Quatrain 171 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyám offers a profound meditation on the nature of human existence and the impermanence of power and wealth.

The Potter's Workshop as a Metaphor: The potter's workshop serves as a metaphor for the universe, where a divine creator shapes all beings.
Equality in Death: The image of the potter creating vessels from the remains of a king and a beggar suggests that all humans are equal in death, regardless of their social status or earthly possessions.
The Impermanence of Life: The poem emphasizes the transient nature of life and the futility of worldly pursuits.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Unity of All Beings: The poem suggests that all beings are ultimately made of the same substance and are destined for the same fate.
The Futility of Material Possessions: The image of the king and the beggar having their remains used to create the same object highlights the insignificance of material wealth and power.
The Divine Craftsman: The potter can be seen as a symbol of a divine creator, who shapes the destinies of all beings.

In essence, this rubai is a reflection on the human condition and the importance of recognizing the equality of all people.