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

2. 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 calm.
(c) He is carefree.
(d) He is angry.

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

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

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

6. Who brings Rudolph Miller to Father Schwartz when he first comes to see him at the start of the story?
(a) Rudolph's mother.
(b) A fellow priest.
(c) Father Schwartz's housekeeper.
(d) Rudolph's father.

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

8. What did Rudolph neglect to tell Father Schwartz about what had happened with his friends in the barn?
(a) He had said immodest things as well.
(b) It was all his idea.
(c) Their words had excited him.
(d) His friends said terrible things about Father Schwartz.

9. 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) Yes.
(c) No.
(d) I'm not sure.

10. How does Rudolph describe to Father Schwartz the "phrases" he had used during his confession in Chapter 2?
(a) Inappropriate.
(b) Obscene.
(c) Filthy.
(d) Grimy.

11. 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 sweating and his breathing is shallow.
(c) His mouth is trembling.
(d) He is pacing.

12. What is Father Schwartz first name?
(a) Albert.
(b) Allain.
(c) Alfred.
(d) Adolphus.

13. What word is used to describe how Rudolph felt about telling Father Schwartz his true sins?
(a) Apathy.
(b) Anticipation.
(c) Anxiety.
(d) Agony.

14. What does Father Schwartz offer to Rudolph when he will not tell him his sin?
(a) He offers him a cup of tea.
(b) He asks if he wants to stay for dinner.
(c) He offers to have his father come over so they can all talk.
(d) He offers to visit confession.

15. How does Rudolph describe to Father Schwartz the "thoughts and dreams" he has had during his confession in Chapter 2?
(a) Frightening.
(b) Immodest.
(c) Fantastical.
(d) Foolish.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Father Schwartz "pray aloud for twilight to come" (1) at the start of the story?

2. Where is Father Schwartz when Rudolph Miller comes to visit him at the start of "Absolution"?

3. What does Rudolph think will happen if he takes communion the day after he confesses to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?

4. What did Rudolph confess to Father Schwartz he did in the barn with his friends?

5. What does Rudolph tell Father Schwartz when he finally speaks?

(see the answer keys)

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