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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. 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 accepted by the man she loves.
(b) She is healed by a questionable sorcerer.
(c) She is happy to be reunited with her family.
(d) She is cured by costly medicines.

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

5. At the start of the group of poems in Book 2, Chapter 2, Coleman Barks gives an introduction that includes folklore from what religious tradition?
(a) Judaic.
(b) Christian.
(c) Hindu.
(d) Taoist.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rumi explains to readers that in our lives, God can be both active and:

2. What does Rumi note about the destructive properties of candles in Book 2, Chapter 3?

3. In the second love story in Chapter 2, Book 2, the three sons end up affected by their reactions to what?

4. What does the least intelligent fish do in the tale of three fish in Book 2, Chapter 1?

5. In a poem in Book 2, Chapter 1, what happens to the poor man when he vomits?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the outcome for each of three fish in one of Rumi's poems?

2. In one of Rumi's stories, how does a wise man end up helping a poor man by showing "tough love?"

3. What happens to the three brothers who fall in love with a powerful princess?

4. Why is jealousy a recurrent theme in Rumi's work?

5. How are the men's experiences similar in "Town and Country?"

6. Instead of doing battle on the military field, what should a good ruler strive for, according to Rumi?

7. What does King Solomon want from the Queen of Sheba?

8. How does the story of the king and the girl he loves end?

9. In the poem where three brothers fall in love with the same woman, describe the person they fall in love with.

10. Explain how Rumi uses the idea of Jesus riding a donkey as a metaphor.

(see the answer keys)

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