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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Book 2, Chapter 3, Ayaz is able to follow orders, but is also able to go beyond being just:
(a) A crafty spy.
(b) A simple follower.
(c) A devoted husband.
(d) A naive cook.

2. When King Solomon woos a queen in Book 2, Chapter 1, he asks that she do what?
(a) Prove her love for him.
(b) Leave her children behind.
(c) Give up her worldly possessions.
(d) Learn how to cook.

3. When somebody goes looking for Kharraqani, he finds him doing what?
(a) Riding a lion while gathering firewood.
(b) Riding a bear while gathering berries.
(c) Polishing his sword.
(d) Polishing his silver.

4. In the section called "Solomon Poems," Rumi's poetry makes direct references to:
(a) Islam and Christianity.
(b) Judaism and Buddhism.
(c) Hinduism and Christianity.
(d) Buddhism and Islam.

5. What does Rumi note about the light-giving properties of candles in Book 2, Chapter 3?
(a) They can light only so much before the wax runs out.
(b) They light the way at night, but their glow is diminished during the day.
(c) They give hope to the traveler returning home from a long journey.
(d) They bring joy to observers during feasts and holidays.

6. What is the greater message of Rumi's musings about candles in Chapter 3 of Book 2?
(a) Everything that is positive has a negative side.
(b) One will not need a guide upon arriving at the destination of the inner world.
(c) The light of a candle is nothing compared to the radiance of the heart.
(d) Sometimes we will need to find our way through the dark.

7. Rumi wrote freely about various religious figures because he was familiar with them and:
(a) Wanted to be diplomatic.
(b) Needed their teachings to support his images.
(c) Wanted to point out their flaws.
(d) Comfortable with their teachings.

8. In the story of three fish that possess some measure of intelligence, found in Book 2, Chapter 1, who do the fish face?
(a) A hungry crocodile.
(b) Human fishermen.
(c) Bigger fish.
(d) Three insects.

9. One of the messages of the poem about three brothers who fall in love with a princess in Chapter 2, Book 2, could well be concerning the importance of:
(a) Confidence.
(b) Determination.
(c) Politeness.
(d) Hierarchy.

10. In a poem in Book 2, Chapter 1, what happens to the poor man when he vomits?
(a) He's taken to the hospital.
(b) He's cast away.
(c) He's healed.
(d) He reaches a higher spiritual level.

11. In a poem in Chapter 2, Book 2, how does the sick girl who has an "emotional thorn" and who is loved by a king get better?
(a) She is happy to be reunited with her family.
(b) She is healed by a questionable sorcerer.
(c) She is cured by costly medicines.
(d) She is accepted by the man she loves.

12. What does the smartest of the three fish fear, in the story in Book 2, Chapter 1?
(a) His own weakness.
(b) His lack of faith.
(c) His friends' intentions.
(d) The other fish.

13. In the second love story in Chapter 2, Book 2, the three sons end up affected by their reactions to what?
(a) The unexpected death of the woman all three love.
(b) What turns out to be nothing but a rumor.
(c) Limits imposed on them by their employer.
(d) What is forbidden to them.

14. In the poem in Chapter 2, Book 2, about the king who loves the girl, what is Rumi's message about real love?
(a) Real love causes a person to do beautiful things.
(b) Real love depends on more than just physical beauty.
(c) Infatuation will do until real love is discovered.
(d) In rare cases, infatuation is equivalent to real love.

15. What does Rumi note about the destructive properties of candles in Book 2, Chapter 3?
(a) Even in daylight candles can burn cloth.
(b) They burn images into the mind as easily as they burn hands.
(c) One candle can ruin a whole village.
(d) Too much truth can be revealed by candlelight.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the final story of Ayaz and the king, found in Book 2, Chapter 3, what do courtiers bring back to the king?

2. Islam originated with:

3. Despite high tension between different religions during his lifetime, Rumi was able to do what?

4. The people who are jealous of a particular man in a poem in Book 2, Chapter 3, do not think they are better than him; rather, they are displeased with:

5. In one poem in Book 2, Chapter 1, Rumi uses the image of Jesus Christ riding atop a donkey to explain a lesson about what?

(see the answer keys)

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