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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 does Rudolph do while waiting to see the priest at the start of Chapter 2?

2. What is Rudolph's emotional state while he sits with Father Schwartz at the start of the story?

3. Why is Rudolph upset at the end of his confession with Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?

4. What is Father Schwartz first name?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing the imagery used in "Absolution." Indicate examples of imagery in the text and identify possible meanings.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay examining the confessional as a symbol in "Absolution." In what scenes does the confessional appear? What is the context? How does this symbol develop the narrative?

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