Book Summary: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love is a profound exploration of spirituality, love, and self-discovery. The novel intertwines two parallel narratives: one set in contemporary times, following Ella Rubinstein, a disillusioned housewife, and the other in the 13th century, chronicling the transformative relationship between the poet Rumi and the wandering dervish Shams of Tabriz. Through its dual timelines and exploration of universal themes, the novel invites readers to question the nature of love, faith, and purpose.
Structure of the Novel
The book alternates between Ella Rubinstein’s modern-day journey and the historical relationship between Rumi and Shams of Tabriz. The two stories converge through a manuscript that Ella reads, written by a fictional author, Aziz Z. Zahara. The novel is divided into five parts, mirroring the stages of love in Sufi tradition: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, and Void.
Chapter-Wise Summary
Part 1: Earth – The Root of Love
Ella Rubinstein’s Life
The novel opens in Northampton, Massachusetts, where Ella Rubinstein lives a seemingly perfect but unfulfilled life as a housewife. Her marriage to David is strained, and her relationship with her children is distant. Ella takes a job as a reader for a literary agency and is assigned to review a manuscript titled Sweet Blasphemy, written by Aziz Z. Zahara.
Sweet Blasphemy: Shams of Tabriz
The manuscript begins with the story of Shams of Tabriz, a wandering dervish in search of spiritual enlightenment. Shams receives a divine vision instructing him to find Rumi, a renowned scholar in Konya, and become his spiritual guide. Shams is portrayed as a radical mystic who challenges societal norms and conventional religious practices.
Ella’s Correspondence with Aziz
Intrigued by the manuscript, Ella begins corresponding with Aziz via email. Aziz’s philosophical insights and openness gradually challenge Ella’s worldview, leading her to question her beliefs about love and faith.
Part 2: Water – The Dance of Love
The Meeting of Rumi and Shams
In Sweet Blasphemy, Shams arrives in Konya and meets Rumi. Their first encounter is transformative, with Shams posing provocative questions that unsettle Rumi’s rigid scholarly mindset. The relationship between the two men becomes a profound spiritual bond, with Shams introducing Rumi to the “forty rules of love,” a set of spiritual principles rooted in Sufism.
Ella’s Inner Turmoil
Ella’s growing connection with Aziz begins to awaken her suppressed emotions and desires. Her exchanges with Aziz reveal cracks in her marriage and her dissatisfaction with the life she has been living.
The Forty Rules of Love
Through Shams’ teachings, the novel introduces the forty rules, which emphasize the universality of love, the importance of inner transformation, and the necessity of transcending ego. One such rule states, “The path to the Truth is a labor of the heart, not of the head.”
Part 3: Wind – The Power of Love
Shams’ Teachings and Conflict
As Shams continues to guide Rumi, his radical ideas provoke resentment among Rumi’s followers and family. Shams challenges their hypocrisy and materialism, emphasizing spiritual freedom over dogma. This creates tension, as many view Shams as a threat to Rumi’s reputation.
Ella and Aziz’s Growing Bond
Ella’s conversations with Aziz intensify, and she begins to see her life through a new lens. Aziz reveals that he is a wandering Sufi himself, living a life guided by love and faith. Ella is drawn to his perspective, finding solace in his words.
Rumi’s Transformation
Under Shams’ influence, Rumi undergoes a profound transformation. He abandons his role as a scholar and embraces poetry and music as expressions of divine love. This shift alienates him from his family and community, but it also marks the birth of his identity as a mystic poet.
Part 4: Fire – The Trial of Love
The Jealousy of Rumi’s Inner Circle
As Rumi’s bond with Shams deepens, jealousy and suspicion grow among his followers, particularly his eldest son, Aladdin. They accuse Shams of manipulating Rumi and conspiring to disrupt their community.
Ella’s Decision
Inspired by Aziz’s philosophy, Ella begins to question her marriage and the life she has built. Aziz invites her to meet him in Amsterdam, forcing Ella to confront her fears and desires. She realizes that love requires courage and self-sacrifice.
Betrayal and Tragedy
In Sweet Blasphemy, Shams is betrayed by Rumi’s followers, who plot against him. Aladdin, driven by jealousy, plays a key role in orchestrating Shams’ downfall. Shams disappears under mysterious circumstances, leaving Rumi devastated.
Part 5: Void – The Fulfillment of Love
Rumi’s Grief and Creativity
Shams’ disappearance plunges Rumi into deep sorrow. This loss becomes the catalyst for his greatest poetic works, including the Masnavi, which celebrates divine love and human longing. Rumi’s poetry reflects his spiritual awakening and his enduring bond with Shams.
Ella’s Transformation
Ella decides to meet Aziz, leaving her family behind to pursue a life guided by love and authenticity. She learns that Aziz is terminally ill, but his teachings inspire her to embrace the present moment and live with purpose. Ella’s journey symbolizes the transformative power of love and the courage to follow one’s heart.
The Legacy of Shams and Rumi
The novel concludes by highlighting the enduring influence of Rumi and Shams’ teachings, which continue to inspire people around the world. The forty rules of love serve as a guide for transcending boundaries and embracing the divine essence of love.
Key Themes
1. The Nature of Love
The novel explores love in its various forms—romantic, spiritual, and universal. Through the forty rules, Shafak emphasizes that love is a transformative force that transcends societal norms and personal limitations.
2. Spiritual Awakening
Both Rumi and Ella undergo profound spiritual awakenings, guided by Shams and Aziz, respectively. The novel highlights the importance of inner transformation and the courage to question established beliefs.
3. The Clash Between Tradition and Radicalism
Shams’ teachings challenge the conventional religious practices of his time, exposing the tension between dogma and spirituality. This theme resonates in Ella’s modern-day journey as she questions societal expectations.
4. Loss and Transformation
Shams’ disappearance and Aziz’s death underscore the inevitability of loss. However, the novel portrays loss as a catalyst for growth and creativity, as seen in Rumi’s poetic legacy and Ella’s new life.
Character Analysis
Ella Rubinstein
Ella begins as a passive and unfulfilled character but evolves into a courageous woman who embraces love and authenticity. Her transformation reflects the universal struggle to find purpose and meaning.
Shams of Tabriz
Shams is a mystic and disruptor who embodies the principles of Sufism. His teachings and actions challenge societal norms, making him both revered and reviled.
Rumi
Rumi’s journey from a conventional scholar to a mystical poet symbolizes the power of love and spirituality to transform lives. His relationship with Shams serves as the foundation for his poetic legacy.
Aziz Z. Zahara
Aziz is a modern-day counterpart to Shams, guiding Ella toward self-discovery. His philosophy bridges the historical and contemporary narratives, emphasizing the timelessness of the novel’s themes.
Conclusion
The Forty Rules of Love is a powerful exploration of love, spirituality, and self-discovery. By interweaving historical and modern narratives, Elif Shafak demonstrates the enduring relevance of Rumi and Shams’ teachings. The novel invites readers to embrace the transformative power of love, challenging societal norms and personal fears. Through its poetic language and profound themes, The Forty Rules of Love inspires a deeper understanding of life’s most essential truths.