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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Father Schwartz know Rudolph is worried when he comes to see him at the start of the story?

3. What does Father Schwartz do every night?

4. How does Rudolph plan to avoid taking communion the day after he confesses to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Rudolph stay and confess despite his urge to leave while he waited at the confessional in Chapter 2?

2. What sin did Rudolph finally confess to Father Schwartz after he "exhausted the minor offenses" (6)?

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

4. What does Father Schwartz tell Rudolph he should have done when he was in the barn with the boy and the girl?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Fitzgerald’s focus on the theme of entrapment as presented in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss elements of the narrative structure: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the themes of entrapment, isolation, and longing?

Essay Topic 3

Write a detailed analysis of tone in Fitzgerald's "Absolution." Include whether the tone changes or remains the same. If it changes, include details on when, why and whether this change is effective.

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