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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Father Schwartz ask Rudolph if he has done when he first visits?
(a) He asks if he has killed someone.
(b) He asks if he has committed theft.
(c) He asks if he has lied.
(d) He asks if he has used the Lord's name in vain.

2. Who is waiting to see Father Schwartz at the start of Chapter 2?
(a) Rudolph's friend.
(b) Rudolph.
(c) Father Schwartz housekeeper.
(d) Carl.

3. How does Father Schwartz know Rudolph is worried when he comes to see him at the start of the story?
(a) He is wringing his hands.
(b) He is pacing.
(c) He is sweating and his breathing is shallow.
(d) His mouth is trembling.

4. What is something that saddens Father Schwartz at the start of "Absolution"?
(a) He feels unable to obtain perfect union with God.
(b) He does not get along with his housekeeper.
(c) The noise outside his window makes it hard to read.
(d) He works so late he does not sleep.

5. What does Rudolph tell Father Schwartz when he asks Rudolph if he has told any lies in his confession?
(a) I can't say.
(b) No.
(c) I'm not sure.
(d) Yes.

6. What does the carpet in Father Schwartz home bring to mind when he looks at it to avoid the sun?
(a) Gruesome labyrinths.
(b) Creepy gargoyles.
(c) Dingy roads.
(d) Solemn parishioners.

7. Why does Rudolph decide to stay and confess rather than succumbing to his urge to leave?
(a) If he leaves he cannot take communion.
(b) If he leaves he knows his father will find out.
(c) If he leaves his mother will be angry.
(d) If he leaves he will not get his sins off of his chest.

8. What words does Father Schwartz use when listening to Rudolph's confession?
(a) Baby and Infant.
(b) Sir and young man.
(c) Son and boy.
(d) Buddy and pal.

9. Where is Father Schwartz at the start of Chapter 2?
(a) At the drugstore.
(b) In the confessional.
(c) In his house.
(d) At the Miller's.

10. What scent makes Father Schwartz's heart ache as he walks the streets on Saturday night?
(a) Baking bread.
(b) Suppers cooking in the homes he passes.
(c) Cheap toilet soap.
(d) The impending rain.

11. What is Rudolph's emotional state while he sits with Father Schwartz at the start of the story?
(a) He is in tears.
(b) He is carefree.
(c) He is angry.
(d) He is calm.

12. When does Chapter 2 begin?
(a) Saturday, three days before the story begins.
(b) The Sunday before the story begins.
(c) The Sunday after the story begins.
(d) Saturday, three days after the story begins.

13. What does Father Schwartz do every night?
(a) Weep.
(b) Watch TV.
(c) Visit the homes of parishioners.
(d) Read.

14. How did Rudolph feel when his father told him to go to confession three days earlier?
(a) He was confused.
(b) He was angry.
(c) He understood why his father thought it important.
(d) He was happy to be reminded.

15. What does Father Schwartz tell Rudolph he should have done about the situation in the barn?
(a) He should have told his parents.
(b) He should have told his friends to stop talking.
(c) He should have ran straight to Father Schwartz.
(d) He should have left and urged the girl to leave too.

Short Answer Questions

1. What word is used to describe how Rudolph felt about telling Father Schwartz his true sins?

2. Why did Rudolph's father tell him to go to confession three days before the narrative present?

3. Who is the first character introduced in "Absolution"?

4. Who brings Rudolph Miller to Father Schwartz when he first comes to see him at the start of the story?

5. What does Father ask Rudolph about the kinds of thoughts he confessed to having?

(see the answer keys)

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