Quatrain 159 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a profound meditation on the impermanence of life and the vanity of earthly power.

The Speaking Jug: The image of a speaking jug is a powerful metaphor for the wisdom gained through experience.
The Fall from Power: The poet reveals a past life as a king, suggesting a fall from a position of great power and privilege.
The Cycle of Life: The transformation from king to jug symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change.
The Vanity of Material Possessions: The golden goblet represents the fleeting nature of material wealth and the emptiness it can bring.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Wisdom of Experience: The speaking jug symbolizes the wisdom that comes with age and experience.
The Futility of Power: The poem suggests that power and wealth are ultimately meaningless.
The Equality of All Things: The transformation from king to jug suggests that all beings are equal in the face of death.

In essence, this rubai is a reflection on the impermanence of life and the importance of finding meaning beyond material possessions.