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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. Rumi blends images from Christianity and Islam to:

2. In one of the love stories of Chapter 2, Book 2, what happens when three sons meet a powerful Chinese princess?

3. In each of the love triangles presented in Chapter 2, Book 2, the woman's behavior:

4. At the start of the group of poems in Book 2, Chapter 2, Coleman Barks gives an introduction that includes folklore from what religious tradition?

5. Wanting to help the sick girl he loves, the king in a poem in Chapter 2, Book 2 decides to do what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the significance of candles in this last section of the book.

2. How familiar were Muslims with Christian concepts during Rumi's era?

3. How did Islam come about?

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

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

6. How does the story of the king and the girl he loves end?

7. What is the solution to King Solomon's crown constantly sliding down his forehead?

8. In the poem where three brothers fall in love with the same woman, describe the person they fall in love with.

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

10. Why is jealousy a recurrent theme in Rumi's work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do Coleman Barks' prefaces add to the interpretation of Rumi's works? Explain how Barks facilitates understanding of the poet's writings. Use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze what the poet says and infers with regards to ethics. Then, compare and contrast some of his ideas with modern-day ethics thinking. Use examples from his poems to support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

How does Rumi use Muslim and Christian teachings to support his ideas, messages, lessons, and findings? Using at least one example from each religion, show how the religious teaching makes it into Rumi's teachings.

(see the answer keys)

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