Quatrain 115 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam offers a profound meditation on the creation and destruction of life.

The cup as a metaphor: The cup symbolizes human life, fragile and beautiful.
The Mind Divine: This refers to the creative force behind the universe, the one who shapes and molds everything.
The Potter of Time: Time is personified as a potter who creates and destroys, much like a potter shaping and then breaking a pot.
The fragility of life: The image of the delicate cup being shattered highlights the fragility and impermanence of human existence.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The cycle of life and death: The poem suggests a cyclical view of life, with creation and destruction being an integral part of the cosmic process.
The beauty and tragedy of existence: The beauty of human life is contrasted with the inevitability of death.
The search for meaning: The poet seems to question the purpose of creation and the reason for the destruction of such beautiful things.

In essence, this rubai is a philosophical exploration of the human condition and the mysteries of the universe.