# LXI explained — The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

> Chapter companion for The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám by Omar Khayyám.

## What happens

The speaker questions the morality of wine, suggesting that if it is a divine blessing, it should be enjoyed, and if a curse, the responsibility lies with its creator, not the user.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hedonism and Wine

The stanza defends the use of wine as a divine gift, challenging moral condemnation.

### Skepticism and Doubt

The speaker questions the logic of blaming the user for a curse placed by God, reflecting doubt about conventional morality.

## Key lines

> Why, be this Juice the growth of God, who dare Blaspheme the twisted tendril as a Snare? A Blessing, we should use it, should we not? And if a Curse⁠—why, then, Who set it there?

If wine is created by God, who would dare call it a trap? If it's a blessing, we should enjoy it; if it's a curse, then who put it there?

_The speaker uses rhetorical questions to challenge the condemnation of wine, placing responsibility on the divine creator._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters/lxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters