The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám · Chapter
LXXXVIII explained
A speaker dismisses the notion of a creator who would punish flawed creations, asserting instead that the creator is a 'Good Fellow' and all will ultimately be well.
What happens
A speaker dismisses the notion of a creator who would punish flawed creations, asserting instead that the creator is a 'Good Fellow' and all will ultimately be well.
Themes in this chapter
The Potter and Clay Metaphor
The chapter uses the potter and clay allegory to question divine judgment and suggest a benevolent creator.
Skepticism and Doubt
The speaker expresses skepticism about the threat of punishment for imperfect creations.
Characters to notice
- The Bonhomme
The speaker who dismisses the threat of damnation for flawed pots.
Key passages
“Why, said another, some there are who tell Of one who threatens he will toss to Hell The luckless Pots he marr'd in making—Pish! He's a Good Fellow, and 'twill all be well.”
Another speaker says that some people claim a creator threatens to damn the flawed pots he made, but the speaker dismisses this, insisting the creator is kind and everything will turn out fine.
The speaker rejects the idea of a punitive creator, affirming a benevolent outcome.