# LXXXI explained — The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

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

## What happens

The speaker addresses God, questioning why humanity was created from base earth and why temptation (the Snake) was placed in Paradise, then asks God to forgive humanity's sins and accept that forgiveness in return.

## Themes in this chapter

### Determinism and Fate

The poem questions divine creation and the predetermined role of humanity, implying a struggle with fate and responsibility.

### Skepticism and Doubt

The speaker expresses doubt about God's justice in creating sin and then punishing humanity, challenging theological assumptions.

## Key lines

> Oh, Thou, who Man of baser Earth didst make, And ev'n with Paradise devise the Snake: For all the Sin wherewith the Face of Man Is blacken'd—Man's forgiveness give—and take!

O God, You created humans from lowly clay and even placed the serpent in Paradise to tempt them. Since You are responsible for all the sin that stains humanity, forgive us—and accept our forgiveness in return.

_The speaker paradoxically asks God to forgive humanity for sins that God Himself orchestrated, suggesting a reciprocal or ironic relationship between creator and created._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters/lxxxi
- 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