Literary Devices
This literary device is used when Rumi compares the human mind to a guest house.
Metaphor
The poem describes sorrow as this, which empties the house of its furniture.
A violent crowd
The "guest house" in the poem symbolizes this
The mind or the self
The tone of the poem when Rumi advises welcoming every emotion with laughter.
Playful
Rumi uses this device when he describes emotions as visitors who arrive at the guest house.
Personification
The image of "a new arrival every morning" represents this aspect of the human experience.
The constant arrival of new emotions.
The central theme of the poem involves this attitude toward all emotions and experiences.
Embracing and accepting all emotions.
The mood of the poem when it talks about experiencing both joy and sorrow.
Reflective
The line "violently sweep your house empty of its furniture" uses this literary device to emphasize the impact of sorrow.
Hyperbole
This imagery is used to suggest that negative experiences can prepare us for future joy.
Clearing out the house for new delight.
Rumi’s suggestion to "meet them at the door laughing" reflects this philosophical approach.
A playful and accepting attitude towards all of life's experiences.
The tone in the line "He may be clearing you out for some new delight."
Hopeful/optimistic