
avenge their companions that have fallen. When she accidentally kills the first creature, the
others run after her. The creatures’ affection towards their companions is what bothers Cia most
about their deaths. Even though they do not look like normal humans or communicate like
normal humans, they still have compassion and some sense of society as a group. They aren’t
mindless animals. Cia has to process the fact that she has killed two human beings. She spends a
sleepless night turning it over in her mind, as she swore before the Testing that taking a life was
a line she would not cross. Cia did what she had to do to survive, but she was unable to keep the
promise to herself that she would not kill. The Testing has changed her, despite her resistance.
The scene in the cityscape, with Cia and Tomas surrounded by the human creatures, is an
incredibly tense and suspenseful moment in the book. Again, Cia's observation skills come into
play, as she remembers that racing away from the creatures on her bicycle made them give chase.
Now, Tomas wants to cycle away as quickly as possible, but Cia uses her intuition to make the
right decision. It is terrifying to walk at a slow pace past creatures capable of great strength, but
Cia again recognizes their humanity in their eyes, and knows that if they do not provoke them,
the creatures will not attack. Unlike Roman or the crossbow killer, the creatures act out of self-
preservation than malice.

Though Brick thinks he is paying back Cia for her help during the third round of testing, Cia is
appalled by his actions. During the shooting, Cia again notices that the creatures are tending to
their wounded rather than retaliating. She wonders how he can take the lives of so many
creatures who were not doing harm to anyone. Cia asks herself if saving Brick from Roman was
worth dozens of humanoid creatures dying at Brick’s hands. Though Brick clearly thinks of her
as someone with leadership qualities, Cia doubts she has made the right decisions.
The Testing Summary and Analysis of Chapters 16-18
Summary
The man at the fence doesn’t say a word, but he throws Cia a bag across the fence before
leaving. Inside is some water, bread, and other food. Cia goes back to Will and Tomas without
telling them about the man or food, and she keeps the stash hidden until she can tell Tomas
alone. The three continue to travel together, but they are running out of water. Will and Tomas
begin fighting over who will take the bicycle and scout for a water source. Tomas does not want
Will to go because he might steal one of their bicycles, but he also does not trust Will alone with
Cia. During their argument, Cia races off and tells them to get over their issues while she is
searching for water.
Alone, Cia sets some snares and finds a water source miles from where she started. She is about
to leave when a large creature barrels toward her. She shoots it without hesitation, but Cia
recognizes humanity in the creature's eyes. Even though it acted like an animal, the creature was
a person, mutated by radiation. She races off, but not before a number of other creatures come
chasing after her. She tries to get away, but three follow her. She shoots to injure the first two,
but she kills the last one. She scrambles up into a sturdy tree and spends the night thinking about
the consequences for shooting another human being.

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By Inside Mystery

The next morning, she makes it back to Tomas and Will. Neither boy is fighting with the other,
but there is an odd silence between them. Will admits that the two got into a fight, but they
eventually settled down when they came across another candidate, a boy from Colorado Springs.
He said nothing happened, but Cia sees the look on Tomas’ face and knows both are leaving
parts of the story out. She does not press the issue, though. Later that afternoon, Will leaves the
group when they approach a small desolated town. Right before leaving, he mentions to Cia that
Tomas is not the person she thinks he is.

As Cia and Tomas settle down for camp, she sees dried blood on Tomas’ knife. The next day,
Cia leaves to go find supplies before heading into the rubble. She sees the man at the fence again,
takes off her bracelet, and approaches him.

The man at the fence does not give Cia his name, but he tells her that he is working with a group
of people who want to change the way the government runs the Testing. He and his associates
know that Cia’s family has a number of secrets they want to keep hidden from the United
Commonwealth, so he gives Cia a vial of liquid. If Cia drinks this before their post-Testing
interview, it will counteract the truth serum that the officials will administer. Before leaving, he
gives her another bag of food.

Cia meets up with Tomas, and the two prepare to enter the town. While doing so, she asks him
about that other candidate he and Will met. Tomas skirts around Cia’s questions, but then he
accuses Will of not being as nice as he acts. Cia sticks up for Will, but Tomas mentions that Will
had twice the supplies that he was given at the start of the fourth round. He believes Will is a
killer, but Cia wants to see the good in Will.

Cia and Tomas enter the city and make their way on the road that leads through the center. As
they are coming to the end, they see a crowd of the same hulking humanoid creatures that
attacked Cia days before. Tomas wants to ride through them as quickly as possible, but Cia
remembers how she was riding going quickly when they started chasing her. She and Tomas
instead begin walking slowly. The creatures notice them, but they do not charge like before. The
two are almost through the crowd when gunshots begin ripping through the creatures.

As the creatures die all around her, Cia searches frantically for the gunman, and sees Brick on
top of a building, shooting every creature in sight. He yells for Cia to run, but she keeps trying to
tell him to stop shooting. She can see the creatures are trying to tend to the wounded, but they are
being killed at will. Tomas grabs Cia and pulls her away from the carnage. Cia finds it hard to
eat and sleep later that night, but she knows she has to keep going.

Cia and Tomas have a conversation about the memory-wiping, which they hypothesize will be
done with drugs. Cia does not tell him about the man at the wall or the vial, but instead keeps
those secrets to herself. Later, as they settle down for sleep, Tomas and Cia hear another
candidate rustling around their camp. Tomas and the candidate get into a knife fight, and Cia
sees that Tomas’ opposition is Roman. She aims and tries to steady her gun, but a blast goes off
and Roman is shot in the head.

Analysis
Though Cia is unsure about the man at the fence, he knows specific details about her and her
family. He says he is part of the resistance and that he is here to help Cia make it through the
Testing without revealing her family’s secrets. At this point, Cia does not know whether or not
she should trust him, or whether the serum in the vial is what he says it is. She wonders if he is a
friend of Michal's. In these chapters especially, Cia has to figure out whom to trust.
Will and Tomas’ arguments are curious to Cia, and she does not know what to make of them.
Will wants Cia to believe that Tomas is jealous of their friendship, but this could be a ploy to
take any suspicion off himself. Tomas wants Cia to see what he sees in Will. He believes that
Will is a liar and will go to any lengths in order to make it to University. However, his own
credibility is at stake when Cia realizes that Tomas has lied to her about the other candidate he
and Will encountered while Cia was away. She knows he is not telling the truth about that
scenario, so it is difficult for her to trust him about Will. At this point, the only person Cia can
trust is herself, so she chooses to keep the man a secret for the time being.

Cia also keeps her run-in with the humanoid creatures a secret, largely because she feels
ashamed by her actions.

These creatures are another effect of war, though Cia does not know exactly what happened to
them. They cannot communicate, but Cia notices that they have an intuition to protect and
avenge their companions that have fallen. When she accidentally kills the first creature, the
others run after her. The creatures’ affection towards their companions is what bothers Cia most
about their deaths. Even though they do not look like normal humans or communicate like
normal humans, they still have compassion and some sense of society as a group. They aren’t
mindless animals. Cia has to process the fact that she has killed two human beings. She spends a
sleepless night turning it over in her mind, as she swore before the Testing that taking a life was
a line she would not cross. Cia did what she had to do to survive, but she was unable to keep the
promise to herself that she would not kill. The Testing has changed her, despite her resistance.
The scene in the cityscape, with Cia and Tomas surrounded by the human creatures, is an
incredibly tense and suspenseful moment in the book. Again, Cia's observation skills come into
play, as she remembers that racing away from the creatures on her bicycle made them give chase.
Now, Tomas wants to cycle away as quickly as possible, but Cia uses her intuition to make the
right decision. It is terrifying to walk at a slow pace past creatures capable of great strength, but
Cia again recognizes their humanity in their eyes, and knows that if they do not provoke them,
the creatures will not attack. Unlike Roman or the crossbow killer, the creatures act out of self-
preservation than malice.

Though Brick thinks he is paying back Cia for her help during the third round of testing, Cia is
appalled by his actions. During the shooting, Cia again notices that the creatures are tending to
their wounded rather than retaliating. She wonders how he can take the lives of so many
creatures who were not doing harm to anyone. Cia asks herself if saving Brick from Roman was
worth dozens of humanoid creatures dying at Brick’s hands. Though Brick clearly thinks of her
as someone with leadership qualities, Cia doubts she has made the right decisions.

Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

The Testing Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

ceremonial colors
In the Great Lakes Colony, Cia and her family put on different colored ceremonial robes before
the graduation ceremony. Now that it is Cia’s graduation day, she gets to wear red just like her
mother instead of the pink she wore as a child. Her father and her brothers, all of whom have
graduated high school, wear purple. During the ceremony, Cia notices that the magistrate is
wearing a rusted red to signify her status as a wise town leader. The colors signify where each
colonist is in their life. In some cases like the magistrate, the color denotes social status. Even in
the Testing, clothing can take on symbolic weight, like Ryme's yellow dress - connoting
liveliness, sickness, and cowardice.
the metal identification bracelets
Each Testing candidate receives a metal bracelet with a symbol engraved on its charm. The
symbols each represent what Testing group the candidate belongs in. For Cia, her eight-pointed
star with a lightning bolt means that she has skills in many different disciplines. The bracelets,
themselves, though, also come to represent both subjugation and personhood. The bracelets are
equipped with microphones so that each candidate is monitored at all times - a symbol for the
authoritarian grip of the Testing officials. Cia's detection of the microphones and her collection
of the bracelets of the fallen candidates connotes both her ingenuity and sense of community.
Ryme’s corncakes
When Cia declines Ryme’s corncakes the first night, she does so out of politeness. However, Cia
notices that Ryme keeps offering Cia the corncakes without ever eating one herself. She is
reminded of her father’s warning about girls in his class poisoning the other candidates, so she
makes sure to keep count of how many corncakes are on the tray. The corncakes represent the
desperation that Ryme and other students feel during the Testing. Rather than relying on their
own intelligence, many seek to eliminate competition in order to give themselves an edge.
Zeen’s transit communicator
After Cia learns about what horrors await her during the Testing, she knows exactly what she
wants to bring: Zeen’s transit communicator. She knows that it is utilitarian in nature with its
multiple functions. However, it is also a piece of home that keeps her grounded. With something
of Zeen’s, she keeps remembering why she is fighting against the Testing officials in the first
place. She needs to keep Zeen and her family safe.
the crossbow killer
Though Cia does not know who the crossbow killer is for the majority of the fourth test, his
presence represents someone who is hand-made for the Testing. He is ruthless and cold, and he is
willing to do whatever is necessary to win. While the Testing officials believe that this type of
person will make a good leader, many of the others like Cia and Michal believe that people like
him are too dangerous and self-serving to be an effective leader. Regardless, the presence of the
crossbow killer teaches Cia that she must keep her wits about her, as there are people willing to
abuse her trust.
Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

The Testing Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

ceremonial colors
In the Great Lakes Colony, Cia and her family put on different colored ceremonial robes before
the graduation ceremony. Now that it is Cia’s graduation day, she gets to wear red just like her
mother instead of the pink she wore as a child. Her father and her brothers, all of whom have
graduated high school, wear purple. During the ceremony, Cia notices that the magistrate is
wearing a rusted red to signify her status as a wise town leader. The colors signify where each
colonist is in their life. In some cases like the magistrate, the color denotes social status. Even in
the Testing, clothing can take on symbolic weight, like Ryme's yellow dress - connoting
liveliness, sickness, and cowardice.
the metal identification bracelets
Each Testing candidate receives a metal bracelet with a symbol engraved on its charm. The
symbols each represent what Testing group the candidate belongs in. For Cia, her eight-pointed
star with a lightning bolt means that she has skills in many different disciplines. The bracelets,
themselves, though, also come to represent both subjugation and personhood. The bracelets are
equipped with microphones so that each candidate is monitored at all times - a symbol for the
authoritarian grip of the Testing officials. Cia's detection of the microphones and her collection
of the bracelets of the fallen candidates connotes both her ingenuity and sense of community.
Ryme’s corncakes
When Cia declines Ryme’s corncakes the first night, she does so out of politeness. However, Cia
notices that Ryme keeps offering Cia the corncakes without ever eating one herself. She is
reminded of her father’s warning about girls in his class poisoning the other candidates, so she
makes sure to keep count of how many corncakes are on the tray. The corncakes represent the
desperation that Ryme and other students feel during the Testing. Rather than relying on their
own intelligence, many seek to eliminate competition in order to give themselves an edge.
Zeen’s transit communicator
After Cia learns about what horrors await her during the Testing, she knows exactly what she
wants to bring: Zeen’s transit communicator. She knows that it is utilitarian in nature with its
multiple functions. However, it is also a piece of home that keeps her grounded. With something
of Zeen’s, she keeps remembering why she is fighting against the Testing officials in the first
place. She needs to keep Zeen and her family safe.
the crossbow killer
Though Cia does not know who the crossbow killer is for the majority of the fourth test, his
presence represents someone who is hand-made for the Testing. He is ruthless and cold, and he is
willing to do whatever is necessary to win. While the Testing officials believe that this type of
person will make a good leader, many of the others like Cia and Michal believe that people like
him are too dangerous and self-serving to be an effective leader. Regardless, the presence of the
crossbow killer teaches Cia that she must keep her wits about her, as there are people willing to
abuse her trust.

The Testing Irony

Michel’s position in the government
When Michal is first introduced, Cia does not know whether or not she can trust him. He is a
Testing official, so it would seem as though Michal would be as cold and callous as the other
officials. However, Michal is using his position as a way to break apart the rigid organization
from the inside.
Ryme’s confidence
Cia’s first meeting with Ryme is pleasant, but the stress of the first round of tests turns Ryme
into a highly competitive candidate who uses bragging and confidence to try and throw Cia off.
Ryme attacks Cia’s intelligence twice in order to boost her own positioning, but Cia does not
take the bait. It turns out, though, that Ryme’s confidence is all an act. She is really full of
insecurities and terrified of failing. Instead of letting this push her to succeed, she takes her own
life because she was not confident enough in her own abilities and intelligence.
Will’s actions
When Will admits to being the crossbow killer during the fourth round of testing, he is
unapologetic for his deceit. He wants Cia, Tomas, and the other candidates out of his way so he
can make it to the University. Once the Testing is over, though, he defends his actions, claiming
that the Testing is really about making choices and living with the consequences and memories.
Cia accuses him of not caring about the people he killed, but he surprises her when he rattles off
the names of the people that he killed. He is not cheerful about having to kill people, but he
knows that later in his life he will be prepared to answer to his conscious about his actions.
the human creatures
The human creatures that Cia comes in contact with on the hill and, later, in the dilapidated city,
resemble beasts and not people. Severely mutated by the after-effects of radiation, the creatures
are not capable of recognizable speech or behavior. However, Cia does recognize shreds of their
humanity, in their eyes and in their actions. The creatures act to protect their kin, try to take care
of their wounded, and mourn their dead. Cia's realization causes her to lead Tomas through the
cityscape carefully, knowing the creatures will not attack unless provoked, motivated by
protective instincts. However, Brick does not see the creatures as human, and he kills them all
out of his misguided attempt to protect Cia. Comparing the creatures' actions to Brick's, the
reader is left to wonder who is more human - Brick, and candidates like him, or the creatures.

The Testing Imagery

Cia’s father’s nightmare
The first time Cia gets a sense of what the Testing will be like is when her father recounts his
nightmare to her. Hearing explosions and seeing his dead classmates among the rubble seems out
of place for a college entry test, but this stark contrast of what Cia was expecting reflects a new
and unpleasant image of the government and the measures it takes with its citizens.
Tosu City and its inhabitants
Tosu City, the capital of the United Commonwealth, is a beautiful city with glimmering
buildings and bright lights that burn constantly. It is viewed by the citizens as the hopeful symbol
of mankind's survival of the Seven Stages of War. However, Cia and Tomas notice that the city’s
inhabitants contrast its opulence. The people on the streets are poor, dirty, and hungry. This
contrasting imagery is representative of the class divide that is present in this dystopian future.
While a few people are living wealthy lifestyles, most are slumming through the city, trying to
make it through each day without starving.
the human creatures
When Cia and Tomas come across the hulking creatures in the cityscape, Cia already knows that
they are in some way human. The way they are described as hunched and animal-like does not
sway Cia’s opinion, as she can see in their eyes a human intelligence that makes them similar to
her. They are the only people that Cia kills in the novel, yet their mutated form does not mitigate
Cia’s belief that she has murdered innocent people. They represent the effects of war on the
innocent inhabitants, and Cia's moral dilemma.
the rubble maze
The rubble maze the candidates' encounter in the fourth round of testing is a striking image - a
puzzle trap built from the ruins of war. The maze communicates both the destructive force of the
war, and the manipulation of the Testing officials. Lined with traps, Cia and Tomas must choose
the best way out of the maze while defending against other candidates and man-made obstacles.
The twisting maze connotes the mental as well as physical aspects of the Testing.

The Testing The Rise of Dystopian Fiction in Young

Adult Novels
In the past decade, the setting of many young adult novels has shifted to a dystopian future.
While these types of novels are not new or unique, this setting was not often found in young
adult novels because the subject matter was considered too dire or dark. Now, however, many
authors are finding that many of the same themes from dystopian novels function as allegories
for the changes teenagers feel as they transition into adulthood.

Studies have shown that the teenage years are incredibly difficult developmentally. Along with
the biological and hormonal changes occurring in their bodies during this time, teens struggle to
find their identity and discover what makes them unique and different from their family and
friends. This is uncomfortable to navigate at times. Teens begin to feel the pressure of adulthood
but don’t feel equipped to handle the brevity of their choices or actions.

Story arcs in dystopian novels often follow the same path, mirroring late adolescence: the main
character is living in happiness and bliss, but the world immediately becomes harder to navigate.
For these main characters, survival and even social change is thrust onto their shoulders. The
world pushes back, but they must barrel through and find a way to persist. While the
protagonists must undergo rigorous physical tests of endurance, there is a similar psychological
journey where the character must make impossible choices while learning how to deal with the
outcome of those choices. It is easy to see how many teenagers can relate to the situations that
dystopian novels present. Adulthood is terrifying, but failure is not an option. Teenagers must
find their own way to survive the scary world of adulthood.
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There is also another similarity where both teenagers and characters in dystopian novels are
constantly monitored by authority figures. The Testing, The Hunger Games, and even
classic dystopian novels like Nineteen-Eighty-Four and Fahrenheit 451 have governments
that spy on the citizens in order to watch over and control what the citizens do in their daily live.
Teens will all attest that they feel watched by their parents, like they have no privacy or personal
space. While the reasoning behind adults monitoring teenagers is a hotly debated issue, it is still
true nevertheless that this theme will resonate with teenagers.

The Testing Literary Elements

Genre
Dystopian Young Adult Fiction
Setting and Context
the United Commonwealth after the Seven Stages of War
Narrator and Point of View
Cia is the narrator, and the novel is told from her point of view.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the novel is meditative as Charbonneau inspires the reader to
determine whether or not the Testing officials have gone too far. The mood of the
novel is nightmarish.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is Cia Vale, and the antagonist is the Testing.
Major Conflict
Cia must overcome the dangerous and deadly events of the Testing in order to stay
alive.
Climax
The climax of the novel is when Cia discovers that she passed the Testing and is
now admitted into University.
Foreshadowing
Cia's father's nightmares foreshadow what types of events Cia will experience
when she goes through the Testing. Also, Tomas and Zandri's distrust of Will
foreshadows his true nature, though it is difficult for Cia to see that Will is
dangerous.
Understatement
Roman Fry's attitude while completing practice questions during the third round of
testing is an understatement of how smart and calculating he actually is.
Allusions
The "Big Brother" theme of the novel is an allusion to George Orwell's novel
Nineteen Eight-Four, as the government officials are constantly watching over the
characters.
Imagery
The description of Tosu City compared with the living conditions of its poor and
homeless inhabitants; the ceremonial colors worn by citizens of Five Lakes
Colony; the rubble maze and evidence of the war's destruction; the human
creatures appearance contrasted with their actions.
Paradox
Motivated by her own need to succeed, the Testing forces Cia to consider whether
or not leaders should take whatever action is necessary to ensure success.
Parallelism
n/a
Metonymy and Synecdoche
n/a
Personification
n/a

The Testing Links

"Paramount Acquires Joelle Charbonneau Novel
'The Testing'
http://deadline.com/2013/06/paramount-acquires-joelle-charbonneau-novel-the-testing-
515036/
Deadline Hollywood report on the upcoming film adaptation of The Testing.
The Testing Trilogy
http://joellecharbonneau.com/the-testing-series/
The Testing official website
What the popularity of YA dystopian stories
reveals about teens
http://national.deseretnews.com/article/1249/what-the-popularity-of-ya-dystopian-stories-
reveals-about-teens.html
A Deseret News article describing the rise in popularity of dystopian novels in the Young Adult
genre

The Testing Essay Questions

1. 1
What was Cia’s father’s aim in not giving Zeen credit for his invention?
Cia’s father did not want to bring attention to Zeen’s intelligence. He was
afraid that Testing officials would discover his aptitude and force him to
undergo the Testing. Even though Cia’s father could not exactly remember
what happened during his own experience in Tosu City, his suppressed
memories slip through his dreams and warn him about the dangers of the
government.

2. 2
Why does Cia look up to her father more than her mother?
 Cia looks up to her father more than her mother because she sees herself in her
father. They both have a natural talent for science and mechanics, and they
both have the same helpful, generous personality. Cia loves her mother, but she
feels like her mother is too practical.

3. 3
Why does Cia pay attention to the corncakes that Ryme offers her?
Cia notices that Ryme did not touch the corncakes for a few days, regardless of
how hungry Ryme became in their room. Cia hypothesized that Ryme
tampered with the treats in order to eliminate Cia from the competition. Her
father warned her that many candidates would try this tactic, so Cia was
diligent even with her own roommate.

4. 4
Why does Cia lie to Dr. Jedidiah Barnes about her emotional state after
seeing Ryme’s body?
Cia already knew that the Testing officials were watching her every move and
reaction. While her initial shock was a reflex, she concealed her horror in order
to trick the officials into believing that she was resilient. She was upset about
seeing Ryme’s body, but surviving the Testing processes was more important
than grieving for her roommate.

5. 5
When does Cia first realize the penalty for failure during the Testing?
Cia realizes that stakes for failure are life and death when Malachi Rourke died
during round two. His incorrect answers to the questions caused him to
experience deadly symptoms, and Cia became more careful - both in her work
and in her reactions to the seeming indifference of the officials towards the
candidate. She learns that her father's suspicions were correct and that no one,
not even those in charge, are to be trusted.

6. 6
Regardless of the other candidates' choices to sabotage each other, why
does Cia remain honest during the Testing?
Cia cannot betray her upbringing that taught her to be helpful and kind to
everyone. She believes that cheating and sabotage are dirty tricks, and that
people who indulge in these practices do not make strong, reliable leaders.
Most importantly, though, she tries her hardest to remain faithful to herself and
her personality during the Testing. She knows that she will have to live with
these decisions, so she makes the choices that are best for her as well as
everyone else.
7. 7
Why does Cia not consider what Tomas might bring into the fourth round
of testing before she makes her choices?
Cia’s father told her to never trust anyone during the testing period. While she
wanted to believe that Tomas would come through for her, she had to make
sure that her bases were covered in case she had to fend for herself.

8. 8
Out of Cia and Tomas, why is Cia the one who makes it through the finish
line on her own?
During the fourth round of testing, Tomas showed that he was too headstrong
and willful. He did not listen to Cia concerning the oasis, which nearly killed
him. He also was too trusting of Will when all of his instincts told him not to
trust him. For those reasons, he was shot in the stomach.

9. 9
Why does Cia eventually take the serum that will allow her to counteract
the effects of the truth-telling drugs?
Cia knows that the Testing officials will ask her about her family and why
nobody from Five Lakes Colony was chosen as a Testing candidate for a
decade. She was afraid to take the serum and trust the man at the fence, but
protecting her family was ultimately more important to her than her safety. She
needed to lie about what her father told her in order to keep them safe.

10.10
How does Will justify his murderous actions to Cia?
Will believes he did what was necessary to survive. He did not take his
victims’ deaths lightly, but he rationalized his actions by saying that great
leaders kill people and let people die all the time. He believes that the true
purpose of the Testing is to see whether the candidates can do what is
necessary while still living with their choices afterwards. Will believes that he
can.