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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Since the reed was cut from the bed, it has made a ___________ sound, according to the description by Rumi.
(a) Joyful.
(b) Angry.
(c) Crying.
(d) Mysterious.

2. According to the book, when Rumi realized the greatness of Shams, he fell off his _______ unconscious.
(a) Elephant.
(b) Donkey.
(c) Camel.
(d) Horse.

3. Rumi suggests that "sitting in hell at the bottom of the dark, we are afraid of our own ________."
(a) Immortality.
(b) Immensity.
(c) Love.
(d) Smallness.

4. Rumi asks when seeing the birds flying in frenzied patterns whether the one he _______ is everywhere.
(a) Believes.
(b) Worships.
(c) Avoids.
(d) Loves.

5. Rumi's poetry can be thought of as a conversation with _______, a discussion of what it is to be together in God.
(a) Moses.
(b) Muhammad.
(c) Shams.
(d) St. Francis.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rumi points out that while others are laughing and dancing, there are few who will hear the ________ hidden within the notes.

2. Rumi relishes things like walking, meditation, and fasting as they help to bring a person into ____________.

3. Rumi asks the reader to let their _______ move them, playing music instead of reading as they go along.

4. ______ was killed on December 5, 1247, after being exiled and returning on several different occasions.

5. Rumi states that "the human shape is a _______ made of distraction and pain, trying to open the image of itself."

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the profession of Rumi when Barks introduces him at the beginning of this book?

2. What does Zuleikha, an Egyptian woman in love with Joseph, do with the shirt that Joseph wears in the story?

3. What doesn't matter in the midst of an orchard in the spring, according to the writings of Rumi?

4. What does Rumi do when he is so impressed with the depth of the knowledge of Shams?

5. What are the amazing things prophets have done, according to the writings of Rumi?

6. How does breathing help to calm a person, according to Barks' thoughts at the beginning of the section?

7. What happens after Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, according to the writings of Rumi?

8. What is the metaphor Rumi uses in order to describe the pull of love in one's life and how one should be pulled by love?

9. What are some of the ways a person will be able to bring themselves into the present moment, according to Barks?

10. To what does Rumi compare human beings who do not explore their own spirituality?

(see the answer keys)

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