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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. 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) He is pacing.
(c) He is wringing his hands.
(d) His mouth is trembling.

4. What does Father Schwartz do every night?
(a) Visit the homes of parishioners.
(b) Read.
(c) Watch TV.
(d) Weep.

5. Why does Father Schwartz "pray aloud for twilight to come" (1) at the start of the story?
(a) So he can no longer hear people pass by his window.
(b) So he can take walk alone.
(c) So he can watch the moon and stars from his back porch.
(d) So he can finally fall asleep.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Rudolph plan to avoid taking communion the day after he confesses to Father Schwartz in Chapter 2?

3. Who is the author of "Absolution"?

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

5. Who is waiting to see Father Schwartz at the start of Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What words does Father Schwartz use when addressing Rudolph in the confessional in Chapter 2?

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

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

4. What plan does Rudolph come up with at the end of Chapter 2 to avoid having to take communion at church the next day?

5. What questions does Father Schwartz ask Rudolph when he says he has committed a terrible sin?

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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