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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 notes there is nothing worse than going to ______ without another person, the vague 'you.'

2. Rumi doesn't want "wealth and position." He suggests that in this matter he is "______ resisting the most enormous magnet there is."

3. The destination may be unclear for __________ understanding, according to Rumi, but one should walk anyway.

4. The man compares himself to a __________ in the sunrise, saying that he is lost in his lover's reflection.

5. In the poem "The Prophets" the people wonder "How long should we keep pounding this cold _____?"

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Rumi realize about his friend Shams when he doesn't believe that he is actually dead?

7. Who does Rumi say will not be able to wake to the truth, according to the writings of Rumi?

8. What is the question Shams asks Rumi, which leads Rumi to believe that Shams is a great person?

9. What happens with Joseph's shirt when he gives it to his brothers to help their father?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of translating poems from one language to another is tricky as one can never be sure whether the translation is 'right.'

Part 1: Do you think that an accurate translation is better than one which is more thoughtful?

Part 2: How do you think a poem might change during the course of being translated?

Part 3: Why do you think Coleman Barks thought it necessary to translate these poems?

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

According to Rumi, anything or anyone that is loved reflects the lover's spirituality as love brings one closer to God.

Part 1: What kinds of love do you think Rumi feels are going to best bring someone closer to God?

Part 2: How do you think love brings one closer to God and closer to spiritual fulfillment?

Part 3: Is it possible for everyone to find love and thus to find spiritual fulfillment?

(see the answer keys)

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