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

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

3. What is the first "easy sin" Rudolph confessed to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?

4. What does Father ask Rudolph about the kinds of thoughts he confessed to having?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Fitzgerald's language style and word choice in "Absolution." What are some words that stand out to you and why? What words are repeated? What words are most impactful? Explain your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the symbolic significance religion has on the story. Why is this important and how does it develop the themes of the story? What would be different if Rudolph's family were not religious? Use examples from the text to support your viewpoint.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of isolation and discuss how each of the main characters feel isolated.

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