# XCV explained — The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

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

## What happens

The speaker reflects on the paradoxical value of wine, which, despite being seen as an infidel that robs honor, is still more precious than anything the vintners could buy with its price.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hedonism and Wine

Wine is portrayed as a precious, almost sacred commodity, despite its reputation as an infidel.

### Skepticism and Doubt

The speaker questions the moral judgment against wine, suggesting its value outweighs any loss.

## Character check-ins

### The Bonhomme

The speaker, reflecting on wine's cost and value.

## Key lines

> And much as Wine has play’d the Infidel, And robb’d me of my Robe of Honour⁠—Well, I wonder often what the Vintners buy One half so precious as the stuff they sell.

Though wine has been a faithless thief, stealing my honor, I still wonder what the vintners purchase that is even half as valuable as the wine they sell.

_The speaker defends wine's worth against moral condemnation._

## Links

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