What is the symbolism of the confessional in Fitzgerald's, Absolution?

The confessional in the church symbolizes religious performance. Rudolph attends confession in an attempt to feel sorry for what he has done, not because he is truly remorseful. If he confesses his supposed sins to the priest, he has a better chance of avoiding his father's wrath. He realizes the superficiality of the practice when he returns to the confessional at the start of Sunday Mass.