The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám · Chapter
LXXXV explained
A second voice argues that a benevolent creator would not destroy the vessel He made with His own hand, questioning the notion of divine wrath and destruction.
What happens
A second voice argues that a benevolent creator would not destroy the vessel He made with His own hand, questioning the notion of divine wrath and destruction.
Themes in this chapter
The Potter and Clay Metaphor
The metaphor of the potter and vessel is used to question whether a creator would destroy His own creation.
Skepticism and Doubt
The speaker expresses doubt about divine wrath and the consistency of a benevolent creator.
Characters to notice
- The Bonhomme
The second speaker, presenting a theological argument against divine destruction.
Key passages
“Ne’er a peevish Boy Would break the Bowl from which he drank in joy; And He that with his hand the Vessel made Will surely not in after Wrath destroy.”
No one would smash a cup they happily drank from, so the Creator who made the vessel would not later destroy it in anger.
The speaker argues that a loving creator would not destroy His own creation.