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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the poem "Meadowsounds," Rumi devotes two lines to:
(a) Shams.
(b) Ayaz.
(c) Hallej.
(d) Husam.

2. What is the "animal soul" that Rumi writes about?
(a) The spirit found within animals.
(b) The guardian of the animal kingdom.
(c) A concept that only young children comprehend.
(d) The wilder, more instinctive part of a person.

3. Why did Rumi's family flee the place of his birth?
(a) They feared the ruler of the region.
(b) They feared a Mongol invasion.
(c) The land was struck by drought.
(d) The land was attacked by Turks.

4. The poem in Book 1, Chapter 2 about a man who accidentally soils himself includes lessons on which of the following?
(a) Strength and power.
(b) Release from shame.
(c) Illusions.
(d) Self-control.

5. Much of Rumi's poetry is:
(a) Cryptic.
(b) Sarcastic.
(c) Subdued.
(d) Passionate.

6. "Cry Out In Your Weakness" is a poem about:
(a) Justice.
(b) Strength.
(c) Weakness.
(d) Punishment.

7. According to Rumi, people who choose from their own free will come from:
(a) Immorality.
(b) Love.
(c) Fear.
(d) Confusion.

8. Rumi's works are deeply:
(a) Irreverent.
(b) Sorrowful.
(c) Emotional.
(d) Humorous.

9. In the story of a camel and a mouse found in Book 1, Chapter 3, what does the camel do when the two reach a body of water?
(a) Encourages the mouse to continue.
(b) Runs away.
(c) Tosses the mouse into the water.
(d) Takes a bath.

10. At times the character Hallaj can be tender and loving, but other times he can be what?
(a) Abusive.
(b) Clumsy.
(c) Whiny.
(d) Insecure.

11. In a poem in Book 1, Chapter 2, when a city is taken by siege, what happens to one of the invaders?
(a) Falls in love instantly.
(b) Becomes a double agent.
(c) Is taken prisoner immediately.
(d) Is tricked and poisoned.

12. What main lesson does Rumi impart through his poem about a man who wants a tattoo in Book 1, Chapter 2?
(a) A person must listen to one's own heart rather than the babble of others.
(b) Tattoos are a waste of time and money.
(c) A man better have enough money before he goes about desiring frivolous things.
(d) When embarking upon a task, one must be prepared for the associated pain.

13. What region in Afghanistan did Rumi come from?
(a) Chimtal.
(b) Zari.
(c) Balkh.
(d) Kaldar.

14. After Shams went away the first time, how did he return?
(a) Rumi sent out searchers to bring him back.
(b) Rumi promised a promotion if he came back.
(c) He accompanied a group of nomads.
(d) He came back via boat.

15. When the man in a poem in Book 1, Chapter 2 accidentally soils himself, what does his host and friend do?
(a) Evicts him from his home.
(b) Leaves for three days while his servants clean the home.
(c) Launders the garments and helps the man feel better.
(d) Laughs loudly and humiliates the man.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to a poem in Book 1, Chapter 2, what happens when you put pond water into a larger body of water?

2. In a poem in Book 1, Chapter 3 about Ayaz the courtier, what command does the king give?

3. Many of Rumi's poems reveal that life is not two-dimensional; on the contrary, it is very:

4. As the bond of friendship that Rumi writes about between a frog and its animal friend grows, the two animals find that their wish for each other's company:

5. One of the key attributes of the character Ayaz is what?

(see the answer keys)

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