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

2. Who is Blatchford Sarnemington?

3. How old is Rudolph Miller?

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

5. What does Father Schwartz do every night?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What "easy sins" did Rudolph confess to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?

5. Why did Rudolph's father tell him he had to go to confession three days before Rudolph came to see Father Schwartz in his home? Did Rudolph obey his father?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Rudolph's goals and motives. What are they? Does he achieve them? Does he share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do his goals clash with other characters? How?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the use of dialogue versus the use of description. Look at how each is used in the story and what makes these uses effective or ineffective.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the author of "Absolution." Who is he? What else has he written? How is "Absolution" similar or different from his other works?

(see the answer keys)

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