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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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) Rudolph's father.
(d) Father Schwartz's housekeeper.

2. What does Father ask Rudolph about the kinds of thoughts he confessed to having?
(a) How often he has had them.
(b) If he has told anyone else about them.
(c) If he enjoys them.
(d) Why he finds them problematic.

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

4. What does Rudolph think will happen if he takes communion the day after he confesses to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?
(a) Probably nothing.
(b) He will anger his father.
(c) He will anger God.
(d) He will anger Father Schwartz.

5. How old is Rudolph Miller?
(a) 17.
(b) 22.
(c) 8.
(d) 11.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Who can Father Schwartz hear pass by his window at 4 p.m.?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Rudolph Miller? How does Father Schwartz behave when he first comes to his house in Chapter 1?

2. What plan does Rudolph come up with at the end of Chapter 2 to avoid having to take communion at church the next day?

3. What did Rudolph try to force himself to do as he waited at the confessional in Chapter 2?

4. What made Rudolph uncomfortable as he sat waiting to confess at the start of Chapter 2?

5. What questions does Father Schwartz ask Rudolph when he says he has committed a terrible sin?

6. What does Father Schwartz do on Saturdays after confession? What happens as he passes the drug store that increases his sadness?

7. What words does Father Schwartz use when addressing Rudolph in the confessional in Chapter 2?

8. Who is Blatchford Sarnmenington? What happens when Rudolph thinks of him?

9. What is Father Schwartz's mood at the start of the story? How do you know?

10. What object in Father Schwartz's room reminds him of "gruesome labyrinths" (1)? Why does he stare at this object in the first place?

(see the answer keys)

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