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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book 1, The Tavern : Chapter 2, Desire & New Silk.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When the man in a poem in Book 1, Chapter 2 accidentally soils himself, what does his host and friend do?
(a) Laughs loudly and humiliates the man.
(b) Launders the garments and helps the man feel better.
(c) Leaves for three days while his servants clean the home.
(d) Evicts him from his home.

2. What elevates Rumi's poems beyond a simple collection of ideas?
(a) Rich imagery.
(b) Confounding words.
(c) His use of diagrams.
(d) His references to other cultures.

3. What happens when the Caliph meets a beautiful, mysterious woman from the city his men have invaded, in a poem in Book 1, Chapter 2?
(a) The woman attacks him.
(b) He falls in love with her.
(c) He regrets his actions.
(d) One of his men attacks him.

4. The poem in Book 1, Chapter 2 about a man who accidentally soils himself includes lessons on which of the following?
(a) Illusions.
(b) Release from shame.
(c) Strength and power.
(d) Self-control.

5. Rumi asserts that the union between a man and a woman has what associated with it?
(a) Emotional baggage.
(b) Spiritual component.
(c) Earthly connection.
(d) Hint of sadness.

Short Answer Questions

1. When was the New Expanded Edition of this book published?

2. How many years did it take Coleman Barks to truly comprehend Shams Tabriz through Rumi's poetry?

3. What happened after Shams disappeared a second time?

4. For Coleman Barks, part of the experience of grasping Rumi's poems is what?

5. Which readers might feel left out reading Rumi's poems?

(see the answer key)

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