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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
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.
