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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Erasmus marvels that present-day ears can bear to hear only what?
(a) Pedantic poetry.
(b) Music.
(c) Honorific titles.
(d) Serious prose.

2. According to Folly, what is the seed and source of all deeds which win praise?
(a) Poverty.
(b) Vanity.
(c) Anger.
(d) War.

3. Whom does Folly praise?
(a) Rhetoricians.
(b) Herself.
(c) Erasmus.
(d) The king.

4. By Stoic definition, what does folly mean?
(a) Given to frivolity.
(b) Moved by the passions.
(c) Without wisdom.
(d) Belonging to women.

5. Who said, "Happy the states where either philosophers are kings or kings are philosophers"?
(a) Homer.
(b) Aristotle.
(c) Lucian.
(d) Plato.

Short Answer Questions

1. What first put the idea of The Praise of Folly into Erasmus's head?

2. Erasmus states that his praise of folly has not been altogether what?

3. Folly is the true bestower of what?

4. Whom does Folly consider her sister?

5. Folly dresses in unaccustomed garb because she is imitating whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Folly claim to be responsible for art?

2. Does Folly have a good opinion of the children of wise men?

3. Describe Folly's birthplace.

4. Did Erasmus anticipate criticism for his book? Why or why not?

5. Why does Folly consider her presence to be essential to friendship?

6. Why does Folly say that she is necessary for war?

7. How long did Folly say she spent writing her speech?

8. What does Folly say about emotions in relation to wisdom?

9. Why did Erasmus consider it unjust not to allow relaxations to those in the academic world?

10. Where was Erasmus when he was writing The Praise of Folly?

(see the answer keys)

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