The Rubaiyat

1. The Rubaiyat Which lines or phrases in poem VII might serve as a moral in a didactic story? For what condition is “behind the Veil” a metaphor? In poem XXVIII, what seeds did the speaker sow?

2. The Rubaiyat • Which lines or phrases in poem VII might serve as a moral in a didactic story? • Life is short, so live life to the fullest. • For what condition is “behind the Veil” a metaphor? • It is a metaphor for passing from life to death.

3. The Rubaiyat • In poem XXVIII, what seeds did the speaker sow? • The speaker sows the seed of wisdom. • Read poem LXXI and paraphrase what the Moving Finger does. • It writes and moves on. • What does the figurative language stress about fate and human power? • Human beings are powerless to change fate or understand God’s plan.

4. The Rubaiyat • 2a. The wine of life is oozing drop by drop. • 2b. It is like a tree with falling leaves. • 2c. Life has an end point and is transient. • 3a. He needs wine, a loaf of bread, a book of verses, and his beloved. • 3b. The speaker’s beloved. • 3c. No, his needs are simple, and he is content.

5. The Rubaiyat • 4a. Our hopes turn to ashes or they prosper briefly before we die. • 4b. They relate to the second option because he prospered then died. • 4c. There is no difference and both die. • 5a. The speaker’s philosophy is carpe diem and is advising to live life to the fullest. • 5b. Enjoy life but one’s life should be meaningful.