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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. In some of his poems, Rumi refers to religious figures:

2. In the poem in Book 1, Chapter 2, about a man who wants a tattoo, what dilemma does he face?

3. When the animal soul that Rumi refers to is lacking, it leads to what?

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

5. Who were Rumi's three main friends who inspired much of his poetry?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would one describe the tavern poems?

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

3. What is the poet's message about friendship in his writings about a frog and a mouse?

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

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

6. Briefly explain Rumi's metaphor of sugar and vinegar.

7. What makes Rumi's poems emotionally well integrated?

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

9. Are Rumi's poems emotional or analytical?

10. What are the underlying themes in Rumi's poem about sexual passion where a city is invaded and one of the invaders falls in love with a woman there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Rumi was a poet who wore many different hats. Analyze Rumi's role as:

1. Religious leader.

2. Political leader.

3. Peacekeeper.

Essay Topic 3

Summarize the story about three fish with varying intelligence levels. What conclusions does Rumi reach at the end of this story? How has each fish benefited in his own way?

(see the answer keys)

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