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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. Only on the ____________ does one begin to climb.

2. Almustafa says he can only reveal that which lies ________ in the dawning of people's knowledge.

3. When will the snow bound beauty leap upon the hills come spring?

4. What is the harp of the soul?

5. The physician's hand may be heavy and hard, but the tender hand of the ________ guides it.

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Almustafa say that one speaks?

2. How does Almustafa define pain?

3. What does Almustafa claim when evening falls and Almitra blesses the day, the place, and Almustafa's words?

4. Where does one's giant self lie, according to Almustafa?

5. How does Almustafa describe evil? How does he define it?

6. What does Almustafa say that dying means?

7. How does Almustafa describe time?

8. How does Almustafa describe religion?

9. When can people know death's secret, according to Almustafa?

10. To what does Almustafa compare time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When talking about prayer Almustafa says that prayer should not be limited to times of desperation. Why do you think this is true? What is the purpose of prayer? Then he says that you can not pray in words, what do you think this means? What are some other ways to pray?

Essay Topic 2

Almustafa is heading on a journey to another world, it seems, as evidenced by the beginning of the story. The journey can be seen as both symbolic and literal. What do you think this journey represents and why? Is Almustafa the only person who can go on this journey or is this a universal journey? What would you do if you were going on this journey?

Essay Topic 3

The concept of love is something that has been discussed throughout the ages. When Almustafa says that Love neither possesses nor is possessed, what does this mean? How does this play out in relationships and families? What do you think "empty one's self to neither" (in reference to laughter and weeping) means?

(see the answer keys)

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