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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the poems where Rumi includes a frog as one of the main characters, there is a deep friendship that develops between this frog and a:
(a) Mouse.
(b) Cat.
(c) Fish.
(d) Bird.

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

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

4. As the bond of friendship that Rumi writes about between a frog and its animal friend grows, the two animals find that their wish for each other's company:
(a) Turns into a need.
(b) Is laughed at by others.
(c) Diminishes over time.
(d) Is discouraged by their own kind.

5. How many additional poems were translated and included in the New Expanded Edition?
(a) 92.
(b) 23.
(c) 58.
(d) 81.

6. Saladin of Zarkub was what?
(a) Brick maker.
(b) Farmer.
(c) Goldsmith.
(d) Barber.

7. How did Rumi's father teach him?
(a) Through music, math, and memorization.
(b) Through hands-on, real-life experiences.
(c) By leaving him many notes.
(d) By example.

8. What region in Afghanistan did Rumi come from?
(a) Balkh.
(b) Zari.
(c) Chimtal.
(d) Kaldar.

9. Rumi's short-story poems range from less than fifty lines to approximately what length?
(a) A hundred twenty lines.
(b) Two thousand lines.
(c) Ten thousand lines.
(d) Two hundred lines.

10. What post did Rumi inherit?
(a) King.
(b) Sheik.
(c) Treasurer.
(d) Scribe.

11. In some of his poems, Rumi refers to religious figures:
(a) Only from his faith.
(b) From different faiths.
(c) From fiction.
(d) Only that he knows personally.

12. 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) Evicts him from his home.
(c) Leaves for three days while his servants clean the home.
(d) Launders the garments and helps the man feel better.

13. After Shams went away the first time, how did he return?
(a) He came back via boat.
(b) He accompanied a group of nomads.
(c) Rumi promised a promotion if he came back.
(d) Rumi sent out searchers to bring him back.

14. What main lesson does Rumi impart through his poem about a man who wants a tattoo in Book 1, Chapter 2?
(a) A man better have enough money before he goes about desiring frivolous things.
(b) A person must listen to one's own heart rather than the babble of others.
(c) Tattoos are a waste of time and money.
(d) When embarking upon a task, one must be prepared for the associated pain.

15. Which readers might feel left out reading Rumi's poems?
(a) Female.
(b) Young.
(c) Male.
(d) Older.

Short Answer Questions

1. Over time, what has Coleman Barks been able to do with Rumi's poems?

2. What is a Caliph?

3. Over time, Coleman Barks' feelings about the messages in Rumi's poetry have what?

4. The poem "On Being A Lover" is written in what format?

5. Rumi expresses himself in a way that is what?

(see the answer keys)

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