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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. The poem in Book 1, Chapter 3 about the lame goat teaches readers how to be good:

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

3. When speaking to the camel in the story in Book 1, Chapter 3, the mouse admits that it is what?

4. Rumi's poems focus on what aspect of life?

5. The poem in Book 1, Chapter 2 about a man who accidentally soils himself includes lessons on which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Coleman Barks associated with Rumi?

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

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

4. Are Rumi's poems emotional or analytical?

5. Explain Rumi's thoughts on love in comparison to jealousy and fear.

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

7. How would one describe the tavern poems?

8. In what ways does God appear in Rumi's poetry?

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

10. Summarize Rumi's early life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Rumi use Muslim and Christian teachings to support his ideas, messages, lessons, and findings? Using at least one example from each religion, show how the religious teaching makes it into Rumi's teachings.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how the poem about a prisoner who is helped by the Friend illuminates lessons on the following:

1. The power of prayer.

2. Trusting a dear friend.

3. Reading between the lines.

4. Finding the hidden messages in a situation.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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