View a FREE sample

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 tell Father Schwartz when he finally speaks?

2. How does Rudolph describe to Father Schwartz the "thoughts and dreams" he has had during his confession in Chapter 2?

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

4. What does Father Schwartz first do when Rudolph arrives at the start of the story?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Write an essay discussing the setting and time period of "Absolution." In what ways does the time period and setting impact your understanding of the story as well as the themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 764 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample