View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the greater message of Rumi's musings about candles in Chapter 3 of Book 2?
(a) Everything that is positive has a negative side.
(b) The light of a candle is nothing compared to the radiance of the heart.
(c) Sometimes we will need to find our way through the dark.
(d) One will not need a guide upon arriving at the destination of the inner world.

2. After the girl whom the king loves gets better in one of the poems in Chapter 2, Book 2, what does the doctor do?
(a) Kills the sorcerer.
(b) Reveals that the king is a fraud.
(c) Becomes the king's lover.
(d) Strikes her lover dead.

3. In Coleman Barks' folklore introduction to the poems in Chapter 2, Book 2, what is placed inside the pockets of the dead man?
(a) Coins.
(b) Charms.
(c) Firecrackers.
(d) Incense.

4. In one of the poems in Chapter 2, Book 2, a king falls in love with a girl and decides to do what?
(a) Offer her a job.
(b) Kidnap her.
(c) Give her a house.
(d) Step down from the throne.

5. Islam originated with:
(a) Buddha.
(b) Isaac.
(c) Jesus.
(d) Mohammad.

Short Answer Questions

1. The first poem in Book 2, Chapter 3 is about the story of:

2. In the second love story in Chapter 2, Book 2, the three sons end up affected by their reactions to what?

3. What does the smartest of three fish do in the fish tale in Book 2, Chapter 1?

4. In a poem in Book 2, Chapter 1, what happens to the poor man when he vomits?

5. What is the Mathnawi?

Short Essay Questions

1. In one of Rumi's story poems, in what predicament do three fish find themselves?

2. Summarize the folklore Coleman Barks refers to when introducing the poems of Book 2, Chapter 2 to the reader.

3. In one of the stories, a king falls in love with a girl, but she is not aware that he cares for her. How does he get close to her?

4. Instead of doing battle on the military field, what should a good ruler strive for, according to Rumi?

5. What is the primary moral of the "Town and Country" story?

6. In the story where the king is in love with a girl, what ailment has afflicted her?

7. Explain what the Mathnawi is.

8. Why does Rumi advise people to let go of scriptures after reading them?

9. As Sheik, what is Rumi's ruling philosophy?

10. What happens to the three brothers who fall in love with a powerful princess?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 849 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample