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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Rudolph feel when his father told him to go to confession three days earlier?
(a) He understood why his father thought it important.
(b) He was happy to be reminded.
(c) He was confused.
(d) He was angry.

2. What does Rudolph confess to Father Schwartz about his feelings about his parents in Chapter 2?
(a) He has wished his parent's dead.
(b) He has thought he might be too good to be his parent's son.
(c) He has thought his parents were evil.
(d) He has wished his parent's would split up.

3. Why does Rudolph decide to stay and confess rather than succumbing to his urge to leave?
(a) If he leaves he cannot take communion.
(b) If he leaves he knows his father will find out.
(c) If he leaves he will not get his sins off of his chest.
(d) If he leaves his mother will be angry.

4. How old is Rudolph Miller?
(a) 8.
(b) 11.
(c) 22.
(d) 17.

5. Who can Father Schwartz hear pass by his window at 4 p.m.?
(a) Ambulances.
(b) Nobody, the streets are eerily quiet.
(c) Schoolchildren.
(d) A group of women.

6. Where is Father Schwartz when Rudolph Miller comes to visit him at the start of "Absolution"?
(a) At a cafe.
(b) At home.
(c) In the library.
(d) At church.

7. How does Rudolph describe to Father Schwartz the "thoughts and dreams" he has had during his confession in Chapter 2?
(a) Immodest.
(b) Frightening.
(c) Foolish.
(d) Fantastical.

8. How does Father Schwartz know Rudolph is worried when he comes to see him at the start of the story?
(a) He is sweating and his breathing is shallow.
(b) His mouth is trembling.
(c) He is pacing.
(d) He is wringing his hands.

9. How does Father Schwartz know Rudolph's father?
(a) He is a parishioner.
(b) He was his former housekeeper.
(c) They went to school together.
(d) He is a clergyman.

10. What words does Father Schwartz use when listening to Rudolph's confession?
(a) Baby and Infant.
(b) Sir and young man.
(c) Son and boy.
(d) Buddy and pal.

11. What is another "easy sin" Rudolph confessed to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?
(a) He was mean to an old lady.
(b) He talked back to his teacher.
(c) He cheated on a test at school.
(d) He skipped church the week before.

12. What did Rudolph do after his father had told him to go to confession?
(a) He played with some friends.
(b) He helped his mother cook supper.
(c) He locked himself in his bedroom.
(d) He went to confession.

13. What does Father Schwartz tell Rudolph he should have done about the situation in the barn?
(a) He should have told his friends to stop talking.
(b) He should have told his parents.
(c) He should have left and urged the girl to leave too.
(d) He should have ran straight to Father Schwartz.

14. What does Father Schwartz ask Rudolph if he has done when he first visits?
(a) He asks if he has used the Lord's name in vain.
(b) He asks if he has killed someone.
(c) He asks if he has lied.
(d) He asks if he has committed theft.

15. What is Father Schwartz first name?
(a) Adolphus.
(b) Albert.
(c) Alfred.
(d) Allain.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the carpet in Father Schwartz home bring to mind when he looks at it to avoid the sun?

2. Why does Father Schwartz "pray aloud for twilight to come" (1) at the start of the story?

3. What does Rudolph tell Father Schwartz when he finally speaks?

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

5. What scent makes Father Schwartz's heart ache as he walks the streets on Saturday night?

(see the answer keys)

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