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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At times the character Hallaj can be tender and loving, but other times he can be what?
(a) Whiny.
(b) Insecure.
(c) Abusive.
(d) Clumsy.

2. In the end, what does the character Ayaz do in a poem in Book 1, Chapter 3?
(a) Obeys the King.
(b) Refuses to obey the King.
(c) Runs away.
(d) Hides in fear.

3. In the poem in Book 1, Chapter 2, where several men fall in love with the same woman, her physical beauty is really a representation of what?
(a) The passage of time.
(b) The illusion of happiness.
(c) False hope.
(d) Spiritual beauty.

4. At times, God appears in Rumi's poems as a presence and at other times God is compared to:
(a) The Judge.
(b) The Tempter.
(c) The Professor.
(d) The Friend.

5. One of the key attributes of the character Ayaz is what?
(a) A fear of nearly everything.
(b) Arrogance.
(c) A tendency to lie.
(d) Loyalty.

6. In a poem in Book 1, Chapter 3 involving a complicated love triangle consisting of a man and two women, Rumi explores what subjects?
(a) Love, jealousy, and fear.
(b) Reconciliation, division, and uncertainty.
(c) Lust and disgust.
(d) Humor and tragedy.

7. When was Rumi born?
(a) September 30, 1207.
(b) November 26, 1119.
(c) October 20, 1390.
(d) December 15, 1461.

8. Over time, Coleman Barks' feelings about the messages in Rumi's poetry have what?
(a) Remained the same.
(b) Grown in contempt.
(c) Grown in confusion.
(d) Changed.

9. Why did Rumi's family flee the place of his birth?
(a) The land was struck by drought.
(b) They feared the ruler of the region.
(c) They feared a Mongol invasion.
(d) The land was attacked by Turks.

10. Rumi expresses himself in a way that is what?
(a) Spiritually vague.
(b) Emotionally integrated.
(c) Mentally challenging.
(d) Repulsively simple.

11. Over time, what has Coleman Barks been able to do with Rumi's poems?
(a) Decode secret messages.
(b) Experience them more deeply.
(c) Teach them to his children.
(d) Translate them into five languages.

12. How many years did it take Coleman Barks to truly comprehend Shams Tabriz through Rumi's poetry?
(a) 15.
(b) 28.
(c) 37.
(d) 6.

13. Rumi indicates that people who have blind faith are following this path through what?
(a) Animosity.
(b) Greed.
(c) Joy and willpower.
(d) Fear and compulsion.

14. When did Coleman Barks first become interested in Rumi's poetry?
(a) 1969.
(b) 1985.
(c) 1976.
(d) 1952.

15. What was salient and peculiar about Rumi's father?
(a) He was afraid of horses.
(b) He had no facial hair.
(c) He spoke seven languages.
(d) He had visions.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Hallaj?

2. How many additional poems were translated and included in the New Expanded Edition?

3. According to Rumi, how should one treat his or her baser nature?

4. Rumi asserts that the union between a man and a woman has what associated with it?

5. What post did Rumi inherit?

(see the answer keys)

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