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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to a poem in Book 1, Chapter 2, what happens when you put pond water into a larger body of water?

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

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

4. What is one of the central teachings of Rumi?

5. In the story of a camel and a mouse found in Book 1, Chapter 3, what does the camel do when the two reach a body of water?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the poem about a mouse and a camel convey about friendship and honesty?

2. What does Coleman Barks mean when he indicates that part of his experience of perceiving Rumi's poems is transcendental?

3. What lessons are found within the poem "Cry Out In Your Weakness?"

4. How has Rumi's poetry impacted Coleman Barks?

5. Describe the "short story" model Rumi uses for many of his poems.

6. What might you conclude about Rumi's ideas regarding the importance of friendship?

7. Summarize the poet's message about the importance of balance with respect to the "animal soul."

8. How does Rumi refer to his friends in the poems within Book 1, Chapter 3?

9. How is Coleman Barks associated with Rumi?

10. Explain the disappearances of Rumi's friend, Shams.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Rumi's poems involving a mouse and a frog. What key points is Rumi trying to make through these poems? What lessons can a person learn from these poems and apply to his or her life?

Essay Topic 2

Rumi writes about numerous love triangles. Summarize the stories and lessons associated with the following complicated "triangles:"

1. The case where three brothers fall in love with a Chinese princess.

2. The case where a king falls in love with a girl and her doctor, but the girl is in love with another person.

Essay Topic 3

What do Coleman Barks' prefaces add to the interpretation of Rumi's works? Explain how Barks facilitates understanding of the poet's writings. Use specific examples from the book.

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