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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. Anyone or anything that is loved reflects the lover's ____________, according to Barks in relation to the Sufis.

2. The poet calls out for his _____'s return and to re-live their union during the course of one of his poems.

3. Rumi also believes that a reader should _________, even if they don't mean it at first.

4. Barks talks about a teacher, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, who taught both himself and MIchael Green, the book's __________.

5. The __________ is the reason for the praying, according to Allah, as Rumi recollects in one of his poems.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the poet ask Shams and the Sun to help him in his poems, according to the writings of Rumi?

2. What happens during the chess game between Shams and Rumi, according to Barks?

3. What happens as the result of surrendering to love, according to the writings of Rumi?

4. What does Rumi think that cow might experience when they are in Baghdad?

5. What are the three ways in which Rumi could write, according to Shams?

6. How does Rumi describe the person named David in his writings and poems?

7. What does the fragrance bring back to Rumi, when he's lost a connection to a loved one, according to the poem?

8. What does Rumi have to say about the gamble of love and what does he urge the reader to do?

9. What does Rumi say that he doesn't regret in his life, according to one of his poems?

10. What does Rumi tell the reader to do in order to start their own spiritual journey, like Moses or Joseph did?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rumi is a man who asked a lot of questions, if the poems are to be believed as being his life retold.

Part 1: Why do you think it's important to ask a lot of questions?

Part 2: How do you think a person might learn in life if they don't ask any questions?

Part 3: Are you a person who likes to ask a lot of questions? Why do you ask a lot of questions or why don't you?

Essay Topic 2

Some of the poems in this collection of Rumi's work celebrate the idea of openness in life and in spirit.

Part 1: Why do you think openness is essential in life?

Part 2: Do you think that openness is something which can be easily cultivated in life?

Part 3: How do you think that you can personally cultivate more openness in your own life?

Essay Topic 3

Human beings can change, according to Rumi, which is something the reader needs to keep in mind.

Part 1: Why do you think it's important to remember that human beings can change?

Part 2: Do you think that you are capable of change in your own life?

Part 3: How do you think human beings are capable of change?

(see the answer keys)

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