View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a title of one of Rumi's works?

2. Rumi's poetry gives us a glimpse of what?

3. In the poem in Chapter 2, Book 2, about the king who loves the girl, what is Rumi's message about real love?

4. What happens to King Solomon's crown in one of the poems in Book 2, Chapter 1?

5. The third poem in Book 2, Chapter 3 mentions:

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize the countryside man's experience in "Town and Country."

2. What are some of the lessons inherent in the story of the Friend assisting the prisoner through the prayer rug?

3. In one of Rumi's poems, what happens when somebody comes looking for Sheik Kharraqani?

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

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

6. Summarize the folklore Coleman Barks refers to when introducing the poems of Book 2, Chapter 2 to the reader.

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

8. What is the solution to King Solomon's crown constantly sliding down his forehead?

9. Does Rumi disagree with holy scriptures?

10. How familiar were Muslims with Christian concepts during Rumi's era?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how at times, Rumi ventures into the darker aspects of the world to illuminate higher spiritual truths. Refer to some of his short stories and his metaphors to address this topic.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

How does Rumi regard blind acceptance of certain practices, attitudes, and ideas? In his eyes, how can the inner guide serve as a voice of reason and direction when convention tries to pull an individual the wrong way?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 821 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample