View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Folly states that a single system of what provides continuous torture for life?

2. Who does Folly call unpopular, although they are happy because of their self-satisfaction?

3. In the Holy Scriptures, which man says "I speak as a fool, I am more"?

4. Those who take pride in their ancestry lead happy lives, thanks to whom?

5. Which wise men of his day did Folly say that Christ attacked?

Short Essay Questions

1. While interpreting Paul's words, "I speak as a fool, I am more," Folly digresses to speak about what?

2. Why does Folly say that kings like to be around fools?

3. After comparing herself to Bacchus, in what ways does Folly consider herself superior to the other gods?

4. Before using the Scriptures, which authorities does Folly cite as supporting her?

5. Where in the courts of kings does Folly say that she is evident?

6. How does Folly argue that flattery is not incompatible with sincerity?

7. What examples does Folly give of the benevolent form of insanity?

8. How does Folly relate to sin in the cases of Aaron, Saul, David, and Paul?

9. How does Folly differentiate between the two types of insanity?

10. How does Folly explain that humans amuse the gods?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While using the narration of Folly, Erasmus subtly voices his own opinions. What is the relationship between narrator and author? When is Erasmus being ironic, and when is he being truthful? Cite at least one example for each.

Essay Topic 2

Erasmus began his book with a Prefatory Letter to his friend More. What was the purpose of this letter? What arguments does he make in it?

Essay Topic 3

Both Erasmus in his Prefatory Letter and Folly in her speech appeal to precedents. Compare the two passages. What is the purpose of each? Whom does Erasmus reference? Whom does "Folly" reference?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 699 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample