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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. Hafiz describes the unity of God and his worshipers in the poem "Laughing at the word _______."

2. Hafiz asks the reader to forgive this illusory life for its painfulness in the poem "Forgive the _____".

3. The poem "The Millstone's _____" describes God's unique ability to speak to the hearts deepest longings.

4. The poem "Love is the Funeral Pyre" returns to the idea of burning away all that is ______.

5. It is suggested in the fourth chapter that ______ is a transformer of perspective and character.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ladinsky have to say about his interpretation of Hafiz and what he did with the translation?

2. What does Hafiz send with the animals in order to spy on God in "The Ear that was Sold to a Fish"?

3. What is the purpose of Hafiz's desire to speak the universal truths in his poems, according to the translator?

4. What is the main metaphor which is being used when Hafiz writes, "Looking for a Good Fish"?

5. What is the symbolism which is being used in "Please," according to this translation of Hafiz?

6. Why were Hafiz's poems destroyed by the fundamentalist Islamic leadership?

7. What is the overall expression found in "A Strange Feather, " according to this translation of Hafiz?

8. What does Hafiz believe about the power of God and his power in the world of men?

9. What is the request Hafiz makes of believers in the poem, "Out of This Mess"?

10. What is the symbolism used to describe God in "Lifts Beyond Conception,"according to this translation of Hafiz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fellowship, according to Hafiz, is seen in those who have shed guilt and who see themselves as children of God.

Part 1: How do you think a person can fully shed the guilt in their lives?

Part 2: Do you agree that people should see themselves as the children of God?

Part 3: Why do you think that people should seek out fellowship?

Essay Topic 2

Hafiz points out that man can become preoccupied by ideas that are not important.

Part 1: Do you feel you can become distracted by things which are not important?

Part 2: Why do you think the men are so easily distracted by these unimportant thoughts?

Part 3: Do you think it's possible to completely avoid unimportant thoughts?

Essay Topic 3

Some say that Hafiz was directly connected with God and was able to speak his words as a result.

Part 1: Do you agree that Hafiz was directly connected with God?

Part 2: Why do you think that Hafiz was able to talk in such a spiritual manner in his poetry?

Part 3: Do you feel that Hafiz is imparting wisdom that is new to the world?

(see the answer keys)

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