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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 think might be the worst sin he has committed in the last 12 hours after taking communion?

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

3. Who does Rudolph begin to think of while Father Schwartz talks to him in Chapter 5?

4. How does Rudolph feel when Father Schwartz speaks at the end of Chapter 5?

5. What does Rudolph's mother do to try to help her son after his interaction with his father in the kitchen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Carl go to the kitchen when he was getting ready for work on Sunday morning?

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

3. What does Father Schwartz tell Rudolph he should do after asking him what he wants to be when he grows up?

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

5. How does Rudolph feel as time for communion nears? Why does he ultimately get up to take communion?

6. What happens between Carl and Rudolph after Rudolph angrily tosses his cup into the kitchen sink in Chapter 3?

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

8. Why does Rudolph feel safe in the room with Father Schwartz at the start of Chapter 5?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Read a review of "Absolution." Write an essay about how this review impacted your own views or understanding of the story.

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

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

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