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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. "______ think they're looking for each other, but there's only one search: wandering the world."

2. Those who do not wake to the truth, according to Rumi, are those who do not embrace the beauty of __________.

3. Jelaluddin Rumi was born in the remote town of _______ in what is now Afghanistan.

4. Rumi asserts in his poems that "the miracle of ______ is himself, not what he said or did about the future."

5. In one of the poems Rumi states, "We are charlatans... or maybe just a ______ hair brush in a painter's hand."

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the reed when it is cut, according to the writings of Rumi?

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

3. Why was Shams pushed out of the area by the students of Rumi, according to the beginning of the book?

4. Describe the metaphor Rumi uses when it comes to the black sky and the moon.

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

6. What should a person do with their life instead of acting from fear, according to the writings of Rumi?

7. What will happen after the traveler's legs become tired during the journey?

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

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

10. 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?

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 continues to use metaphors in the poems, helping to show the reader how they are akin to other beings and plants in the world.

Part 1: Why do you think poets rely on metaphors to help them with their messages?

Part 2: Do you think it's better to use metaphors or to speak directly to a reader?

Part 3: How do you think the metaphors affect a reader? How did the metaphors affect you as you read them?

Essay Topic 3

Rumi says that the reader should focus on the now and not look ahead to the future.

Part 1: Why do you think that it's more important to focus on the now? Do you agree?

Part 2: How do you think staying in the present can help a person develop spiritually and emotionally?

Part 3: Do you believe that you focus more on the future or on the present moment?

(see the answer keys)

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