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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. Rumi urges the reader to let go of the _____, the covering clothes, and to be naked in the world, according to his writing.

2. When a man is approached by a person who wants to bring his reluctant cousin to a spiritual leader, what is used to convince the cousin?

3. A baby __________ hears a whistling and is thus driven to fly into the sky, according to Rumi.

4. Rumi states, in "The Prophets" no one knows if the _______ will sink or reach the harbor.

5. Since the reed was cut from the bed, it has made a ___________ sound, according to the description by Rumi.

Short Essay Questions

1. What will happen to a person's present life when they are going on a spiritual journey, according to the writings of Rumi?

2. What does Rumi have to say about the road to Mecca when he is describing the idea that some mysteries aren't meant to be known?

3. What do Barks and Rumi have to say about the rhythms and the way that a person breathes in their life?

4. What does Barks have to say about Rumi as being a True Human Being? What does Barks say this means?

5. What is the metaphor Rumi uses to urge the reader to take risks in their life?

6. What is the story of Ramahrishna that Rumi tells at the start of this section of the book?

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

8. What does Rumi say has happened since he has been knocking on a door?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The spirituality in these poems is apparent, even if it's not clear there is a specific dogma to which Rumi ascribes.

Part 1: Why do you think spirituality was so important to Rumi when he was writing his poems?

Part 2: Do you think that spirituality informs all writing or just poetry?

Part 3: How do you think the poems might have changed without the introduction of spirituality?

Essay Topic 2

Rumi says that the emptiness inside of a person is what allows for music to be sung and heard.

Part 1: What do you think Rumi means by the emptiness inside of a person?

Part 2: Do you agree that having emptiness is essential for creating music in one's life?

Part 3: How do you think a person can cultivate emptiness in order to create music in one's life?

Essay Topic 3

In many cases, Rumi seems to be struggling with his feelings about God and about his life, writing them out in his poems.

Part 1: Do you think it's normal to have problems deciding what you feel about your religion and your faith?

Part 2: Why do you think Rumi continues to struggle with his relationship with God, its meaning, and its importance?

Part 3: Should there come a time when you don't have to struggle with the idea of your faith anymore?

(see the answer keys)

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