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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. How does Rudolph feel as the time for communion nears at church in Chapter 4?

2. Why is Rudolph's father angry with him when he finds him in the kitchen in Chapter 3?

3. What does Rudolph's father tells him he must do as soon as they get to church that Sunday in Chapter 3?

4. What does Rudolph see his father doing at the end of Chapter 3?

5. Since he thinks his first occupation may be unrealistic, what else does Rudolph tell Father Schwartz he might be when he grows up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Carl find Rudolph doing in the kitchen on Sunday morning in Chapter 3?

2. Why is Carl upset at Rudolph when he finds him in the kitchen in Chapter 3?

3. How does Rudolph's mother behave after his altercation with his father in Chapter 3? How does Rudolph feel about his mother at this time?

4. What does Rudolph tell Father Schwartz in the confessional in Chapter 4 after his altercation with his father?

5. What are the only two options Rudolph thinks he has after his father finds him in the kitchen in Chapter 3?

6. What does Carl pray for in the church pew as he kneels beside his son?

7. With whom does Rudolph walk to church? What is he told he must do when he arrives?

8. What is Carl Miller's Sunday morning routine as seen at the start of Chapter 3?

9. At the end of the story, why does Rudolph feel that God will not punish him for his lies?

10. What happens to Father Schwartz at the end of the story? What does Rudolph do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Write a brief essay analyzing the title "Absolution." Explore the ways in which this title connects to the plot and themes of the story.

Essay Topic 3

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

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This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample